Job Market for Comp Sci, Informatics, BBA majors

[Orsorum]

I'm a freshman in college right now, looking at getting at least a bachelor's degree, more likely going straight on to graduate school.
I've been looking at several different options for degrees. I guess I'm caught between planning and pursuing two major options. I can either a) major in Computer Science or Engineering and leave it at that, pursue a graduate degree (assuming I get into graduate school and don't get hired off)... or b)get a dual-bachelor's degree in Informatics and Business Administration (Information Systems option), then pursue an MBA.

I'm wondering what a company would be looking for at this point in time. I'm a people-oriented person, with computer skills. I'm still interested in pursuing programming on my own (definitely Java, possibly a little bit of C++) and learning Linux and Unix. I'm also planning on pursuing my CCNA, CCNP, and, God-willing, CCNE certs, maybe MCSE (etc, you get the idea).

How much of a difference would a MBA and certs make as opposed to a Comp Sci degree? If I'm more people-centered, would it make more sense to pursue a management position, while using some introductory programming and networking skills to get in on the ground level?

I figure this would be the most realistic place to ask, since from what I've seen, you're the most experienced and the most likely to give a complete, thoughtful answer.

 

[SinNisTeR]

bump!

 

[Ameesh]

i know here at MS, tech people dont have mba's they have masters and phd's in computer science. Ive gone a long way personally with just a BS in computer science without any certs.

 

[Jeraden]

From my experience, education gets you in the door of a company. Once you are in the door, they could care less about your education and its your job performance that controls how far you go in the company. This might not be true for all companies or all types of positions, but at least in the IT world its 100% true.

 

[ravanux]

<< From my experience, education gets you in the door of a company. Once you are in the door, they could care less about your education and its your job performance that controls how far you go in the company. This might not be true for all companies or all types of positions, but at least in the IT world its 100% true. >>


yup.

 

[Maverick]

The certs won't help you much if you choose to do straight software development. They are more of a edge to get network administration type jobs. Those can be very fun, but if you are a people oriented person with management goals, its probably not the best way to go. Most admin jobs will not lead to management.

If you want to get your foot in the door and work your way up to management, a basic bachelors degree can suffice. A masters degree will open doors and give you more options as well as a slightly higher salary, but its another 2 years of school which you may or may not want to do after 4 years of engineering/computer science.

As far as an MBA is concerned, you usually need a minimum of 1 1/2 years of work experience for most professional MBA programs. Most of the good ones require 2 years. An MBA is not something you can do right out of school even after obtaining a masters. A minimum of 2 years of post-graduate professional work experience is recommended.

You can get certs/MBA and you can pursue very similar career paths with either the comp sci or the business degree. With the comp sci degree, you're on your own to develop your people skills and learn how the business environment works. With the business degree, you're on your own to develop many of the technical skills while getting the education necessary to succeed in the business environment.

My advice to you would be to do an internship or two. They are very good at helping you decide which track you want to follow. It will also help you figure out what your chances of success are in one particular track versus another.

Good luck.

 

[Orsorum]

I've heard of an increasing trend where MBA programs are accepting recent BBA graduates. Maybe this is just an isolated incident.

Even if I only have a BBA and a BS in Informatics, would knowing Java, some C++, Linux, and Unix be enough for me to get an entry-level position?

My goal in doing what I am is that I'd like to be hirable, period. I'm not sure that I'd want to spend all my time doing software development or heavy programming, but I don't want to do purely management functions either. I'd love some stints as a network admin or a webmaster (in come the certs). Should I specifically pursue an actual degree in Cse, or will a self-taught, self-pursued knowledge of several programming languages suffice?

My reasoning in doing the different areas is that I figure that extensive knowledge of code, network topology, Unix, etc. combined with an MBA and a BS in Informatics would make me a qualified candidate for management. Is this faulty logic?

 

[Maverick]

MBA programs that take recent grads aren't usually that good. A good MBA program will require some post graduate work experience. And with an MBA its worth looking into the school you're going to (especially if you're paying for it) since the place of study matters a little more than for a BS or even an MS.

You would probably be okay learning to do everything on your own...if that has worked for you in the past then go for the IS degree. However it has been my experience that a Comp Sci graduate can do everything an IS graduate can given enough time. The reverse is not always true. Comp Sci graduates are taught to learn new languages...IS graduates are just taught the current ones. Thats a subtle difference. If you just wanna get your foot in the door and move into management rather quickly, then an IS degree is probably best. Otherwise if you want to diversify yourself and have more options for technical positions (including project management), a CS degree will be best.

As for getting hired, I don't think you need to worry about that too much. Get good grades, do an internship or two, and you're probably guaranteed a job. Even with a bad economy...people that put forth more effort and apply for tons of jobs will get interviews and offers. Its just about how badly you want it. That being said, either of these degrees should get you a job...you just gotta decide which career track you want to focus on and what positions interest you the most.

 

[Orsorum]

Awesome. Thank you for your advice.

What exactly are Comp Sci graduates taught? I'm wondering if I could just buy the same books that they offer at my campus bookstore, go through them myself (given some free time) and learn the same basic methods. ?

 

[Maverick]

No problem. I'm just going to complete my Computer Science degree in May and I remember having similar thoughts when I was your age (man now I feel old).

As for self-taught Computer Science...thats a difficult thing to accomplish affectively. Many of the books in CS are very dry and difficult to comprehend without a qualified instructor. Programming assignments are a big part of CS and I really don't see any way to self-teach that. You'll probably understand the syntax and the methods...but things like design are really hard to learn right from a book. Most of what you learn in CS is by going out and programming it. Programming is very difficult without proper guidance. It can also be very time consuming if you don't have someone to nudge you in the right direction.

As for what we're taught...we learn how to design software as well as implement it. And we learn to design it well enough so that it performs quickly and efficiently. IS majors learn how to make it work and thats about it. They turn the optimizing over to the CS majors. CS majors usually learn more complex languages as well as learning things at the logic circuit level. These things are invaluable when designing a complex software system. Its highly technical stuff, but its definitely sought after. There's more of a market for CS majors right now than IS majors.

My advice is to take one or two entry level CS classes and try and get some sort of Internship at a small company after your first year. I could type pages and pages but it would still pale in comparision to your own first-hand experiences. Good luck.

 

[Orsorum]

'K, one more random question... would there be any sort of job market for a dual-architecture/information systems major? Someone who could design a building and the networks that existed inside of it? Very random, but I'm starting to consider an architecture degree, as well.

 

[Maverick]

yes actually there is a market for that. But unfortunately its very dependent on the economy. Right now is really not a good time to start new building constructions for new business. And usually those things come as part of a package deal. You'd have a better shot at getting a job with an existing construction firm than starting your own.

The market exists, but its dominated by large telecomm players who give deals to contractors. Its difficult to get started on your own.