What shud i become?

At this point, I suggest studying the fundamentals and playing with lots of different technologies to see what you really enjoy.  At your age I wanted to be a physicist (long before I had a physics class!) and figured computers would be a useful tool, rather than my major interest.  This changed after experience with both physics and computers.  At that point, I was pretty sure I wanted to be computer scientist.  Then I took classes from and with computer scientists, and discovered I really liked tinkering with the machines more than the theoretical aspects and I ended up in electrical and computer engineering which has stood the test of time.

All of these subjects relied on excellent preparation in mathematics, so make sure you have mastery over that all-important tool, because it will help you whichever way you go.

Don't specialize too early.  While the fundamentals change very slowly, which specific areas will be hot at a given time changes very quickly.  Right now, the big buzzword is Internet of (Digital) Things, but if you were to specialize in that now at age 15 you can pretty well bet that when you enter the job market something else will be the Next Big Thing.

You're 15.  I assume you have minimal responsibilities.  This is a great chance to acquire lots of knowledge and try out technologies without the burdens of a day-to-day job and family obligations.  Carpe diem.

It's nice to see someone thinking about their future career early on ...well done.

You won;t go far wrong in Electronics, but to help you mould your choice I have a couple of questions.

1. Do you like fixing things by pulling them apart and then putting them back together.

2. Do you like designing things, but maybe not actually making them.

3. Have you made anything electronic, or do you prefer woodwork/metalwork or other manual type construction.

4. Do you prefer tinkering with the inner working of computers to fix software type issues.

5. When someone suggests something do you sometimes have a far different idea that is different from the suggested one and not from copying something else.

These are related to your personal life, rather than the compulsory school studies.

IMO the answers to the above suggest

1. Tends to be a technician/repair person

2. Suggests an Engineer where they design the product/service

3. You are creative but maybe not electronics

4. Suggests a software or computer 'engineer' rather than electronics.

5. To me this is someone very creative and suits R&D or design work.

For what its worth neither of my parents have any electronic skills, and my son is an Applications Support "Engineer", so he didn't really follow me, and my daughter is more artistic

Whatever you do choose you should ensure the subjects cover a broad range, rather than narrow focus.

A basic understanding of many is better than focusing on just one IMO.

I'd also see if you can't visit some local business, tell them that you're trying to plan for your future, and maybe offer to help without pay ....

Good luck

Thanks for the reply!

1. Love fixing stuff! i even have a job fixing computers

2. dont like designing, but i like making stuff

3. I have made a lot of electronic stuff!   i curently working on a cnc router and a robot

4. not sure what you mean..

5. Like having my own ideas.

4. not sure what you mean..

I think you answered it   "..... I even have a job fixing computers"

In my opinion you would be more suited to a position that fixes or works with electronics. (Here in NZ you need a varsity or similar qualification to be called an Engineer).

I looked back at some of your posts and I think your well on your way to electronics, or understanding how to use it.

My suggestion is to look at potential employers, and try to meet and get shown around, find out what they look for and the qualifications they need.

See if you can't meet with someone other than the HR department, ie someone whom is a manager or supervisor of the electronics department.

You might be surprised what response you get to someone well presented with initiative seeking information about a career path.

You could also ask friends and family if they know someone in one of the industries, and see if you can get a look around at what they do.

You're doing some cool stuff, but don't be clever/cocky/smart (not sure what the appropriate term is that translates well) as it may not be so great in certain business's.

First impressions count, and unfortunately do tend to stick.

Good luck

mark

Hi Magnus,

Interesting question. Here is a possible path that helped me a lot.

Aim for the highest technical education you have access to in the field you have the most interest. This will provide you with the most flexibility to pursue whatever you discover to be your true passion. It then is probably easier to change direction to a field that does not require as much education if you find out a PhD (for example) is not what you want to be.

If your choice is electronics engineering, which sounds like where your interests lie, be sure to take courses in other disciplines as well, such as software, mechanical and even chemistry as all complex systems involve multi-disciplinary technology. Robotics for example requires a very wide range of technologies and experts in robotics will need to understand electronics, mechanics and software.

The general rule is to go in the direction where your interests lie, but try to do it in a flexible way that keeps your options open to pursue any new direction that becomes very attractive.

It is tough to predict where technology will go, but clearly the internet-of-things is going to result in microcontrollers in everything and everywhere, at least hundreds of them for every human being. Before you retire there will be more robots than humans on the planet. New materials and technologies like graphene, carbon nanotubes and MEMS will revolutionize what is possible. Medical advances and genetic engineering will also transform daily life before you retire.

Change is accelerating due to technology, so a strong technical education is one way to take advantage of the many opportunities that will arise. Another way of course is to choose a job that is mostly independent of technology, like an artist.

One last thought - it is important to find out what pace you prefer. For example, some product developments take a long time and some industries are characterized by these long projects. Some people like the stability of working on the same project for several years - they are not comfortable with high pace, tight deadlines and constant pressure. Others prefer to have success more often, and find it hard to stay motivated to work on long term projects that may be obsolete by the time they launch. Most people like some aspects of both scenarios, but it is usually a trade-off so it is something to consider when choosing a work place.

I am sure you will find an interesting career one way or another.

Doug

It is tough to predict where technology will go

I seem to recall about 30 years ago it was predicted that the office would be paperless, and we would all talk to our computers.

I somehow don't think they meant curse them ....

Douglas is correct about change and the future is unpredictable, however the one thing I have learnt is that someone has to fix them.

While the inner working of the device may not be repairable, the screen, battery connections and other bits usually fail at some stage during its economic life .... even in this throw away society.

Mark