Need some advice for my future

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:44 pm Post subject: Need some advice for my future

I'm still debating on what I should take in college. I'm really leaning towards Computer Science right now. I love everything about computers, and I'm always eager to learn more. The University of North Alabama (about fifteen minutes up the road) offers Computer Science and I've heard great things about the classes, resources, and everything that it offers.

My question is, what type of future would I have with this major? Would I be able to put myself into a position to get a consistent job that would pull in steady money to eventually establish a home for a family some day? Will I have to worry about even getting a job in this field? I'm not sure on the need for programmers and such, and that's why I am here.

I'm getting my ACT scores back this weekend and will be applying for an academic scholarship within the next few weeks. Everything is happening fast, and I need some outside help because my counselor may be the worst in the country. Any advice you guys can give me will be much appreciated.
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:48 pm Post subject:

I don't know that I would concentrate so much on programming...I would lean towards hardware and networking. Companies and industry are always looking network techs to keep things up and running. Look into a state job, like me Wink

. Good pay and benefits.
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:50 pm Post subject:

Computer science is a good one to get into. Just get ready for a whole lotta difficult math. Information systems and networking is another field that always could use some 4 year graduates. The money is setting up big businesses and writing software. But by the looks of the tech field and economy... much of it is unstable. Depends on what state you live in as well. I'm in Oregon, and 85% of most graduates are moving out of state to work.

Look at what is popular, look at what you like, and look at what you do well. The rest will fall into place.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:05 am Post subject:

i worked with a comp-sci guy who lost his job in the field, and took forever to get back in... 16 years with the company, too.

howabout Math Teacher? generally, teachers in the social sciences/languages get paid ok, but as a mathmatics teacher you can start at an average of 30-40% higher pay.

secondary math teachers in PA start at around $65K. No weekends, no holidays, the summer off... a union.
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Humanism- Less Filling, Tastes Great.

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:27 am Post subject:

Don't stress out too much munkey. Most colleges don't require you to choose your major till 3rd year of college. Usually people who are undecided usually just take the req classes first 2 years and then jump into their major 3rd year. So you have plenty of time to experiment what you like to do and what you will have fun doing the rest of your life.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:40 am Post subject:

Two things DbM; first, get a degree, any degree, and more doors will be open to you. This is coming from a guy who is 50 years old with over 30 years of real-world business experience, and all I ever hear from HR people is, "Do you have a degree?"

Second, I would PM jobbones and talk to him. He teaches computer classes at a Community College and could probably offer some helpful advise on what field meets your criteria.

Good luck, lad. It sounds like you have the right idea of what to look for in a job. I am sure you will do well.
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Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage!

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:39 am Post subject:

I was going to say pretty much the same thing as Cynic.
Do get a degree and talk with Jobbones for some possible direction.

Here's something that is sometimes helpful:
Go to a website that post jobs, such a monster.com and pick jobs in your field. Don't worry about what state, just make a broad search. Then look at the job titles, work description, education requirements, and pay scales. This may help you to narrow down to what you enjoy, what to expect for pay, and what is required for such a position.

Even if the requirements are only a two year degree, I would suggest a four year degree. More education = more pay and higher positions. just keep with something you enjoy. Happiness is better than fortune, but nothing wrong with having both. Wink

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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:11 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the advice guys. It really helps to have a little guidance when making these choices. I know I don't have to choose my major until later in my college career, but I'd like to have an idea before I choose a college.

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:25 am Post subject:

I have a degree in cinematography, earned a living as a photographer for a number of years.

Done a lot of other stuff.

But was never happy, genuinely happy till I started doing for a living that which I love to do most, which is build.

find a way to do what you love most monkey

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:17 am Post subject:

[/quote]find a way to do what you love most monkey[/quote]

Swinging from trees don't pay so good. Rolling Eyes

I'm with Boo on that one, DbM. I am now working toward a degree in history/political science with the idea of teaching at the high school or college level. I hated every second of my job(s) for over thirty years; just did what was expected of me to get a paycheck. Now I'm going to do something I actually enjoy. I cannot stress enough how important it is to do something you enjoy for a living. The peace of mind alone is priceless.
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Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage!

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:35 pm Post subject:

I've definately put a lot of thought into doing things that I love for a living. I was offered a full ride by Ubisoft awhile back to become a programmer, play for them, and eventually take a job there, but I would have had to move to Texas to pursue it.

I've really evaluated myself and determined that I want to go into a computer related field. Everything about them interests me and I'm always eager to learn more. The only other field that I really have a hobby in is movie making, and I doubt that would be a reliable field to move into.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject:

Well Monkey, I have a 4yr degree in computer science. I love my degree, but in michigan it isnt worth much. I have had to specialize myself and learn system controls along with it. With technology in EVERYTHING pick a field that will need your tech help and run with it. Im in parking, and program a bunch of different kinds of machines. The pay is not bad 50-60k per year. I have thought long and hard about going after a masters degree, but have found that it really doesnt make much difference in the computer field. Most companies are looking for experience in the field not a degree. At least thats what i have found. Stay away from programming, my wife has her 4yr degree and cannot find work in the field. Take a look at the audio industry and maybe the home networking industry. They are growing like wild fire.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:52 pm Post subject:

My AS is in Computer Science. I realized that I should do something different than that and enhanced my education with a BA in Business Administration with the emphasis of Information Systems. Not as techie, but got my foot in the door of the company that I want to work for. Made the change after all my Calc and programming lingos, made my IS degree pretty simple.

The IS degree is much more useful in the corporate environment I feel. I'm not as limited than being software engineer. But it all depends what you want to do. The real money is in EE, if that is your kicker.

Hope it helps.

-Barb
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Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:02 am Post subject:

the post about "a degree in anything" is right on. My brother in law is complaining because he cant find a job in Human Resources, so he's stuck working as a BRANCH MANAGER FOR THE LARGEST BANK IN PENNSYLVANIA.

doosh.

degrees = keys that open doors normally closed to others. From there it doesn't matter what the hell you do.
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Humanism- Less Filling, Tastes Great.

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:27 am Post subject:

What you're saying is that if I get a degree in Computer Science, it will let me get my foot in the door and then I'll learn what the business wants me to. From there, depending on how hard you work, you can move up the ladder in the business world.
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