Just want to know because i want to work in computers but know one seems to be able to help with the info. So how many here at SG have jobs having to do with computers? What did you take in high school or what are you takeing now if your still in high school? Is the job fun and why. Does your job need a great deal of math? Also when did you decide you wanted to work in computers? Did you start in High School or in College.What do you do??



BTW what kind of people get to make games in other words what job(s) allow you to make video games?

Thanks allot for any help.

Originally posted by ahmedk
BTW what kind of people get to make games

the most common comment out of this thread will be ....

Not EA.

I dont agree with that :p


:o

I don't know what stage of your education you're at but it doesn't really matter. There is a lot of call for people who can work with computers at the moment and some people I work with just had a hobby in computers and liked to tinker with them and they decided to apply for the job they have.

It depends on what area of computers you want to get into though. If you want to work on a helpdesk, sorting out broken computers or faults then the above would apply but you would be better off getting some sort of qualification in computers just to get you ahead in the pecking order and give you more options in where you want to go.

I got into software development. In all honesty you would be better off getting a computing/software degree to get into this. That's what I did anyway, and that's what everyone I know in the software industry did too except for the more senior staff who seem to have degrees in other subjects but developed their programming skills from a hobby or an interest.

What did you take in high school?
I don't know how the education system in the USA works, but if you've done fairly well at maths and sciences you've got a good chance of getting onto a University course in computers.

Is the job fun and why.
I like my job. It's the sort of thing I like to do. If you got into a career out of a hobby the chances are you'd like it.

Does your job need a great deal of math?
Yes and no. If you want to get involved in helpdesk work then it's minimal. In software it helps but I've not encountered a lot of difficult maths since I've been working. There were a couple of modules on maths during my degree but it wasn't very complicated stuff. Most of it was sequences and geometry, along with some maths to help with algorithm analysis, to help you deduce how efficient the code was. You'll learn any maths you need on your course, but there's not a lot of it.

Also when did you decide you wanted to work in computers? Did you start in High School or in College.What do you do??
I didn't really start getting computer qualifications until I was about 16, although I'd always had an interest in them. It was a computer A-level (2 yr courses between the ages of 16-18 is what it tends to be. It's sort of an advanced course in specified subjects) I'm not sure if there's an equivalent in the States). Then I went straight to do a degree from that. I also did maths and physics before starting my degree.

BTW what kind of people get to make games in other words what job(s) allow you to make video games?
Most of the jobs are software related within this industry. But I don't work in the gaming industry so I can't really be of much more help.

Thanks allot Monkee. Do you know anything about Computer Science?? I know they right codes like C++,HTML,Java, but is a great deal of math involved?? For computer programing i was told i would need to learn Calculas would i need that much math for Computer Science?? I know there is some math involved for the Binary but is it so much that i would need Calculas?? What about ICT system analysis is there a great deal of math there??

i do computer programming in my spare time...i'm 15...and in ALgebra II..the basic C++ requires no calculus...binary requires that u've taken algebra I....that's how easy it is..
a certain formula...even if u forget the formula...u can still change numbers in a couple of minutes..

then again..i know nothing about professional programming..that may require calculus..but...then again...my brother took calculus and aced it...so i don't presume it's very hard...just gotta be motivated...

have fun with life man ... ;)

Well im starting soon my second job in a call centre (im still in training) it seems alright just working next to a computer imputing data being sent by a person on the phone it seems alright.

Originally posted by ahmedk
Thanks allot Monkee. Do you know anything about Computer Science?? I know they right codes like C++,HTML,Java, but is a great deal of math involved?? For computer programing i was told i would need to learn Calculas would i need that much math for Computer Science?? I know there is some math involved for the Binary but is it so much that i would need Calculas?? What about ICT system analysis is there a great deal of math there??
With Computer Science you do a more general degree. You'd learn a wider range of topics. I started off on this course but changed to Software Engineering because it was geared more towards programming, but you still learnt about computer architecture, OS', AI, Graphics, etc.

You would learn coding with Computer Science, but what language depends on the course. Where I did it they taught you using Java, along with all the design, analysis techinques used. There wasn't a great deal of math involved in all honesty. You would learn how to perform math on binary (which I've forgotten now because I haven't used it since :) it'll come back to me if I need it), and you'll also learn the maths I said in my earlier post. There'd be logic tables too, you know using AND, OR gates etc. This isn't that difficult at all.

Calculus would be involved a little when you deal with algorithm analysis. Although it's really only the basics. There isn't a lot of it and you'd pass the course I took without this. I haven't touched it since, like binary.

