Computer system analyst

John Awad, 23, of East Meadow, is majoring in computer programming

and information systems.

Why do you want to go into this field?

I always liked computers. I started as a hobby, playing with them and repairing them for friends and family. I moved from Jordan three years ago and studied science at Nassau Community College. Now I'm a senior at Farmingdale College, which is great because they want to make sure you graduate with a job. I hope to work at a small company and then move to a larger one.

What would you say to someone considering this career?

You need to be passionate about programming, networking, Web design - everything about computers. Jobs are tight in some areas now, but I think it's going to grow.