Hi, firstly, Im new here =]

Secondly, I would like your help and input on the subject of jobs...

Im 16, have really good predicted GCSE grades and I will be taking computing and maths for sure in college (Im in England, UK by the way) next year (as well as possibly biology and chemistry)

I want to get a job so I can earn some money instead of relying on parents and pocket money lol! But also, I want one so I can get started in getting some proper experience with computers and expanding my knowledge. Im good with using a computer, but I think I need to learn more about the more technical stuff - if you get me.

There's a small computer shop about 15 mins away from me, on foot that is, and Ive thought of applying there. But I thought that because they're a small company they will probably either not want/neeed me or the pay will be minimum wage. That's when i thought of trying the large companies, for example PC world, however, they're a bit further away from me and also, they're big, and I'd rather work somewhere smaller where there is someone I can learn from (in the case of the technical stuff)

So... my questions are:
- Where did you get your first computing job?
- What type of computing related job would you recommend for a 16 y/o
- And is there any other information you can give me that would help, either job wise, or future career wise?

Thanks a lot for everyone who helps, in advance =]

Welcome to CompuForums

I've never taken a formal course in computing, and I don't work in the industry nor plan to, besides from my web hosting business. Why? Because it's much harder to get a job here in IT [I imagine it's a similar thing in other countries] than it was, say, 10 years ago. You should always keep your options open rather than focusing on one thing.

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Hey,
I was the same as you, I really wanted to get a little job in computing, but where I live, there's no where.

This is just my opinion, but I would defiantly not go for Pc World. I've been there many of times, and I don't think they have any idea about computers. From what I see, they are just selling what's in front of them, and all the information they know is written down on the sheet they have. So i don't think going there would further your knowledge.

I would just go and try out the local computer shop, its worth a try.
Or maybe when you are at college, they may be able to find you a job? I now my college are extremely good at that.

...or have you thought about building up computers and selling them on? I guess it could become a lil expensive at first, but you would learn a fair bit from it...?

hope that helps you a bit anyways!

Jam

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Yeah, I've changed my mind about PC world as well lol! I'm gonna write up a decent CV for myself, say what Ive done, what I'm doing now and what I hope to be doing soon and then go along to the local store.

And as for it being a bad career choice - I thought it was one that needed a lot more people, rather than less : / I imagine with everyone having a computer now, most people think they're experts... But still, I definitely would rather be in a computer based career, even teaching, than any other that I can think of.

Till now Ive not been able to think of a single career, apart from possibly medicine, that I want to do - but I've been using computers for ages and have really become even more interested this last year. Hmmm...

Thanks for the help so far =]

I agree about PC World, I went into a very large one, it was colossal, when you entered by the main door at the end, you literally could not see the far end yet out of the 20 or so cash points only 3 were manned, I couldn't find the item I wanted, so I looked for somebody I could ask, I walked the entire length of the store, no one, so I pushed open a door at random, a group of staff stood there talking about where they went last night, I said excuse me can help me, one turned to me & said I'll be with in a minute, I said don't bother, I'll go somewhere else, as the door swung shut, there was a peal of laughter, I've never been in one since.

Sounds like a company that is more interested in making a profit, than training people the right way...

If the store that I went to is anything to go by, it's a wonder the company still exists, can you imagine the business tax levied on that one store then multiply that by the 40 odd superstores they have in Britain alone, + all those branches in Europe & elsewhere.

I might just be lucky where I live, but I cannot fault our PC-World (apart from sometimes high prices) They always have what I need, its well laid out and staff are always ready to help you. On the occasions that items have been faulty and ive had to take them back they have been exchanged or refunded without question. I guess I just have one of the better stores maybe.

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Ha ha, I shall recommend my friends to shop at the Colchester branch.....hey, I've just thought where I've seen another place like that PC World branch I went in, of course!!, it's terminal 5 at Heathrow, they've already cancelled over 40 of tomorrow's flights, & the total missing items of luggage has now risen to well over 15,000!

Their doing well then. I was all for Terminal 5, but I'm just glad I am not one of the passengers traveling from terminal 5.

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Yep, the staff had six months "intensive" training, the place cost over four [or was it forty?] billion pounds, & they still can't get it right!!, jeez......