What shud i become?

Question

Hi Am a 15 year old boy from Norway.

Just starting to think about my future and what i want i to be.

I want to be somthing interesting.. Not a boring desk job...

I LOVE electronics, and want to work with somthing in that area.

Maybe a pc enginer or work with nano technology or maybe work with robotics.. i really dont know

I dont care if the job is not well paid, as long if it is making me happy i wil take it!

So, what do you think i shud become? are you happy with your job? and if so, why?

Sorry my bad english..

mcb1 · Accepted Answer

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

johnbeetem · Answer

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 .

mcb1 · Answer

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