I wouldn't worry about the math side too much though, you can avoid it most of the time. I mean I struggled with calculus when I took it at high-school in the UK (didn't listen in class) but when I did it at Uni I got 80%-90%+ in my math work, it isn't as complicated as it sounds with computers. ;)

i am a waiter .. and i earn more in tips a week than i do in wages .. well not quite ..... my resturant is considered one of the best in the state and we average 100 - 150 $ tips a week :D

I'm in deep sh!te. Went to an interview this morning, and they want an answer TODAY. Howerver, I went to another interview last week, for a far better job, but they will only give me an answer in mid February.
The question is: do I take today's job or wait for the other's response and run the risk of losing both jobs?
Gotta decide quickly. Merda. :(

Originally posted by INFESTA
I'm in deep sh!te. Went to an interview this morning, and they want an answer TODAY. Howerver, I went to another interview last week, for a far better job, but they will only give me an answer in mid February.
The question is: do I take today's job or wait for the other's response and run the risk of losing both jobs?
Gotta decide quickly. Merda. :(
That's a tough situation there. It's a question of would you like the job you've been offered? What is the chance that you'd get the other job? Is there any chance that you could take this job and then, if the other one comes along, pull a fast one and make the switch?

Glad I'm not in that position though. I'd be interested to know your decision and why, just in case I ever have to make that choice.

Originally posted by INFESTA
I'm in deep sh!te. Went to an interview this morning, and they want an answer TODAY. Howerver, I went to another interview last week, for a far better job, but they will only give me an answer in mid February.
The question is: do I take today's job or wait for the other's response and run the risk of losing both jobs?
Gotta decide quickly. Merda. :(

My advice: take the job today, then if you get the other one, leave. A mate of mine just did that recently. That way, you are covered.

Originally posted by rhizome17
My advice: take the job today, then if you get the other one, leave. A mate of mine just did that recently. That way, you are covered.

great advice i was thinking the same thing

also that way if the job you have been offered turns out to be good you can stay .... works best for every one
cept the company if you leave in two weeks

Originally posted by monkee
That's a tough situation there. It's a question of would you like the job you've been offered? What is the chance that you'd get the other job? Is there any chance that you could take this job and then, if the other one comes along, pull a fast one and make the switch?

Glad I'm not in that position though. I'd be interested to know your decision and why, just in case I ever have to make that choice.

I like the one I've been offered today, but the other one has everything I wished for, and more! Lets just say that, in the other job, they pay me 8 times more. :|

I have a decent shot at the other job. The guy said I was perfect for it and asked me if I could wait until mid-Febr, for their answer. But they were interviewing people for 2 weeks (ended today). I think there might be almost 80 dogs for that bone, but I do have a decent shot at it.


I was reading our laws for employment today, and I could drop the job, with no legal charges, until 15 days after I started. That sure seems the best solution. However, there's a very negative aspect in doing this: companies don't want people that leave their jobs after a week, especially if it's your first one. They take the trouble of making a couple phone calls, to find out where have you been working and how you did there...

I haven't made my mind, yet.

Actually, I would say that's a pretty lucky situation to be in....I would personally take the offer you got today just because there aren't any guarentees in life and there's always that chance you won't get the other one in 2 weeks. Also, this being your first job after college, you'll be a lot more 'valuable' after you've worked for a company and shown loyalty to them for a little while. Who know's, after a year or so of work experience you'll be able to look for a job even better than that other one, and you'll have an even better chance of getting it too.

That's just my opinion though. Do what you feel will be better for you.


hehe, that's a better situation than the one I'm in right now. I had a couple interviews right around Christmas, and both of them said I'd hear an answer in mid January, but I have yet to hear from either. These interviews went very well too, the one guy even suggested that I start looking for an apartment in that city (the job isn't where I live)...but now when I try to contact them, all I get is secretaries and voice mail, I leave messages with both but none have bothered to reply yet. I've started looking elsewhere already, but like you said, these jobs were pretty much everything I wanted and more. Oh well....I really hate it when companies don't act in a professional manner.

Anyways, good luck to you man. I'm sure you'll do very well wherever you end up working :)

Hugo, I didn't realise that there was a law about dropping jobs in a certain time, that definitely makes your task a tough one. Maybe you could try explaining your dilemma to the company that you are waiting to hear from? If they have you down as a possible candidate, then they might make their decision earlier if possible.

And ::shinji:: , I have had similar experiences with companies. I went for an interivew in another city for a newly created position, and thought it went quite well, and they said they would get back to me in a week.

