Computer Science Degree... Need help

Inline_guy

Inline_guy

Dockboy
Hello anyone that can help me... And those who can not. So this is my situation. I am moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia on the 19th. I am going to go back to school for computer science.

My question is this :: how hard will it be to get a job when I graduate with a CS degree. I have heard that it is really impossible to get jobs anymore with a CS degree. If so then what should I look into. I already, have went to school for Computer Animation and Industrial design. I do a lot of freelance Art stuff, but truth is I want a job that will pay the bills, and will leave me with enough left over to finance my other interests (like Indy films).

So what do you think. Is computer science a good choice, or another passion of mine that will not make me money.

Matthew
 
Well, if programming isn't your passion, then don't get a compsci degree.

As to the job market, it all depends on what you're looking at doing, and where. Also, the job market is ever changing, for awhile just saying you had a compsci degree could get you close to 6 figures at alot of software companies, now not a chance. The single biggest factor in getting a job in the computer field is experience. If you really want to do compsci stuff, get a job working for the CSci department in your school, or the engineering department, somewhere where you actaully can get experience. If you're working in the lab for awhile you slowly move up the lader to real positions. Then when you graduate, instead of being some guy with a csci degree, you are now some guy with a csci degree with 4 years of experience. That will make all the difference, and it will open alot of doors that say 3 years of experience needed.

Once again, in the computer industry, experience is EVERYTHING.


Brian
 
One place there is a big call for people is systems administrators and the like. For that you would only need to get a MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engiener) or an MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator). On top of that you could get the Cetified Apple training stuff out of the way too, because if a potential employer knows that you know Mac inside and out you will get the job over the PC only guy for sure. I am currently working on an MCSA and will hopefully get a better job than I have now when I am done.
 
MCSE's are such a waste of time. They are a pure book knowledge test and have lost all meaning. One of the most enjoyable things I do in life is being able to make MCSE's feel like complete and total idiots in job interviews. They feel even worse when they find out I'm a UNIX guy. Let me put it this way, my old company got 30 unix guys their MCSE's in less then a month. All they did was do a two day cram class. After getting their MCSE's they could still barely log into an NT box. Infact, you can get your MCSE without ever having turned on or logged into an NT box. Experience Experience Experience.

As to going into the admin field, actually that is an incredably tight market right now. Alot more programming jobs then admin jobs. I've been doing admin for 10 years, so kinda up on the market. Alot of my old cow-orkers went to programming after looking for 5 months in vein for an admin job. The market is especially bad for NT admin jobs, it's getting a bit better for unix and network admins, but NT has an insane glut in the market, mainly due local tech schools pusing MCSE's on folks and promissing it will get them a good high paying job. Basically, an MCSE is about as meaningful as a HS diploma now adays.


Brian
 
Above all else, do what you're GOOD at and preferrably something you LIKE TO DO. Some careers that are starving for people: High School teachers in the areas of Math and Science (Chemistry, Physics, Calculus), Nursing (big shortage here).

If you want to make money with minimal effort, consider going into SERVICE-ORIENTED careers: health care (Nurse, RN degree in 2 years), Anethesia technician (again, 2 year degree - makes about $70K/year), Real Estate seller (make money on every sale), Financial advisor for purchasing stocks and mutual funds (comission based, everybody's moving money into and out of the stock market, either way, you make money on the trade), Law (requires a 4 year degree + 3 more years for the law degree: there are always going to be stupid people who get themselves into all sorts of situations), start your own business doing what you do best.
 
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