-Computer Software Engineer.  Anything with computers is usually a good way to go, and software engineers are in high demand.  A software engineer works with a corporation’s current operating system, and retools the system to best serve the business.  Software engineers are paid well, and are likely to be in high demand for a long, long time, as computers have become integral to any business.

-Physician’s Assistant is another career path that’s in high demand.  Most medical fields are understaffed, leaving great opportunities to find a job, and advance.  A Physician’s Assistant is one of the most in demand careers that provides a good salary, and doesn’t require as much education.  To become a PA you’d need a bachelor’s degree, as well as degree from an accredited Physician’s Assistant program.

-Network Systems Analyst is another one of those great computer careers that’s on the rise, and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon.  A network systems analyst is responsible for establishing email, phone, and data communication for a business.  You’ll need a computer specific bachelor’s degree, and up to date computer certifications.

-Physical/Occupational Therapists are always in high demand.  A physical therapist helps someone recover from an injury, or a disease.  A physical therapist is responsible for helping someone recover to full physical health after an injury.  Occupational therapists assist those with handicaps, and help them develop the physical skills necessary to work around their handicap.  Both are well paying careers, but you’ll need a master’s degree to enter the upper echelon of the field.

Consulting
Information technology consultants are always in high demand, as they provide information to businesses about how to better use IT.  A consultant assesses the companies technology needs with what sort of IT options would work best for them.  Consultants can work independently, and oftentimes will function as their own separate entities.  So a consultant job has a lot of freedom, as long as you have the proper credentials.

Analysis
Analysts are another career path.  A systems analyst is in charge of assessing a companies current IT set up, then using the information to make improvements.  So essentially you’re collecting data about how well the system in place works, and then analyzing the data to make the system work better.  An analyst will be responsible for increasing efficiency through streamlining procedures, and updating technology.  Anything that makes the company run more smoothly from an IT perspective, it’s an analyst’s job to find the solution.

Choosing your career path isn’t necessarily easy, but each offer varying levels of freedom.  Really, the deciding factor should be your personal needs and goals.  If you like to be your own boss, a more independent position like consulting might be your best bet.  Weigh the pro’s and con’s of each, and figure out what’s right for you.

an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit: a computer nerd.

The internet has inevitably turned average people into nerds; the dot com revolution has become a single-minded obsession for most individuals, especially when we take into consideration its importance as a method of communication.  From submitting school assignments to applying for jobs or services, it is hard not to stay away from a computer.

The definition is a bit misleading now, with the advent of online social networks.  Being single-minded, or focusing on one topic, can lead to an oxymoron: the internet, and therefore computers, is a pursuit that is socially nonsocial.  People are using text messages rather than contacting others face-to-face, but they are still getting their messages to each other.  Just think of MySpace or Facebook.  Today, being a computer nerd is the best stereotype you could portray and you’ll definitely forget the stigma that the word “nerd” has carried in the past, once you realize that an IT freelance career can be profitable.  Now you might ask, “How can I become a computer nerd from the comfort of my home?”  A friend of mine is slowly becoming a computer nerd and honestly it isn’t that hard to do.  Here are some guidelines and free resources for your transformation:

1. Install Linux first!  That’s what she did and I was surprised of how quickly she began to understand computer terminology.
2. Play around with HTML.  There are plenty of online tutorials!
3. Take a break and check out computer books at your library or read online articles.  If you choose the second option you’re probably already addicted to the internet (and you’re more of a nerd than you think!).
4. Practice JavaScript and you’ll be well on your way to writing a program.
5. Make your own website (and by that I mean, don’t use free templates!).  It’s fun to do and breaking the ice in this industry is as easy as registering your first domain name.  This is important because you’ll get more credit to your name as a freelancer who has a personal/professional website.  You can also use a free website and then use the custom HTML section to play around.  Make sure it redirects to your domain though!
6. Once you got an idea of it all, volunteer your time!  Do something for a friend or offer a potential client a test page.  Recommendations are your best asset when it comes to standing out from the crowd (and it’s better than being charged to practice in someone’s class).

That is all for now.  Hope to see you joining the ranks of our creative profession.  Like it or not, you’re already a computer nerd just for having read this far!