1 week passed, 2 weeks passed, 3 weeeks passed...nothing...so i rang to find out what the story was. The human resources person I had dealt with initially had apparently left, and the new person was still getting to grips with the job. But all she knew was that no decision has been made. Another week passes, i ring again, send an e-mail, all to no avail. Do this each week for a bit.

Finally, a full ten weeks after the interview, I am angry, and ring up to have a go. I explain what I am ringing about, and they say 'oh, sorry, the company has decided not to go ahead with those positions anymore' :| :f***: .

In my experience, the most professional organisations when it comes to responses about jobs have always been universities and educational institutions, which surprises me because they are the most casual and relaxed places to work in. It is usually the companies and government departments that put on all these airs and graces that treat you like a piece of meat on the market, but thats just my experience.

Strange, what the hell those companies promised to get back contacting to a candidate, while their promise have never been uphold. :f***:

I never had that kind of experience in the US though. If there is no phone call within a week or 2 weeks after the interview regardless the company interested in you or not, just forget it, the company has employed another person.

Thanks for the great help i talked to Liam and Sheringham and they helped me with understanding ICT and Sheringham helped me a GREAT deal with understanding binary. My cousin is in comp sceince so ill ask him what kind because right out of college he got a job and a month later he had a new car......:o :confused:

Originally posted by rhizome17
Hugo, I didn't realise that there was a law about dropping jobs in a certain time, that definitely makes your task a tough one. Maybe you could try explaining your dilemma to the company that you are waiting to hear from? If they have you down as a possible candidate, then they might make their decision earlier if possible.

That sounds like the only way out, although it's also a risky one. I mean, that is certainly NOT a normal procedure.
Since they were having their last round of interviews this afternoon, I planned on calling them after and have that honest chat. They wouldn't be able to tell me if I was in, but surely they could inform me if I was definitely out. For obvious reasons, I was wishing the 'today's job' guys wouldn't call before that, if they in fact called today.
Well, everything went wrong. I got a call from a private number (nobody ever does that to me) that I couldn't answer at the time (about 6pm) and the guy at the company I want to work at had his cell phone turned off.
Rats. :(

Well, I'm going to try calling him tomorrow. Hopefully, the decision I should make will be more clear after that.

Thanks for the words, Luís. ;)

eGuidance (www.eguidance.com) this where u can learn about careers like computer science and what u need in high school and what colleges offer it.

I need an id number......

10000082

What are the diffrent fields that fall under computer science? I have read articles that say you should at least (at least?!?!?!?) take Calculas while others say Advanced high school math like Algebra 1 and 2 are good anoff im getting really confused.:(

BTW thanks for the site Alvaro

Originally posted by ahmedk
you should at least take Calculas

taking English would be helpful too ;)

It's Calculus, son :evil: :mrpimp:

one more reason why i want to aviod taking Calculus Kader:o. What are you thinking or majoring in Kader??

Im going to talk to my cousin and my teachers about this because the site Alvaro gave had good info on salary but it confused me really.

i dont think much about it, i have a lot of time ahead of me to decide that (C)

But heres a good site for you :p :

http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/HSPrep.asp?MajorID=70

Basically, you can look up any major you want and it will tell you a lot about it, also what you should take in high school ;)

It will probably change in 4 years, but atm i would consider:

Journalism
Graphic Design
Digital Communications and Media/Multimedia
Law
Radio and Television
Computer Engineering
Advertising

:mrpimp: :mrpimp:

Thanks allot Kader a great site. Thanks for the job ideas also ill check them out also;) . As for the Computer Science they dont even have it listed which means i must go ask my cousin what kind of computer science he is in. It looks like im going to have to go to community college to get the Calculus in.:(

Originally posted by ahmedk
It looks like im going to have to go to community college to get the Calculus in.:(

Why? You can take it in 12th grade...

What grade are you in now? If you are in 9th and ur taking Geometry or Algebra II then yeah, you take calculus in 12th grade. They put me in Algebra I, because what we took in Poland was just called Mathematics, but I did harder Algebra stuff in 5th grade than what im doing now :S :(

nope im in 10th and im takeing Algebra 1b.......its the basic stuff now the damn school is telling me i should have took advanced algebra 1 after they told me Algebra 1 A and B were fine.:kader:

So in 11th im takeing Geometry and Algebra 1 then in 12th im takeing Geometry1 and Algebra 2. HOW is Community College set up?? Do i have to spend a year on every course i would like to take or is there some sort of express stuff (spending 2 hours a day in one class) because i only need calculus unless the school says i need to take trig and Algebra 3 (one class) so i dont want to waste a year for one class.

