A Question Of Further Education - How did you start out?

effusionx1 · #1 10-13-2004, 01:10 PM

Hello,

I am currently 16 and will soon be leaving school to begin my pursuit into life!

I've already done some pretty thorough reasearch regarding the different colleges in my area and, to be honest, none of them are really up to standard.

(The facilities are generally very poor)

So - would I be best taking the "hands-on" approach and taking an established practical course.

Basically, I want to venture into computing (particularly programming and software design). I already do alot of programming in my spare time and have developed a number of applications.
I have a good general knowledge of computers/networks/protocols/internet standards and wish to take my education to the next stage.

So - my question, what do you guys think would be the best way in order for me to get into this industry?

> College?
> Training Establishment?
> Vocational?
> Other?

I would really appreciate your input and perhaps how you got into your current industry.

Maybe I will be able to say that WHT gave me professional careers advice!

Anyway, your suggestions would be appreciated -

Regards,

Jordan Dolan

PS: I should add that I will be leaving school with an good set of GCSE'S (mostsly A's, some B's)

Rob83 · #2 10-13-2004, 01:19 PM

College. Get a degree damnit. Have respect for yourself and dignity and get a degree. You have a chance to get an education, get it. Get a degree in something you love and enjoy.

Torith · #3 10-13-2004, 01:23 PM

Even though I run 2 businesses (almost 3 REAL soon) I am going to go to the community college where I live. You can always learn more

. Also no 2 of the 3 businesses are not on the internet. Yes real businesses.

I would say go to College.

Kimmikat · #4 10-13-2004, 01:28 PM

Go to college. Many in my high school eons ago went, most to the local JC, and some out of area.

effusionx1 · #5 10-13-2004, 01:31 PM

The only issue I have is that the good colleges are quite far away, this would mean alot of travelling for me each morning.

If that is what is needed though - that is what I will do

Bully · #6 10-13-2004, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rob83
College. Get a degree damnit. Have respect for yourself and dignity and get a degree. You have a chance to get an education, get it. Get a degree in something you love and enjoy.

and get your self in £10k worth of debt, get your self a job in call centre earning about £13k a year.....

Make sure if you go for a degree its worth something doing

phos · #7 10-13-2004, 01:42 PM

The vast majority of programmers major in Computer Science. There are tons of schools that are great with that and you will undoubtably learn a lot. Traveling I guess could be a problem but can't you move into their dorms and housing? Do you want to live at home? I'm in college right now and I must say part of college is not just the education, but the experience of living with your peers and taking on the life of your own.

Torith · #8 10-13-2004, 01:51 PM

fusionx1 if you do go to college... What do you want to study?

Rob83 · #9 10-13-2004, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bully
and get your self in £10k worth of debt, get your self a job in call centre earning about £13k a year.....

Make sure if you go for a degree its worth something doing

Gotta live large!

**Jamie Harrop** · #10 10-13-2004, 02:06 PM

I, and I know a lot of people got in to the business by the hands on approach by not getting a degree and instead depending on their skills and portfolio to get clients. Boy I wish i had the degree, although theres still time.

effusionx1 · #11 10-13-2004, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Torith
fusionx1 if you do go to college... What do you want to study?

Programming....

Quote:

The vast majority of programmers major in Computer Science. There are tons of schools that are great with that and you will undoubtably learn a lot

I couldn't agree me, however, the colleges in my area are very poor - and (at the risk of sounding complacent) , I know most of the included material already on those courses in my area.

Quote:

Traveling I guess could be a problem but can't you move into their dorms and housing?

Yes...you can, but I need constant computer and internet access - this is something not provided at most colleges in my area. At home I have this luxury.

Quote:

I'm in college right now and I must say part of college is not just the education, but the experience of living with your peers and taking on the life of your own.

Agreed. But - whilst I understand the importance of social growth, I still need internet/computer access 24/7

Quote:

College. Get a degree damnit. Have respect for yourself and dignity and get a degree

Wow - calm down.....
I am fully intending to get the most out of my education before seeking employment. However, I must be realistic , getting a degree is great on a CV but I need more than just - a degree.

Quote:

a lot of people got in to the business by the hands on approach by not getting a degree and instead depending on their skills and portfolio to get clients. Boy I wish i had the degree

Again, I should stress the fact that I value "getting a degree", I couold do with more specific information on suitable courses at an advanced level.

For example,....................

Quote:

The vast majority of programmers major in Computer Science

May I ask what this involves? It sounds like a course I would be suited to....

-----------------------
REGARDS,

Jordan Dolan

SniperDevil · #12 10-13-2004, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fusionx1
Yes...you can, but I need constant computer and internet access - this is something not provided at most colleges in my area. At home I have this luxury.

Whoa whoa there. You're getting way ahead of yourself. That is such a trivial point, you wouldn't believe it. The vast MAJORITY of colleges (with housing/dorms, and a somewhat established residential life) have either fiberoptic or other very high-bandwith lines in every dorm room. Yes, you have to purchase your own computer, but don't you have one at home? Bring it with you...

Quote:

Originally posted by fusionx1
Wow - calm down.....
I am fully intending to get the most out of my education before seeking employment. However, I must be realistic , getting a degree is great on a CV but I need more than just - a degree.

Just my impression, but I believe Rob was trying to help more than insist on his viewpoint. He was simply emphasizing the importance to him of getting a degree.

Quote:

Originally posted by fusionx1
Again, I should stress the fact that I value "getting a degree", I couold do with more specific information on suitable courses at an advanced level.

You have almost two years (depending on your age, possibly more if you choose to take a break) to decide on a university/college. Why do you seem so anxious to find answers now? Do some research, there are hundreds of excellent IT schools around the country.

Perhaps it is for the better that you go away from home and try living on your own. Although I can't speak from experience (I am younger than you

), I can truly suggest from what I've seen of relatives and friends, that you try to "survive" and depend on yourself. It's a lot of fun being able to do your own thing and not constantly have your mom asking you to do chores.

phos · #13 10-13-2004, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SniperDevil
Whoa whoa there. You're getting way ahead of yourself. That is such a trivial point, you wouldn't believe it. The vast MAJORITY of colleges (with housing/dorms, and a somewhat established residential life) have either fiberoptic or other very high-bandwith lines in every dorm room. Yes, you have to purchase your own computer, but don't you have one at home? Bring it with you...

This.

Informity · #14 10-13-2004, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SniperDevil
You have almost two years (depending on your age, possibly more if you choose to take a break) to decide on a university/college. Why do you seem so anxious to find answers now?

College starts at 16.