computer technician

Hello, i have been trying to decide what to go to college for and i have come to the conclusion that i would like to be a computer technician.
i ordered a computer about 3 years ago from DS and loved every aspect of what they do from the way they actually build the computer to there customer service. it has inspired me to want to be a computer technician and build computers. so what this post is all about is to see if somebody from DS or a technician from somewhere else could offer advice on how to get my foot in the door or what classes would be helpful in college things like that i realize i could probably look on google and find that out, but i would rather hear it from a DS person or a technician themselves.

any feedback would be very helpful and appreciated

oh thank you i did not see that, well i live on the opposite side of the country but i would love to work for DS. there are still a few things i would like to know from that such as-
1. Alex said that somebody with a bachelors would earn more, a bachelors in what anything computer related? or a specific thing.
2. I forgot to put this in the above post and the person in the other topic touched on it, how do they decide on somebody to hire. I know Alex said to show your passion for computers but there has to be more to it than that. and what would a good foundation of knowledge be going in. should i be able to build a computer fully or in a certain amount of time with no issues. or like Alex said there team would get somebody up to speed obviously the less they have to teach you going in is better but where is a good starting point.

Well, I'm not a computer technician by trade, at least not anymore. I do however, work closely with some people who are, and I hold two A.A.S degrees in Computer Science and multiple certificates (of varying degrees of usefullness ). Those all come from before I changed career fields drastically and returned to school for entirely different stuff then got married, yadda yada, lol. So, kept that in mind as I offer some advice, especially since I don't live on the East Coast, which is where I'm guessing you live based on your comment.

1. Generally speaking your B.S. would be best focused in something computer science yes, however, some companies might prefer a business related degree (even for a pure hardware guy). So, scout your area, scout specific companies, if you don't want to call and ask, check out their websites, look for employment information. Look for patterns. But overall, I'd say a CS degree with a minor in business would be an excellent start. Again, based on my own personal experiences and of those around me.

2. This is going to vary from company to company. Since DS understandably doesn't like competition mentioned on their forums, I won't mention names of those I've dealt with, but you can do a lot of research just via Google. I've never heard of an applicant being set down and told "Build X in Y time." However, it could happen, again, its going to be company dependent. This is where certification comes in. These bad daddies are arguably the most important thing you can have. Before you even open the door they say "Hey check diz shiz out I can do dis right myah so well I passed dem certs." In my experience, certifications speak more loudly than degrees. Case in point, me with my A.A.S. degree got hired (in 2002) because of my Security+ certification in favor of someone who had an M.S. The flipside, is that some people will say certifications are bad for you, in that employers don't want you to have them because then they "have" to pay you more. There might be some truth to this, but I, nor anyone I know has experienced it.

Now, that's all pretty broad stuff. And really, it comes down to a per-company basis. Perhaps others can add to what I've stated, or tear it to pieces , but either way, I think the best start is to do some research. Maybe attend some tech conferences if there are any near you, those can be AMAZING networking spots.

EDIT: Yes, see Alex's post, I was referring to the more professional side of things.


Edited by Tidgxor - 26 Jan 2012 at 2:11pm

Hi Ares....Another point of view...I spent 5 years in telephone service and 26 years in servicing high end, high speed diplicators. Not computers but computer controlled and lots of electronic troubleshooting. It started with 'and' and 'nor' gates and checking transistor and resistor voltages, that's how old I am        My point is, in all my years the companies, mine and competiters, always went to local electronic tech schools.   Why?? Because in field srevice and in house srevice they wanted the hands-on experience the tech schools gave.    I don't know DS's requirements but I would think for Pc assembly and service hands-on would be preferable and for computer design computer science would be important. Like was said, every co. is different and a check of local companies would point you in the right direction.    Hope this helps and Good Luck

so experience is basically the most important along with the right attitude and all that. so when i go to school you said computer science would be helpful for computer design, and i should get enough experience in school to get a job after.

Like Alex said, the hardware end of it is what your passion seems to be.   Computer Science on the college level in hardware design or if service is your thing, then hands-on is the way to go. Since you brought up DS, and I am guessing, they would want both. They design systems but also need techs, maybe with little formal education beyonh HS, that can rip a Pc apart, work test equipment and just feel what's happening.     Computer Science is a great starting point if your unsure. Education is Power

The great thing about computer hardware repair? It can't be outsourced      Follow your passion.

Kane... sounds like your "over qualified". Just kidding. Terms like that some do hear.   Things have to turn around.