you could just take one course at a community college, I am not sure but there is probably something like a 3-month calculus course :confused:

But dang man, Geometry in 11th grade? :o Here people take it either in 9th or 10th i know a few people who took it in 8th and are in Algebra II right now :S

this is the higher math shiz from my school:

Higher Math
IB MATHEMATICAL STUDIES
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 with Trigonometry or Trigonometry and Mathematical Analysis
Description: The content of this course includes a thorough coverage of: functions, probability and statistics, sets and logic, vector and matrix operations, and mathematical applications of each topic in the real world. All students in this course must complete a statistical research paper. Students are required to take the standard level IB exam.

IB MATH METHODS 1
Grades: 10-11
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 with Trigonometry or IB Math Studies
Description: This course begins with the study of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions and their applications. Sequences and series are investigated to provide a foundation for limits and continuity. The course also includes the study of the theory and application of probability, and both descriptive and inferential statistics. IB Math Methods I together with IB Math Methods II prepares students to take standard level exam.

IB MATH METHODS 2
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: IB Math Methods 1
Description: This course concludes the study of the concepts introduced in IB Math Methods I. The course includes the study of limits, continuity, and both differential and integral calculus of functions of a single variable with applications. The course also reemphasizes and expands upon topics in probability and statistics introduced in IB Math Methods I. Students are required to take the standard level exam.

IB HIGHER MATH
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: IB Math Methods 1 or equivalent
Description: This course represents the second year of Mathematics at the IB level, wherein students continue a rigorous study of the subject in preparation for the Higher Level IB Exam. Course content includes the study of differential and integral calculus as well as infinite series, vector and analytic geometry, including conic section, probability and statistics. A portfolio of work prepared over the two-year period will constitute the Internal Assessment required by the IB. Students are required to take the higher level IB Exam upon completion of the course.

MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: AP Calculus BC
Description: A third semester college-level course, Multivariable calculus is the calculus of three dimensions and includes the study of partial differentiation, multiple integrals, and line integrals. This course will receive a weighted grade and may be taken for college credit. Class presentations are offered through television.

ELEMENTARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Multivariable Calculus
Description: Students study the methods and solutions of various types of differential equations, including first order, higher order with constant coefficients, systems of linear differential equations, inverse differential operators, the LaPlace transformation, power series solutions, and hypergeometric type equations. This course will receive a weighted grade and may be taken for college credit. Class presentations are offered through television.

MATRIX ALGEBRA
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC
Description: This college-level course includes the study of systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear dependence, linear transformations and matrix representation, orthogonal reduction, determinants, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, and a variety of applications. This course will receive a weighted grade and may be taken for college credit. Class presentations are offered through television.

damn.......well here in my school you cant take Geomatry till 11th unless you doubled up. My school has three Calculus classes Pre cal,Calculus 1 and Calculus 2....so well....if someone in virginia has to only take one damn Cal class the hell do i have to take 3?!?!:kader: :( I hate my school system they never explain anything well anoff.Ill take to the school monday see what they have to say about this. I left an email for my cousin about CS.Thanks for all the help Kader. I have a year to decide what im going to do if CS needs a ton of math i mean going to community college for a year and then a 4 year college wont seem so bad when im making good money and have a stable job.(hopefully)

Come to Calfornia man, We can be buddies :p and COMPREHENSIVE school system :)

I don't know about all this calculus stuff but I'm going to a pure IT collage where I'm getting a general knowledge of computer technologies, networks, hardware etc, and I'll being going really indepth into programming specifically web, C and C++, Visual Basic, COBAL, JAVA.

Right now I'm up to the basics but by June/July I'll hopefully be up to the programming.;)

Originally posted by ahmedk
Thanks allot Monkee. Do you know anything about Computer Science?? I know they right codes like C++,HTML,Java, but is a great deal of math involved?? For computer programing i was told i would need to learn Calculas would i need that much math for Computer Science?? I know there is some math involved for the Binary but is it so much that i would need Calculas?? What about ICT system analysis is there a great deal of math there??

i am majoring in computer info system now, i dont know if my experience will help.

1. as what i have experieced, math is an important part in programming.however, u dont need to know a GREAT deal of it, but at least u shouldn't be too bad at it. i have 2 friends they failed their calculus class but are still doing a good job in programming class.

2. in my system analysis classes they almost dont involve any calculus stuff, but this courses is still very challenging to me since most of it is theory stuff.