Choosing a tech career in high school can be a daunting task. Yes, there are some high-paying jobs in the tech fields, and there are even some self-made success entrepreneurs who are rocking it in the tech field without a degree. It’s important to ask yourself some questions to make sure you are making the right decision. The six questions discussed in this article today are a great starting point.

1. What do my family and friends think about this career?

Your family and friends can be a valuable source of information about careers. They may have personal experience with the career or know someone who does. Ask them what they think about the pros and cons of the career. If you know someone who currently works in the tech field, you can ask them what their typical work week looks like as a good starting point.

2. Do I like this type of work?

Not everyone enjoys working with computers or in tech-related fields. Make sure you are interested in the type of work involved in this career before deciding.

You’re a good fit for a career in tech if:

• You’re creative: Were your class projects tech-based? If so, tech may be a good fit for you.
• You’re curious: Are you always asking “why?” and “how?” If so, you may enjoy working in tech.
• You like to tinkler: Do you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together? If so, you might be suited for a career in tech.
• You already know how to code: Are you a self-taught coder? If so, a tech career may be for you!

3. What types of jobs are available in this field, and how much do they pay?

Having a good idea of the types of jobs available and their average pay can help you decide if this career is for you. High-paying jobs may require a four-year degree and may have long waiting lists to get in. You should be prepared to research what types of jobs are available and how much they pay before making a final decision.

Some of the most in-demand jobs in the tech field include:

• Software engineer: $103,620
• Web developer: $66,130
• Computer systems analyst: $85,800
• Computer scientist: $119,510

4. Am I going to enjoy doing this for the rest of my life?

Some people consider themselves “born” to work with computers or other tech-related fields, but not everyone feels that way about computer science or engineering. Make sure you want to pursue working in this field for many years before accepting the job responsibilities and time commitment that come with it.

While it is true that many people go to school for things that they’re passionate about and plan to do for the rest of their lives and end up switching career paths later in life, initially choosing a career in tech should be a wise thought out decision.

5. Is it worth going into debt to attend a four-year college?

Almost all tech-related jobs and careers will require a degree, usually earned from a four-year college, to enter the workforce. However, there are many alternative options for gaining the skills needed for these jobs that can eliminate or greatly reduce student loan debt after graduation, such as trade schools and self-teaching.

Also, you can apply for scholarships such as the Nancy Etz scholarship to lower your student loan amount. Make sure you consider if this option is right for you before making any decisions. The last thing you want to do is rack up thousands in debt only to find out that you cannot finish the degree program.

6. What colleges have programs related to the career I want to pursue, and how much do they cost?

Before choosing a potential school or degree program, it’s important to consider what colleges offer degrees with your chosen career. Many colleges have tech-related programs, but some are more affordable than others. Consider visiting some colleges online and seeing if you can sit in on a class.

Conclusion

It’s important to weigh all the pros and cons before making a final decision on a tech career in high school. There are many great opportunities in this field, but make sure it’s the right decision for you!