This computer stuff is so much fun. You mean people get paid to do it? They sure do! Think of all the people you know who work with computers. Talk to your helper or parent and find out what computer jobs exist in their line of work. How many different people or jobs can you list? Talk to one of those people who earns his or her living doing computer work.

     This activity requires only your ability to ask questions (and a pencil and paper).

     Make your list of computer jobs and persons you know or know about who work with computers. Ask your helper or your parent to look it over and help you think of more. Get as many as you can.

     Arrange to visit one of the people on your list and interview him or her. The first step is to call and ask for an appointment with the individual. Tell him or her what you are doing and arrange a time when you could do an interview.

     Tip: "speaking" can be in a face-to-face interview, by telephone, or even by e-mail.

     Make a list of questions you want to ask before you conduct the interview. Things to consider:

• What does the person do?
• What training/education did he need to get this position?
• What other computer-related careers does he know about?
• What advice does he have for people who want to get a job with computers?
• What does he think the opportunities are for future jobs in the field?

• Share what you learned about this career with other members of your club or group. Give a brief report to the group.



• What surprised you about the career of the person you interviewed? Are there things you would need to do in this occupation which you would like to do or dislike and why? What would you need to start doing in order to prepare for a career like this?

• Visit more people employed with computers and find out about their jobs.



• Talk with people from a bank, a school district, a grocery store, and a pharmacy. Ask each of them how computers are used in their work.



• Do a search of the WWW for careers and job opportunities related to computers. For tips on searching the WWW, see the Search.com activity.

People Who Use a Computer on the Job:

• Secretaries
• Teachers
• Journalists
• Farmers
• Grocery store clerks
• Accountants
• Bankers
• Doctors
• Coaches
• Artists
• Mechanics
• Engineers

People Whose Job Is Computers:

• Programmers
• Computer systems analysts
• Software designers
• Computer technicians

Adapted from material developed by Illinois 4-H. Used by permission.

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