Software development positions still possible with IS degree?

[stickybytes]

I am currently pursuing a double major degree in finance and information systems along with a minor in comp sci. Since I know information systems is known to be a fluff major (ie soft on programming, math requirements), would it still be possible for me to pursue a career in software development/engineering? (That said, i have taken calc 1,2 discrete math, stats). Will the fact that I lack a computer science degree hurt me and in what ways? From what i understand, a lot of the major/big corporations and banks (bloomberg, major banks) specifically look for people with degrees in computer science to fill programming positions. Will my resume be simply bypassed by HR at these places due to this? How much of it is based on what you truly know in terms of languages versus what major your degree is in?

Anyone advice, especially those with bachelors in informations systems would be much appreciated.

 

[troytime]

probably depends on location

in my experience
work experience, skills, and personality matter the most

 

[stickybytes]

Originally posted by: troytime
probably depends on location

in my experience
work experience, skills, and personality matter the most

Most likely in NYC metro area. No one else has any comments?

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

You might want to refer to this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2193290&enterthread=y

First of all, it depends as to what kind of jobs you will be applying for. If you plan on pursuing programming jobs, obviously, your IS degree by itself might not be enough. You will have a diverse background when you get out, and the lack of "computer science" can be compensated for by gaining technical certifications if need be. So again, it depends as to what's your area of interest.

 

[Dravic]

It's not that you cant get a programming job without the CS degree, its just that you are now going to have to prove you understand the concepts taught by a CS degree.

CS degrees aren't about managing networks(IT), or the latest technology to sit on top of the core principles.

/rant

Too many schools giving out CS degrees are focusing on teaching the latest technology in the business world, and not the core logic behind it all. syntax will change with the next flavor of the year, the logic will not. Stop turning CS grads into advanced IS grads PLEASE... and for the love of pete, please start teaching security concepts...

/rant


There is a fundamental teaching of machine logic you will need to acquire through self study or training. An IS degree is not going to teach you assembly, truth tables(fun), automaton logic, how to write a complier... etc..

An IS degree focuses on a much higher abstracted layer of systems management and integration. The CS degree on a resume tells the employer that you at least have a core understanding of Computer SCIENCE. while writting good code can be an art, you are not goign to get there having only ever used cryons and markers ...


This is not meant to be a dig on a IS major either, they are just fundamentally different. Do you build engines or do you work on engines...

 

[trexpesto]

Certifications will help ameliorate employer fears, but yes there will always be a bias against that as opposed to a "True CS" major. Meaning a heavy hitter that can do anything technical.

 

[postmortemIA]

there are lots of "light" programming jobs that have smaller requirements but also pay less in return. Test engineers, contractors etc.

 

[TheEarthWillShake]

Hello.

I'm a major of Information Systems and am currently a intern at a company as a programmer. At least in my major we get a taste of ASP.NET/VB.NET. I decided to take those courses because I like programming. It isn't a huge programming scope since it's going by phases.

 

[Dravic]

Originally posted by: TheEarthWillShake
Hello.

I'm a major of Information Systems and am currently a intern at a company as a programmer. At least in my major we get a taste of ASP.NET/VB.NET. I decided to take those courses because I like programming. It isn't a huge programming scope since it's going by phases.

Follow what this guy is doing, get an internship somewhere and see what its really like to right code for a living. I could never just code for a living. Much more fun for me in operaional/security engineering. I take out the box applications and write the glue that gets actual use out of them focusing on automation and inter app communications.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: Dravic

Originally posted by: TheEarthWillShake
Hello.

I'm a major of Information Systems and am currently a intern at a company as a programmer. At least in my major we get a taste of ASP.NET/VB.NET. I decided to take those courses because I like programming. It isn't a huge programming scope since it's going by phases.

Follow what this guy is doing, get an internship somewhere and see what its really like to right code for a living. I could never just code for a living. Much more fun for me in operaional/security engineering. I take out the box applications and write the glue that gets actual use out of them focusing on automation and inter app communications.

I was about to say, that if you want to do anything in this world you need to do co-ops or internships. That is the best education you will ever get.

And as someone else said, if your personality will not fit with the personalities of existing employees, you probably won't get hired even if your name is John Carmack.

 

[KB]

I am an IFSM major and have been programming for 6 years. Most listings out there specify Computer Science or related degree. You can usually provide a good case that IFSM is a related degree, particularly if you took some programming courses.

There are many levels of programming. If a company is looking for a coder to do Assembly or Embedded C, then I think they would be more likely to look for a Comp Sci degree. But if it is a database application, or a functional analysis tool, then I have seen English majors develop these - the degree doesn't mean as much.