IT is always changing, and career choices are changing with it. Being a techie does not mean being stuck in a dreary cubicle all day anymore. Here are some IT careers that will get you out of the office.
On-site Service – Ok, so it’s a little Geeksquad and not exactly a movin’-on-up career choice, but you can meet some great people (most of who will be dazzled by your expertise) and do something different every day, which you have to admit is pretty cool.
NASA – While there may be cubicles for some, there’s always that glimmer of hope that one day you’ll be called upon to fix the onboard computer on the space shuttle or man the control room during takeoff. It just doesn’t get more awesome than that.
Military Logistics – Computer techs out in the military field are just about as far from a cubicle as they can get. Every branch of the service needs computers and people who can fix/network/make the magic happen.
Research – Consider a computer lab to work on the coolest projects imaginable. Cutting edge technology with a big budget price tag makes for some pretty exciting work. Yes, it really is rocket science.
Company Training – Hiring out as a consultant to companies that need software training for employees isn’t high tech, but it will definitely pay the bills.
Teaching – You don’t have to have a teaching degree to work at a trade school like ITT Tech. If you think you’d like to teach, give it a shot.
Stage Production – Today’s stage shows are so technologically advanced that computers control everything behind the scenes; music, lighting, pyrotechnics, even the stage itself…so venues need computer techs…and as jobs with perks go, you can hardly beat being in charge of the Jumbotron.
Music and Television – Every studio and station is full of IT people, and you could be one of them.
Oil Rigs – Keeping the oil rigs in the ocean stabilized and running smoothly is a full time job with one big perk – time schedule. Typically, it’s two weeks on and two weeks off. While you’re out, it’s 80 hours a week, and that’s 40 straight and 40 overtime. When you’re in…you have two weeks to do whatever you want, and a big fat paycheck to do it with.
Computers are so ubiquitous today that the field is wide open. Unless your dream is to move to Montana and raise cattle (in which case you wasted your IT education), finding a dream job that’s interesting, challenging and definitely not cubed is within range. If you’re just not cut out for the pinstripe corporate life…well, somebody’s programming the coasters at Universal Studios. Why not you? It’s just a matter of thinking outside the box.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Personally, I have worked and continue to in several fields listed — the two being IT and Stage production.
As a lighting designer for stages, I can honestly say that the systems in place are highly different than what you see in the home or office. Sure, some light consoles run Linux (The Hog3, GrandMA, etc..) and some run on Windows (Compulite Vector, Hog iPC, Jands Vista), but you never see the Windows desktop, and it’s Windows XP Embedded.
It’s a much different experience than you could ever imagine, and troubleshooting stage lighting systems can be an easy or awful experience. Especially if audio XLR cables are used in place with DMX lighting cables over long runs (The connector is the same, but the cable resistance is different).
Running concerts also requires the ability to work 30-60 hours straight without sleep, or with short quick naps under/around the stage. It’s not an easy job, but damn is it fun.
Currently owning a web hosting company and colocation farm, I can easily state that you definitely get to meet some interesting people. It’s great to be able to speak to industry professionals all around the world and assist customers. You really never do know who you’re going to run into.
The best, and worst show, that I did lighting for had to have been Vanessa Carlton and Colby Cailiat. The music was great, but it rained and our light console (A Hog iPC) decided to start deleting all pre-programmed cues as it’s external keyboard ended up getting wet. Suffice to say, the stage ended up being flat white all night long as I pulled the DMX cable (I always leave the lights set to stay in place and not shutdown after loss of DMX for this very reason), but everyone loved the show none the less.
You just need to keep a level head when working in productions, regardless of how burnt out and/or tired you may be.
Matthew,
It sounds like you’ve avoided cubicle life just fine! Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed your experiences even if they meant working outside the 9-5 routine.
Hey,
I figured I’d throw in another note from the one that I wrote a while ago — I was also your lighting designer for an event you had a bit over a year ago in West Palm Beach, Florida.
http://dijistudios.com/events/Events/Modis%20Corporate%20Event%20At%20The%20Harriet%20Himmel%20Theater/IMG_0232.JPG
One of the action shots I grabbed from the light booth — I knew I had recognized your company name from somewhere
You can feel free to remove this comment if you see fit, I just figured I’d throw that out there.
Matt
Very cool Matt. Thanks for sharing!