Maybe I'm over-reacting, but...

[WorldIndustries]

It hit me, and now I'm almost in a state of panic. I have NO plan for my future. Graduating grade 11 next week. I haven't done anything towards my future career other than maintaining an average of about 80.

I've never really been interested in planning out what I'm going to do when I graduate from high school. I'm not even really sure what's supposed to happen... Should I be getting my transcripts and applying for post-secondary education now ?

Over the last few days, I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to some type of computer related career, a pharmacist (don't ask), or office administration.

My top choice would be some type of computer related career. I'm pretty keen with XP, just getting started on Linux, I've got a bit of HTML down, should start Java or C++ soon, and I'm not sure where I go next with learning about hardware. Basically, just learning as much as I can on my own.

What types of post-secondary education can I get involving some type of computer oriented courses?

I've been looking around, and my best bets would be...

CompuCollege Halifax, NS one of these
- Graphic Design & Development
- Computer Service Technician
- Information Systems Administrator
- Computer Business Applications

Memorial University Of Newfoundland St. John's, NL or this
- Undergraduate degree of Computer Science


Can anyone tell me the basics of what I would expect of any of these, which is the easiest, which is the hardest, which has the most demand? And if I should be doing anything now to help myself later?

Keep in mind, I'm a complete ******* when it comes to post-secondary education. I've just never payed attention to any of it, and I'm regretting it now...

[jaeusm]

First, you need to decide what you really want to do. "Computer related career" is a bit vague. Software development? Systems administration? Tech support? Each of them are different. If you would rather be a pharmacist or work in "office administration", that's ok too, but each of the careers you've listed are very diverse. You need to figure out what you want to do most.

What types of post-secondary education can I get involving some type of computer oriented courses?

This list is not exhaustive, but you can pursue undergraduate degrees in:
- Computer Science (for software development)
- Computer Engineering (embedded systems, software development)
- Software Engineering (for software development)
- Electrical Engineering (for circuit design, signal processing, controls)
- Management Information Systems or IT (for a mix of computer related classes and business classes)

These things have been discussed several times before. Search the forum.