Careers???

[Shauna89]

Hey everyone I was wondering if I could get some advice here. I m looking to start college soon Im thinking about going in for IT but don't really know where to go from there as far as networking, security, programing ext... which is more trans friendly, fun to do, more money, easier to manage transition around? I've dabbled in networking and pen tests, started learning how code in php but don't really know what type of work I could get with programing... so yea any advice or life experience would be highly appreciated thanks 

[AndrewB]

If you're cool with moving, Intel is super awesome and LGBT friendly, and they have tons of different technology-related career paths that might interest you. Under their insurance, all my hormones and even my top surgery has been covered completely aside from light co-pays, and my dad has had nothing but positive responses from co-workers that know I'm trans.

[katrinaw]

Hey everyone I was wondering if I could get some advice here. I m looking to start college soon Im thinking about going in for IT but don't really know where to go from there as far as networking, security, programing ext... which is more trans friendly, fun to do, more money, easier to manage transition around? I've dabbled in networking and pen tests, started learning how code in php but don't really know what type of work I could get with programing... so yea any advice or life experience would be highly appreciated thanks 

I am in IT... but more the business and technology architecting side...

My take (IMO)...

I would look at Networking, security and coding these are key skills in todays world....
Also may be worth looking at an MBA to pick up on the business side of the world...

Today business and social media drives technology, excepting defense industries , therefore to have the skills in business, risk and communications technology will probably set you up well.

Andrew has a very good point too...

Good luck and best wishes in your career

Katy xx

[CrysC]

Microsoft is great if you can get there.  They have even had a VP that was trans.  Insurance covers a lot too.  It looks like one of the best ways to get into MS is as an intern.  Seattle rocks for being LGBT friendly.  I mean where else are the crosswalks painted as rainbows. 
But far as focus goes, I'd look to being a developer.  Make sure you are good with C/C++ and don't settle to just learn a higher level language like C# or Java. 
Networking is great as is security but in the end there are simply fewer positions compared to sw developer.  If you work a masters degree then you can apply a focus there.  Being generic though is handy.  Just my 2 bits.... 

[Tamika Olivia]

The top of the corporate equality rankings tend to be big law firms. Lawyers as a bunch tend to skew left for the most part, and are very lawsuit conscious. That leads to a lot of accepting groups... That being said, unless you actually like the law and want to practice it, don't bother. Law school's hell, and it keeps the oven hot.

[Shauna89]

If you're cool with moving, Intel is super awesome and LGBT friendly, and they have tons of different technology-related career paths that might interest you. Under their insurance, all my hormones and even my top surgery has been covered completely aside from light co-pays, and my dad has had nothing but positive responses from co-workers that know I'm trans.

Yea moving's not a problem hate where I live haha.... I'll def have to look into the company

[JoanneB]

As a lifelong EE my first advice is to RUN not walk to a different career choice. I've seen many techs study for an IT career and it goes nowhere. Full Disclosure - I also believe in following your passion. I think it is GREAT I get paid well to have fun. My nephew did not listen to me and is still an un-employed EE with a Masters in computer architecture and living at home with my sister.

Networking and security is where the jobs are. If you have a head for math/statistics then also get a lot of business/finance credits for a Wall Street, or equivalent, back office programming job

[Eva Marie]

A little known corporate secret is that IT is absolutely chock full of queer folk - it plays well with our tendency to not be bothered working in a solitary fashion for hours at a time as well as taking advantage of us being a very intelligent community.

Getting into IT is usually the issue. My company brings in a lot of interns and some of them accept full time positions so that might be a good way to get your foot in the door.

In the meantime - study! Learn as much as you can. Network with IT people at IT events and make friends that might know of job openings.

Success = preparation meeting opportunity - so be prepared.

[brianna1016]

I'm a self employed App Developer, and yes, it has made my transition very unstressful.

[KristinaM]

Do you have much IT experience?  You could look into some technical schools like New Horizons or MyComputerCareer.com.  There are probably others, but they not only offer the technical training, they offer resume assistance, interview coaching, and job placement as well.  I went with them several years ago and (while it was a bit pricey for the package I bought, and inevitably didn't use all of it), it was a great decision that I don't regret at all.  Be realistic and minimalist though.  Only sign up for what you know you will commit to finishing.  I have a very difficult time with school, so I should've known better than to take on too big of a workload.

But anyways, IT is a great field.  There's traditionally less women in my experience working in that field, but there was always a ton of them in my training classes, so I'm not sure where they work, but not with me!

[Puffery]

Suppose its the luck of the draw, im MTF and I work as a heavy equipment technicians apprentice. Immediately you would think that a discriminating work atmosphere but actually it isn't. on the other hand I worked as a youth worker and my boss was LGBTQ supporter and a married lesbian herself and that was a discriminating work environment, I was told once and I quote "use this special bathroom so you don't freak people out" you cant assume what your coworkers are going to be like tell you actually start working with them.