Just got some concerns getting a I.T. degree.

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by linuxguy1010, Aug 28, 2013.

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  1. linuxguy1010

    linuxguy1010 New Member

    Don't get me wrong. I LOVE technology. It's what I like to read about when I'm on the Internet. I have been the I.T. guy for family and friends for the past ten years or so. Picking a major is a big deal and I don't want to keep changing majors. I just want to go to school, get my degree and land a better job. That is the goal. If I keep changing majors I just will delay this.

    I'm 90% sure I want to pick this major. By the way I am leaning more towards a computer programming degree. Here are my concerns:

    1. Some hiring managers consider this a young man's profession. I can just see myself getting replaced years down the line when new management takes place. The new managers are younger and hire young programmers and I.T. technicians. I get replaced at 48 years old.
    2. The CONSTANT and FAST change of technology. It's hard to keep up! I know every industry goes through changes. But not like the tech industry. Having to go through training when something new comes along.
    3. Getting replaced by someone in another country that will do the same job for less money.

    Are my concerns justified or not? Just looking for good feedback.
     
  2. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    You know what, we are living in the life that promises are not guaranteed. Just like earning a college degree does not guarantee you a job, but it only helps to land one. Such as there is no security in life, but only opportunity.
     
  3. hchazari

    hchazari New Member

    It's very hard for a young guy to come in and replace you, you are the most experienced by that age and you have might have encountered problems they have not seen yet. The only way I see a young guy replacing you is if you are being lazy at work.
     
  4. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    If you want security, learn the funeral business. It's not going away -- and won't be outsourced overseas. Not excessively fast-paced, either, or overly youth-oriented, from what I've seen of it. There - all your objections were covered. :smile:

    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 28, 2013
  5. Sauron

    Sauron New Member

    I've had similar concerns but I've observed that IT workers with the greatest mobility have some or more of the following skills outside of a degree: project and IT management, coding or programming, advanced certifications (SANS, CheckPoint, Cisco, EnCase, Tivoli) software engineering, Agile, ITIL, deep understanding of data center/cloud, security and networking.

    You have to keep up and stay sharp in order to continue working in IT. There are positions in IT that will go away due to advances in technology. No one should aspire to work at a helpdesk their whole life and even systems admins should continue to expand into other areas of growth because, as it has been mentioned before; there are no guarantees. Don't rule out management, but make sure you understand technology or your underlings will snow you.

    So, with all that said, programming is a good field to go into, only if you intend on being the best you possibly can. That means taking courses beyond programming and understanding other topics such as data structures, algorithms and operating systems.

    If Ryoder can chime in, I think he will be better able to tell you that the delta between an average programmer and a good programmer is pretty large. Programming is also a skillset that requires a lot of trigger time so the 10K hours rule to mastery would apply.
     
  6. ChloeJason

    ChloeJason member

    Just like making a level does not assure you a job, but it only allows to area one. Such as there is no protection in lifestyle, but only chance. .
     
  7. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Not so. Plenty of hardworking people have been replaced. Most of us have at least read accounts, I'm sure, of "corporate decisions."

    Result: new arrivals from overseas, working on contract basis, for less than "outplaced" workers earned.

    Johann
     
  8. ITmajor12

    ITmajor12 New Member

    I agree with TEKMAN, when i first started looking in to a degree many questions arose and many what if's. But the reality is that at the end of the day nothing is guaranteed. This does not mean you should stay put and just go on through life without taking the opportunity to even try, otherwise you would never know if it was worth it or not. I know there are many concerns and nothing is for sure 100% guaranteed, but if IT is something you are interested in, then do not worry about the younger individual working with you or next to you replacing you, instead work on how to become better how to stay connected and up to date with current information and you should be fine. Stay positive!
     
  9. linuxguy1010

    linuxguy1010 New Member

    Thank you all for the feedback. I'm going to say screw it and finish getting my degree in Computers.

    Has anyone ever taken one of those personality tests to determine what major what suits them the best? Do they work?
     
  10. priyanka741

    priyanka741 member

    If you interested in programming language then took admission in P.hd or M.Phill programme you also take participate in research paper to improve your technology
     

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