Final thoughts on my situation solicited

First off I want to thank all those who are so helpful on the boards. I have learned much and found many programs to my liking.

I am now down to a base decision as what do:

A. Get a BS in Economics/Accounting (Eastern Oregon State)
B. Get a BS in Computer science (either Limestome, or touro)
C. Get a BS in Computer networking and telecommunications and a CCNA (fort hayes)
D. Get a BS in environmental science (Oregon State U.)

Yes they are all a bit different, but in the end they accomplish a new field of study and hopefully a new career.

I realize you are suppose to do what you love, but I love to stay home and not go to work. So with that said...

Does anyone have any opinons, insite, advice on the above ideas? Why they would/would not be good?

 

Option A is of most interest to me and so that is my bias. Economics is a fascinating area and has many applications.
As to options B&C, I have one word to offer . . .
OUTSOURCING!
Can you really get a job with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science anymore?
Jack
(sorry for the "can you get a job" stuff but I'm getting old and it kinda sneaks up on ya)

 

I also considered the outsourcing issue. My problem is I really love computer/tech stuff. I do worry about marketability job wise.

Also on option A I had considered the fact that in order to get my CPA I would need a masters (225 quarter hours required to sit for CPA exam). So I could get a Masters in information systems maybe to appease my tech side, plus give accounting a twist.

 

The more you talk the more you sound like someone who has already made up their mind. In any case, good luck.
Jack

 

My advice is to study what interests you. If computer technology does it then study that. You already know that one, though.

Your list your options as...


A. Get a BS in Economics/Accounting (Eastern Oregon State)
B. Get a BS in Computer science (either Limestome, or touro)
C. Get a BS in Computer networking and telecommunications and a CCNA (fort hayes)
D. Get a BS in environmental science (Oregon State U.)


Jack already made a comment that it is tough to get work in computers. I think it is tough to get a job in computers with little to no experience these days. However, there are some contracting firms that have a history of bringing in newbies for cheap(if you have the right training certificate or class in your background. for example VisualStudio.NET with ClearCase is warming up these days...web services, too). You could get experience by fire on some of the projects they have. The IT market seems to be opening up a bit...but again it is mainly for more experienced people.

Any of the jobs you list are outsource possibilities. Accounting has been going to India for some time. Enviro has been nearly dead a long while now. I know plenty of enviro guys out of jobs (many of my civil engr buddies did the enviro route). Regulatory is especially not good.

Of all the possibilities you list I see the telecomm option as the most viable. I see the demand being strong in it these days. Yet, it's not about what I like but what you like.

One thing for sure is that you can have any degree and work in IT. I have programmers who have degrees in history and one in dance. Some don't have a college degree. A test manager here has a degree in engineering and a master's in education. My configuration manager has a master's in environmental engineering. The problem is getting that first job in it. How do you get the skills if you cannot get the job?

You can learn many of the latest technologies at home(like .NET/WSAD/Java). It's easy to do and it is how many of the foreign programmers learn it and get better at it. I have noticed that Indian programmers, those between jobs, study like anything at home. They keep their skill up and their networking helps them remain up to do date on the latest tech trends evenwhile they are not actually earning.

Another option might be a project management certificate along with the CS degree(or a PM concentration in CS). PM's are in demand. You'll really need some skill in Microsoft Project, though.

Sarbanes Oxley seems to be driving the need to have more people like certified internal auditors(CIA). That's another idea.