Networking & Security or Software Engineering?

[enrltoeac]

I am currently studying a diploma in IT and I will have to choose my major next year.

I have narrowed down my choice to Networking & Security or Software Engineering.

Basically, I am interested in IT Security. However, I do not find Networking appealing, after spending about 12 weeks in the Networking Fundamentals module.

On the other hand, I am not as interested in Software Engineering than in IT Security. However, I can understand the concepts taught in the Object Oriented Programming module I am currently taking.

Which major should I choose, and what are the prospects, requirements and pros & cons for each of them?

 

[Tu13erhead]

Are you in high school or college right now?

 

[bapace]

Network Security is a booming field. You can always find a job in that field. Software engineering is a good field as well, but do you want to write code all the time? That is a bigger question. You listed two tech jobs at the opposite end of the spectrum in actual work type. If you thoroughly enjoy writing code, then maybe software engineering is for you.


P.S. I'm a Network Security Professional in case you were wondering. At our company, Network Engineering doesn't touch Security, we have our own team dedicated to securing on of the largest networks in the US.


-bapace

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: bapace
Network Security is a booming field. You can always find a job in that field. Software engineering is a good field as well, but do you want to write code all the time? That is a bigger question. You listed two tech jobs at the opposite end of the spectrum in actual work type. If you thoroughly enjoy writing code, then maybe software engineering is for you.


P.S. I'm a Network Security Professional in case you were wondering. At our company, Network Engineering doesn't touch Security, we have our own team dedicated to securing on of the largest networks in the US.


-bapace

How's the average pay for someone in Network Security? What about network engineering?

I'm majoring in Computer Engineering, but I've got some experience with networking, I work here.

Still have to figure out exactly what I want to do when I graduate...

 

[bapace]

AVG Pay for Network Security right out of college is about 62K. 5 Years experience will get you 85K. I'm not sure about network engineering, but 'some' experience will not be enough to fill the position at most organizations that will pay well. They want Networking degrees.

 

[whalen]

In my opinion, someone who will be successful in Network Security should have a strong background in both Software Engineering and Networking.

 

[Chrono]

stick with bitchslapping!