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To: Dutchgirl
We homeschool as well, and here is what we are doing with a 15 y.o. IT-minded son:

First, your son needs to pray about and decide whether he desires to eventually work in his own business, or work as an employee for somebody else. I have done both, and owning your own business has a lot of rewards but takes up more hours in the day.

Second, find a Christian businessman in your area that specializes in IT and talk to him about mentoring your son. Work out an equitable arrangement where your son works (and learns) for free for a period of time and then begins to earn a small wage if he is any good and is an asset to the businessman.

IT degrees and certifications are worthless unless you're going to be someone elses employee. I've been in the industry close to 30 years and am currently mentoring two young men.

One more thing...if your son is into computer games then he needs to know that those days are over. I would expect any of the young men that I'm mentoring to be serious about their efforts, work diligently and faithfully, and be laying plans to build their household for their future bride. No ifs...ands....or buts.
25 posted on 05/17/2008 7:11:01 PM PDT by politicket
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To: politicket

I was trying to find a nice way to say that the ability to play computer games is not a sign of anything. Disclaimer: I play computer games. I would say that reading alot is a better sign. It shows visualization skills which is important in analysis. A lot of our IT people are backpackers. Backpackers are generally problem-solvers and gear heads.

Gaming is a sign of a need for instant gratification.


28 posted on 05/17/2008 7:18:39 PM PDT by AppyPappy (If you aren't part of the solution, there is good money to be made prolonging the problem.)
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To: politicket
if your son is into computer games then he needs to know that those days are over.

That was once good advice but no longer. Video games are big business now and is growing vs. IT which is being outsourced. The game industry needs a wide range of talents including hard to outsource creative and artistic skills. I can't stand video games myself but if someone loves them it's a good career choice these days.

31 posted on 05/17/2008 7:28:17 PM PDT by Reeses (Leftism is powered by the evil force of envy.)
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