Internet Transaction Specialists

One of the best ways to explore this field is to get hands-on experience working with computers. Join your high school computer users group or start one of your own. You may be able to learn about new technology developments from others in your group.

In addition to reading books on programming, look at computer magazines for the latest news. Some publications, such as the quarterly magazine 2600 (https://www.2600.com), have articles about security issues. While 2600 is aimed at hackers, reading the articles will give you an understanding of how some systems are broken into and help you develop your ability to think of defenses.

Naturally, you should use computers and the Web as often as you can. If a community center or tech school in your area offers computer classes that are more advanced than those offered at your high school, be sure to take them. Also, your computer teacher or school counselor may be able to help you contact professionals in the field and set up informational interviews with them. Even if you can't find an Internet transaction specialist to interview, talking with anyone in the field, such as programmers, Web site designers, or consultants, will give you an idea of what computer work is like. If you live in a metropolitan area, you may be able to get an unpaid internship in the e-commerce department, although you will not have access to sensitive information.