Posts tagged Education

Characteristics of a Good Young Information Technology Professional

1
1 year ago
by Scott Coughlin in , ,

Last week, I wrote a post about what High School Classes would enrich young people thinking of pursuing careers in the Information Technology fields.  Today, I follow that up.

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There are certain characteristics in young people, that I believe, adults can be on the look-out for to indicate that they might have an aptitude for success as an Information Technology Professional.  This list is my own, personal opinions on what those traits are:

  • Math Prowess
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Engineering interest over Science
  • Creativity
  • Mechanically inclined
  • Tinkerer
  • Stubbornness
  • Perseverance
  • Introversion
  • Independence
  • Interest in Computers and Networking

I plan on elaborating on these items in future posts.

Do you agree or disagree with this list?  Do you have any to add? Please comment below.

That is my Information Technology Thought of the Day (ITTOD) for March 2, 2010  by Scott Coughlin.

 

Image credit: cientifica.eu

High School Classes For Budding ITs

0
1 year ago
by Scott Coughlin in , ,

If you are lucky enough to know that you want to be an Information Technology Professional while still in High School, I think that there are some classes that you should make sure get added to your schedule.  It is never too early to start preparing for your career in this world.  Rest assured that none of my recommendations will in any way, shape, or form lock you into the IT field… they are all transferrable for many career paths. 

I recommend that you consider taking electives, extras, or seek after school programs that teach you the following:image

  1. Math.  Like it or not, IT is a math based field and the earlier that you become comfortable with this the better.  I especially think that statistics and probability really become more useful the longer that you are in the field.
  2. Keyboarding.  This used to be called touch typing.  Today’s computers are keyboard controlled, therefore the faster and more accurately that you can input, the more that you will get done.  Shoot for 100 WPM at this age and you will receive dividends for your entire life.
  3. Business.  Too many ITs lack a fundamental grasp of the fact that they are service providers to enable the generation of profit or continuation of a value proposition.  If you did not understand that statement… take more business courses!
  4. Foreign Language. Computers don’t speak your primary language… the more adapt you are add thinking in one language and speaking in another, the better that you will become at translating for them.  Learning any foreign language will help program your brain to live in computer’s worlds.
  5. Programming.  If you are lucky enough to go to a school with a Computer Science class, computer club, or Programming course…by all means take it.  It takes 10,000 hours of activity to become an expert in any field.  The earlier that you start, the faster that it will happen for you.  Get familiar, get comfortable, and get proficient with hardware and software.
  6. Tech Ed. Speaking of hardware, the IT field is full of people who have never gotten their hands dirty of better yet, cut on the insides of a computer case.  Learn to tinker with hardware… build a computer… heck, take word shop, but become comfortable with the physical parts of information systems, electronics, and wiring and you will have a real leg up “in the real world”.

From my experience, this set is a great starting point.  It will keep you busy, engaged, and on a path destined for success.  They are, of course, just my recommendations, thoughts, and opinions.  As they say, your mileage may vary.  Oh, they also say that the High School years will be some of your most fun and memorable in your life… it is true.  Don’t waste them!  Have fun and stay out of trouble!

I am sure that  you have many recommendations of your own and thoughts on this topic.  Please share them via the comments below.  I will be sure to update this post to reflect any trends that develop there.

That is my Information Technology Thought of the Day (ITTOD) for February 24, 2010  by Scott Coughlin.

Image credit: The Louisiana School

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