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Is a Degree in the Computer Field Still a Good Option? (1 Viewer)

LDfan

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The safest bet for the IT field in general is working directly for the gov't or gov't contracting. An added bonus is finding a company to sponsor a security clearance then you are set. Those jobs will never be outsourced.


Jeff
 

Greg Rowe

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First let me admit to not reading every post in this thread.

Now, on to my advice. I am 24 and graduated in 2001 but could be considered as working professionally for 3 years.

When I was in college I was saddened by the number of CS students that were getting their degree "because there is money in computers". These people brought down the level of education, and especially enthusiasm in the CS program. These students did not do very well and they slowed down the people who were actually interested in computer science and not money.

In my short career writing software I have seen numerous people who fit the description I gave above. It's not fun to work with them because they are only there "to get the job done" but not necessarily to get the job done right.

Unless you truly love programming (not HTML, as has been said above HTML is NOT programming) then definately pursue your education in that field. If you do not then pursue something you really love. Although companies often seek network admins with CS degrees it really has nothing to do with the job. It doesn't hurt but it certainly isn't needed.

There are still jobs, and there are still good paying jobs if you are good at programming. Before the dot com bust things were completely crazy. I never expected that to continue and I actually welcomed the change.

People who have been layed off might be angry at what I have written. There is no doubt that there are many competent people who can't find work. This is not directed at you so don't get upset.

my 2 cents...
Greg
 

LDfan

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Greg, I agree completely. I'm not a developer but a good friend of mine is. He is just amazed at the massive amount of bad developers out there putting out crap work and always try to cheat with each others work.
When people try to get on the bandwagon for any particular career simply cause the money is good and the jobs are plentiful bring more harm then good.


J
 

Dennis Nicholls

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I got out of engineering when the defense industry collapsed in the early 1990's - after 17 years. The defense jobs were overseas-outsourcing proof as security clearances were required. It's a lot tougher now that most jobs are civilian. I went back to law school to become a patent attorney partly because I saw that such jobs also couldn't be outsourced overseas.

One way to view things: go to school when times are bad. Don't waste the good years by being in school then. Sort of like the stock market: buy low, sell high......:D
 

Mark Schermerhorn

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Actually, I might leave engineering in a few years to pursure a MS/PhD in Sociology. Much less money there, but it's what I have a passion for. The money doesn't matter.
 

Christ Reynolds

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not to thread hijack, but what do you guys think about having an engineering degree for employment? i will have my BS in electromechanical engineering fairly soon, and i hope that i wont be out of luck for a job. ive done a co-op job, but that was a little while ago (i took a couple years off from school) and i'm not sure they are hiring as aggressively anymore. anyone know about how the engineering job market is lately? thanks much.

CJ
 

Chris Lockwood

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> Also I use a lot of overseas designers and programmers which helps me stay competitive and fresh.

Thanks so much for that. :thumbsdown:
 

Philip Hamm

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My Dad used to always give the advice to study Accounting. No matter what's happening in the economy there is almost always steady demand for Accounting work.
 

Phil Kim

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I am a software engineer with over 8 years of experience. If you are not VERY VERY GOOD with MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, stay away from career in computer. Although the job market (even computer job) has improved a bit recently, as many have pointed out, more and more computer-centric jobs are being outsourced to other countries.

Some computer jobs will remain in the US, but combined with increased competition here and abundance of cheap engineers overseas, much of these jobs will be limited to high-end architects and integration specialists.
 

Mike Wladyka

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not to thread hijack, but what do you guys think about having an engineering degree for employment? i will have my BS in electromechanical engineering fairly soon, and i hope that i wont be out of luck for a job. ive done a co-op job, but that was a little while ago (i took a couple years off from school) and i'm not sure they are hiring as aggressively anymore. anyone know about how the engineering job market is lately? thanks much.
IMO, the engineering field is beginning to pick up...are they aggresively hiring people...no they aren't, but they are hiring qualified people. My advice, use your knowledge from other areas in your job interviews, such as your understanding about how businesses work and economics, companies are looking for well rounded engineers, especially new graduates (I am one). Why do they like us? because they want fresh thinkers from the technology age. It may take awhile, but you will find a job...after my job that was lined up after graduation fell through, it took about 2 months for me to find a job.
 

Christ Reynolds

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thanks for your help mike, i still have about a year left to go, and i'm working on becoming a well rounded thinker, not just an engineer. i want to have my willingness to learn make up for my lack of experience, and that is exactly what i will tell the interviewer. hopefully it will be ok...

CJ
 

Andrew W

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Why do they like us? because they want fresh thinkers from the technology age.
Don't believe this huge lie for a minute. They want you because you will work for $30K less a year than the guy with 10 years experience. And don't kid yourself. He's just as smart as you and more experienced.
 

Mike Wladyka

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Don't believe this huge lie for a minute. They want you because you will work for $30K less a year than the guy with 10 years experience. And don't kid yourself. He's just as smart as you and more experienced.
I have to argue with that...many of the people without jobs that have 10 years experience are willing to work for the same amount as recent graduates with the market being so bad. They are not demanding 30K more than i did, that is ridiculous. I never said that I was smarter than someone with 10 years experienced, i said i think in a different way
 

LDfan

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Maybe us IT people should form some kind of Union or something.



Jeff
 

Robert Ma

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A union would be awesome but how could it be started? I think it would be cool if IT america just struck for one single day as a protest to the jobs being shipped offshore. Can you imagine the message that would send?
 

Mike Graham

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I'm currently going into my second year of a BSC in Electrical Engineering, and after reading this forum and hearing from many people last year, is there really any career aside from health care where your 100% guaranteed a job? I don't think so; any market you enter into will probably have its share of unemployed people (I've heard of just as many people with business degrees floating around unemployed as tech degrees). Maybe thats why diversifying, for example getting a teaching degree or a MBA on top of your first degree will be much more helpful along the way.
 

Kevin P

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A union would be awesome but how could it be started? I think it would be cool if IT america just struck for one single day as a protest to the jobs being shipped offshore. Can you imagine the message that would send?
Hey, where do I sign up? I think we should have the strike the day after the next big 'net virus or worm hits! :D
 

Edwin_C

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In the healthcare industry, you're NOT guaranteed a job either.
thanks for your help mike, i still have about a year left to go, and i'm working on becoming a well rounded thinker, not just an engineer. i want to have my willingness to learn make up for my lack of experience, and that is exactly what i will tell the interviewer. hopefully it will be ok...
Hate to break it to ya, but your willingness to learn is a given and won't make a difference. Everybody who wants a job has to be willing to learn. Take the Fundamentals and Principles of Engineering Exams.

Best advice I have to give to you is to make the employer believe that you don't need them rather they need you. If you can make them believe that, you're ahead of the game.
 

LDfan

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There is a great article in the Sept 2003 issue of Business 2.0 about the future job outlook for IT jobs. After reading it things certainly look a little more promising for us all. I highly suggest that everyone take a look at it.

Jeff
 

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