Matthew – future IT professional

The career I am interested in pursuing is Information Technology (IT). At first, I was not sure what career interested me or what I might be good at, so I took a couple of job tests online that claimed to use algorithms to find the right career for my interests and skills. They all predicted a STEM career, but I did not find many areas that really got me excited. After thinking about it, talking to teachers, and sharing ideas with my parents, I realized that I liked the troubleshooting aspect of IT.

I go to a school that requires students to use iPads for assignments, and when my friends have trouble with theirs, they usually come to me. I am mostly able to fix whatever the problem is. When I started to think about how often I have been able to help, I realized I would like to troubleshoot in an IT company or an IT department.

I learned that different IT positions require different degrees, but the area I am interested in requires at least a Bachelor of Science degree in network technology or computer systems management.

As the world becomes more dependent on technology, IT-related jobs are expected to reach 72% of all full-time occupations. I believe this is a place where I can make an important difference for people.

Matthew's essay appears here as written, to preserve the young author’s unique voice and individual writing style. However, we have deleted personally identifiable information to protect the student’s privacy.