Need direction in IT

[asim]

Hey guys.

So here's the deal. I'm 21 and have spent most of my life despising education yet somehow I've come out with a Computer Networks degree and am currently studying for my ccna which I should have completed at the end of the month. I purposely waited until I'd got my education out the way before stepping into the working world. There are many reason for that decision so where some may say it was a bad move I decided a long time ago I'd start from the bottom and work my way up when it came to getting a job.

So at the end of june-july I'll start job hunting but here is where the problem comes in. I'm not sure if I want to go into networking. I know that the first job I go for will have to be some low level help desk, trainee or even unpaid job that will relate in no way but I'd like to have my choice of field set before starting on that path.

IT is an extremely open field with a lot to choose from. The problem is I'm not sure where my interests lie. I've been thinking of software development (programming) or web design. Web design is one of those fields with a lot of "cowboys" I guess, it seems interesting and fun but then its now becoming quite common. I was thinking of programming because when I did it at uni I found it somewhat enjoyable even though I didnt opt to do the software engineering degree. It could lead to some decent programming jobs in the likes of games or operating systems.

If yall could give me a little bit of advice, some direction and thoughts without being too harsh that would be great lol.

Thanks
Asim

 

[asim]

Graduated with a BEng Computer Networks and Distributed Systems from Napier University in Edinburgh (would have gotten into a better uni if it wasnt for some personal problems at the time of exams).

I like the idea of programming. I was quite good at it and excelled quickly.

 

[asim]

I have noticed that a lot of people come out of uni and do something different. IT has just been a field which I was pushed into, not willingly at first. I'd be happy with running a business like Overclockers, that kind of success would take a long term effort.

I guess the idea is to get out there, experience it and find out first hand whether I enjoy it and want to continue on that path. I have a cousin in london now making 100k contracting in networking after 8 years of working in IT so obviously that says something. He is starting his own company and will probably give me an opportunity but says I should gain some experience in the real world first. Plus side of working with him would be flexible hours and I'd get to really choose my field.