Career Fair (pt 2)
(cont’d)
3. How do you use your English, math, science, and/or communication skills on a regular basis in your position?
English, communications – several points there. First off, know how to read. When you encounter a problem in this field, you will have to read things like this: *holds up a copy of the PHP installation instructions* If you can’t read, or can’t read technical material and understand it – you’re sunk.
Second, communication. The web is all about communication: you’re communicating an idea, information, marketing, something. You need to understand the basis for communication, how it is done. How to use language.
The other part of that is this: we’re geeks in this field. And while geeks understand other geeks, nobody else does. You need to develop a skill at communicating so other, non-technical people – often your boss – will understand you.
Third, you need to know how to spell. If you make a typo on a web page, its embarrasing. But if you make a typo in your web code, the page will break; its frustrating.
On math, its about language skills. Take math for the language. I actually only use basic addition and multiplication, and some algebra – because I deal with some variables. However, the Language of Algebra, the Language of Calculus, the Language of Geometry: these are all just languages for expressing concepts that don’t work well in English.
Calculus, Algebra, Trig are the same as French, Spanish, German are the same as HTML, ASP, and Java. They are all just different languages. The same part of your brain that does one does the others. If you can’t take a programming class this semester, take a French class. Keep that part of your noodle limber.
Science classes are important for learning problem-solving. If you can’t problem solve in this field, it means you are cutting-and-pasting, and that won’t get you very far. Learn problem-solving, push for problem solving. Electronics is an obvious choice but any science class – physics, chemistry – is going to give you experience in problem-solving, and that is what sets you apart in this field in the long run.
4. What suggestions would you offer a high school freshman about his/her future?
Generally, I’d say: if you don’t start on technology, get your fingers into it and stay with it, then go learn a trade – plumbing, nursing, engine repair. Because the technology is going to be eliminating most professional fields as time goes by, and if you aren’t in the technology, you’d better have a manual skill.
Beyond high school, what type of formal education/training will I need for this field?
You have a list there on your sheet of things from apprenticeship through graduate school, and I’m going to tell you “any ONE of those”, and here’s why.
Right now, as a high-school student, you can make serious pocket change – doing pages for family, friends, and small business. But at some point your going to get picked up by a major company, and you’re going to want some serious scrilla.
So you ask your boss, “Pay me more!” and he’s going to say, “Why should I pay you more, when I can go hire a high-school student for next to nothing?” And thats when you say, “Because I have this degree,” or “this certification,” or “this apprenticeship experience,” and that’s when it makes a difference.
The sooner you get that, the faster your foot will be in that door and you can go on to bigger things. But its not important in the immediate sense, and any one of them will serve the purpose of distinguishing you. I guess there is a “Web master certification” thats available, and that is probably the most relevant thing to have. But any of them will help