How do you settle into a good job with prospects instead of falling into the "McDonald's" category ?

Im 19, went to college to study IT, did my year course in it and now i'm stuck. I'm in and out of just stupid places with no real place to end up. Iam still not sure what i want to do as a career but i thought doing a course in IT would benefit me as nearly all jobs have computers involved. I dont want to be 30 and scanning tills, any advice ?. Where you in a ever similar position to this ?How do you settle into a good job with prospects instead of falling into the "McDonald's" category ?
I've been working in IT for decades and I'm still learning. How you learned it in one course is astonishing? And, you're young; so there's lot left for you to do.



One never "settles into a good job". You'll have, if the averages are right, between 5 and 10 "jobs" during your 45 year working career. You'll have good jobs, bad jobs, and jobs somewhere in between. Get ready for a roller coaster ride.



May I suggest my "pattented copyrighted and often repeated" strategy? (Just jesting)



You need an education for a white collar job, a blue collar skill, and one or more "internet businesses"? Off to school to get a degree. And, get that white collar job.



Don't spend a lot of money getting skills or education. Often employers had tuition refund and employer provided. As a matter of fact, be ruthless about not getting into debt. Work relentlessly for several reasons -- to learn "stuff" -- earn money -- get experience. Get a blue collar skill -- plumber, carpenter, electrician -- to fall back on.



And, since you're now a computer expert, or at least computer literate, look into creating an internet-based business. Don't spend money on scams. But try to sell "stuff" on ebay. Help others get their businesses on the net. Do things like that.



I think you're in a great place. You're young with endless opportunities. Start seizing them.



I'm around for further questions, or dialogue. Let me know how you make out,



Ferdinand J. Reinke

Kendall Park, NJ 08824



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LinkedIn url =%26gt; http://www.linkedin.com/in/reinkefjHow do you settle into a good job with prospects instead of falling into the "McDonald's" category ?
Like the first answer, but uni isnt for everyone though.



You wont be scanning tills when youre 30 simply because you dont want to. You sound like someone with ambition but it's really not enough to say you studied IT because businesses use computers...do you actually like IT? If you do you can go into programming, engineering and others. If you are in the UK you can go to Connexions who will give you career advice but because it's free Im not sure how good the advice will be. At the end of the day you do what you want to do. Try different jobs and see which one suits you best.



I still dont know what career I want to be in and I've finished a postgraduate degree. I just know I want to be in a certain industry and because I havent worked in that industry before Im just trying things out. People always rush for some reason, youre only 19 you've still got a bit of time. Don't panic yet!
I never had any career plan as such - I did my A levels in VI form, then took a degree, but then everything was opportunity led; I just went for jobs that sounded interesting. The thing is though, I never ended up doing anything boring or unrewarding - for years I worked with adults with learning difficulties, first as a residential social worker then as a manager. Then I took a PGCE and became a lecturer in IT, which I love. The only advice I might give is think about going to college or Uni - it gives you a degree of choice, pardon the pun!

The point is that at no stage did I ever decide what I want to be when I grow up - I still don't know. You could say I've drifted, but it has been fun!How do you settle into a good job with prospects instead of falling into the "McDonald's" category ?
You don't say where you are located so it is hard to speak to your particular options. If I were 19 again, and I had a course in IT - I would look for jobs where I could use that particular skill set and start building a work resume while I figure out what I really want to do with my time and my life. Adults in the USA work an average of 47 hours a week. Professionals often work closer to 60. This is a large part of ones life. Once you have some employment time behind you, you will know more about what you want to do and what you do not want to do. At that point, consider futher education.



Going to university right out of high school or at a very young age is not the best option for people who are unsure about what they want to do. I have entirely too many friends with degrees that they cannot use in their work, that they spent years paying for and that have done them basically no good other than making them educated citizens. If you are going to go to university, it should increase your earning power and provide you with a career path that you want to pursue.
Pay attention in school and actually learn to think.



I know that half of the classes in public schools are designed to teach you to never think for yourself... Thank the liberals for that.



But you have to learn the basics of mathematics, science and communication in order to learn to think logically. (something that liberals don't want you to do.)



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Of course... you've already finished High School... so you've either allowed the public education system to turn you into a zombie looking for the government to run your life for you... or you've figured out that that's the path to being a lifelong burger flipper.





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BTW.. a 1 year course in IT is just enough that you should have learned that a 1 year course isn't enough to be worth beans in the job market. Just enough to give a BASIC overview of the different aspects of the various IT related careers.



If you want an IT related career.... you need to get a 4 year degree. (Bachelor of Science... Bachelor of Arts...)



The one year certificate essentially proves you can operate a computer well enough to run a cash register.... and you REALLY can read. (which is doing better than average for public education now...)How do you settle into a good job with prospects instead of falling into the "McDonald's" category ?
have you considered University?
There are actually plenty of prospects in the 'McDonald's-ing' industry. That probably doesn't answer your question. Just don't be so ignorant.
I think you need to speak to a career guidance practitioner - you are still eligible, at 19, for support from your local Connexions (England) or Careers Service (Wales %26amp; Scotland), so I'd advise you to contact them a.s.a.p. to book a guidance appointment.
i am sure mcdonalds managers and regional managers get loads of money u ungratefull little squirt



if not go kfc u gimp



or do what i am doing and study to be a spinal surgeon
Knowledge is power. Finish your education.