Good at computers, bad with math

Post Reply New Topic

What can a person with good computer skills, but horrible math skills, do for a job? I couldn't be a computer progammer, but is there any other jobs in computers besides programming? I'm really good with computers, but I'm not very good at math. I tend to be better at computer skills such as "art" computer skills like PhotoShop and skills such as making spreadsheets. I don't really want a programming job.

I flunked out of my college's computer science dept because I'm like you, although I can handle the inner workings a lot better. I eventually became a computer repairman. Maybe you're focused on the wrong thing, and your talent really is in art? If you like Photoshop then maybe you should be an artist, a photographer or an architect.

hmm... what about taking courses in 3D modelling or something sijmilar?

I'm a (NT) computer scientist.

Be aware that there is a stereotype out there that all that people with computer degrees do is program all day. That is simply not the case - Few computer jobs are all-programming-all-the-time. For the type of work that I do, I write more lines of English text then lines of computer code. Help desk positions require dealing with people, but generally do not require writing code. There are people who examine how users do their work (or desire to do their work) and write code specifications to make it happen. Database work requires SQL, but SQL works on a different model
(relational algebra) than what you may be thinking of as programming. A web designer is closest to what you are describing as your ideal - however even there some knowledge of SQL and a web language like PHP are useful. There are of course the whole series of repair related occupations which may involve removing viruses and upgrading (or replacing) hard drives, memory, etc.

You indicate that your math skills are bad. My question is how bad? The math skills required for a computer science degree are typically calculus along with linear algebra and discrete mathematics. The fields of information science and information technology are much less math oriented and may be a better fit for those less mathematically inclined. Many information science programs and information technology programs only require you take either a discrete math or a statistics course. If you are curious, Wikipedia has pages that describing each field (computer science, information science, information technology). I can also answer any specific questions that you may have. The US department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics has an great online resource called the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This resource describes the duties and descriptions and thousands of occupations, including many computer related occupations that you may not be aware of. It also gives an idea of the salaries provided and the projected job growth, but those numbers are for the US.

I'm also curious why you think you wouldn't want to be a computer programmer. If you have been turned off by someone trying to teach you how to write code, I would encourage you to download and try a language called Alice. Alice is a virtual world programming environment from Carnegie Mellon University. (Alice is free.) It uses is a clever "drag-and-drop" programming model that lets users create animations. However, what's actually happening is that users are being introduced to fundamental programming concepts without them realizing it. Once people use Alice they have a much easier time in traditional programming oriented classes. At least that's what the research shows.

I can't do anything above everyday math. (Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing) Also, the advanced math classes at my school aren't really suited to people with AS. They involve a lot of homework and are very demanding, I've heard. The math class I took this year, was actually really good for atypical kids. There wasn't a demand on homework or due dates. We started each morning with an organized discussion by the teacher.

I'm good at art on the computer, but not traditional art. I am also into writing.

I have some time to think about because I am only 16, but the school kind of wants us to know.

Also be sure to check out these potential careers to see if they are a better fit for you:

Computer aided drafting

A variety of careers that work with Geographic Information Systems (usually
in government, utilities and engineering sectors)

Digital Video editing

Graphic Designer

MultiMedia artist/animator

Digital Publishing/webmaster