Question about being a IT

srq2625 · 09 Jul 2009

I've been in the field since 1978. I've written code in approx 15 different languages (or variants thereof). I've been a systems development manager (aka Project Manager) twice. I've written web-based applications, client-server apps, embedded applications, web-pages. I've done a significant stint as a database designer in a couple or three different RDMS.

I've got to add that gurm42 and DarkXeno have pretty much nailed it. You don't progress/advance unless you first know how to communicate. No matter what anyone else says, it's all about the client, the customer, your user base. If you can't translate the techno-babble into "civilian" language of 3 syllables or less, you will not succeed. In addition, you need to fully understand what it is you are attempting to communicate as you will often have to come at the communication problem from two or three different directions until you stumble upon the combination of terms and concepts that your audience understands - and you often must ensure that they really do understand and aren't just blowing you off to get rid of you :).

If you are placed in a position where you have to fight for funding, you need to be able to translate it into language of 2 syllables or less - think about Scott Adam's "pointer-haired manager" and you'll understand why.

If you get into ANY line of work for the money - you will fail or be miserable. In the best of all possible worlds, one's vocation would also be their avocation.

To be in software, one must be twisted in a very strange way - you have to be able to suffer having the computer tell you that you are an idiot multiple times each day and get a special sort of glee in your soul when a block of code actually does what you designed it to do. Very strange people are software programmers/analysts/designers/engineers (these are all different

)

I don't know that this has help you at all, but I do hope it's caused you to think in different directions, to widen the horizons of your search and research.

Just a final cautionary note: Be careful about turning a hobby into an occupation. It's a sure way to kill the pleasure you once took in taking up your hobby.

Mongo · 09 Jul 2009

gurm42 said:

But MOST important - you need talent. If you are the one everyone around you comes to when their computer is broken, this is the career for you. If you don't own a console you haven't taken apart (my PSX, PS2, Wii, etc. are all modded, even my XBox360 has a heat system installed)... ditto.

I am the walking help desk to people around me.

gurm42 said:

If you get into IT because "it's a good career", you won't go anywhere. This is a profession that rewards talent, hard work, and determination.

+1

A very strong and valid point.

From the time I got my Apple II desktop and began inputting the first lines of BASIC, I knew back then what I wanted to do. I quickly became fascinated with coding. I remember my dad unplugging the computer just to get me to go out and spend time with my friends. I also attended a special programming school where competition was very high. I wanted to become the best, so I had no time for friends. In the end, I didn't get to be number one, but being in the top ten was good enough. Like many other things in life, I did it because I enjoyed it. So yeah, I'm a true geek at heart.

It's too bad, all that hard work and determination which persisted since my early teens had suddenly begun to diminish over the last couple of years. Running a help desk probably had something to do with it...

srq2625 said:

To be in software, one must be twisted in a very strange way - you have to be able to suffer having the computer tell you that you are an idiot multiple times each day and get a special sort of glee in your soul when a block of code actually does what you designed it to do. Very strange people are software programmers/analysts/designers/engineers (these are all different)

Truer words were never spoken!

To the OP:

Do understand however, IT isn't for everybody. I have many friends who wanted a career in IT. Very few made it, while the rest just didn't have what it took or simply gave up. Although IT is a broad field, one could say it's similar to engineering; the latter best suited only for a select group of people.

Dinesh · 09 Jul 2009

I m currently pursuing CCNA, then i will move on to CCNP and finally to CCIE.
Its basically a networking course which deals into routers and hardcore networking.

l337 · 09 Jul 2009

Thanks for everybody's help. I'm lucky of choosing this forum to ask this question. I think I will pursue this career as I really enjoy helping others with their computer problems ( i am the guy that all my friends and people I don't even know go to for help) Also I understand the risk of turning a hobby into a occupation, I think it will be rewarding. Also thanks for the advice of communicating, as i will keep that in mind. Thank you to everyone that took their time to comment, all your help is appreciated.