Any IT guys here?

[notredomer23]

I am currently really torn on what my major should be and was curious as to how you all like IT? What's the average starting salary, how hard is the work, is it boring/exciting? It is either this or accounting and I want to declare for the last time(I say last time because I have changed my mind multiple times) soon being a sophomore.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I am currently really torn on what my major should be and was curious as to how you all like IT? What's the average starting salary, how hard is the work, is it boring/exciting? It is either this or accounting and I want to declare for the last time(I say last time because I have changed my mind multiple times) soon being a sophomore.

I do IT work. But it depends on which side of IT you want to go. Are you thinking programming or more on the network/hardware side?

In either case I would recommend go for an engineering program, this way you will have an opportunity to always fall back into an IT job.

 

[BobD]

I am currently really torn on what my major should be and was curious as to how you all like IT? What's the average starting salary, how hard is the work, is it boring/exciting? It is either this or accounting and I want to declare for the last time(I say last time because I have changed my mind multiple times) soon being a sophomore.

I'm curious, have you changed your major because you're curious about different occupations or because you're looking for the easiest living?

 

[notredomer23]

I'm curious, have you changed your major because you're curious about different occupations or because you're looking for the easiest living?

Because I honestly had no clue what I wanted to do. Originally I was a history major, but I don't want to be a history teacher and I would rather not go to grad school so I would rather not do that. Then I was set on political science. I have been taking general business classes this year. I want to do a job that I enjoy where I have the opportunity to make a good living, but at the same time don't have to sell my soul to the job. I worked in an IT department in an internship this past summer and really enjoyed it, but I didn't actually do any IT stuff. That is what sparked my initial interest in IT.

 

[BobD]

Do you have any hobbies that you love?

 

[ClausentoTate]

Programmers make good money. Depends on the employer of course. If you don't want to sell yourself to your job, stay the hell away from accounting lol

 

[connor_in]

I like to think of myself as a "that" guy instead of an "it" guy

 

[MPClinton22]

I am going to be graduating in May with a degree in IT, and I definitely don't have any regrets about it. IT won't be nearly as computer/programming intensive as, say, computer science. But it gives you a really good foundation to go into whatever company you end up working for. And, I know here at ND, IT Management has consistently had 100% placement rates for jobs after graduation, so that's always good! And if you want to have a more coding/development intensive focus, you can do that, while you can also focus more on the management side if you want (at least that's how it is here).

And I agree with whoever said stay away from accounting if you don't want to sell your soul to your job. If you aren't completely sold on accounting in school, it probably isn't for you!

 

[nlroma1o]

I am going to be graduating in May with a degree in IT, and I definitely don't have any regrets about it. IT won't be nearly as computer/programming intensive as, say, computer science. But it gives you a really good foundation to go into whatever company you end up working for. And, I know here at ND, IT Management has consistently had 100% placement rates for jobs after graduation, so that's always good! And if you want to have a more coding/development intensive focus, you can do that, while you can also focus more on the management side if you want (at least that's how it is here).

And I agree with whoever said stay away from accounting if you don't want to sell your soul to your job. If you aren't completely sold on accounting in school, it probably isn't for you!

Hey now, accounting isn't THAT bad... I got a snickers bar and unlimited coffee when I sold my soul...

 

[Irish#1]

I've been in IT for 41 years. I've seen every facet. Today, IT is a lot like medicine. There are a lot of specialties and a lot of specialties within each area.

For instance, security is one of the hot areas in IT, but there is PC security, network security, application security, web security, etc..

Another area of high demand is Project Management. Within PM there are PM's for applications, infrastructure, etc.. If you think PM is the way to go, study to get your PMP.

If you go to work for a large company, you will probably end up being more one dimensional and became an expert in one area. The downside is you might get bored doing the same thing over and over. If you work for a smaller company you will probably be given the opportunity to work in several areas. Some small companies offer you a chance to work on the infrastructure and applications. While this is fun, the pay will typically be lower in the small companies.

As was mentioned earlier, decide which area intrigues you more.

Almost forgot.....today certifications are as important as a degree. Decide what area in IT you want to go into and then look into getting a certification for that area. If you only take one bit of advise from this, get the certification.

PM me if you have any questions.

 

[MPClinton22]

Hey now, accounting isn't THAT bad... I got a snickers bar and unlimited coffee when I sold my soul...

Haha sounds like you got a good deal!

I think a better way to put it is, you will know if accounting is for you. If you aren't confident in that, I would recommend staying away! At least that is what people have told me in the past.

 

[Irish#1]

Haha sounds like you got a good deal!

I think a better way to put it is, you will know if accounting is for you. If you aren't confident in that, I would recommend staying away! At least that is what people have told me in the past.

My wife has been in accounting most of her life. She hates it.

 

[dublinirish]

im in IT but studied Computer science in college for 4 years and hated it. Programming just wasn't for me, much prefer to deal with customers and clients. Consultancy sales is a good gig if you can get into that

 

[Irish YJ]

IT/Engineering over Accounting any day. Every day. Start with both hardware and software and figure out which side you want to go. LAN/WAN is going more and more SAS or Cloud-based, as is most software. Anyway, it's always evolving and new. Accounting.... 1+1 will always equal two, at least when the republicans are in power. 1.5 when the dems are in office. Either way, zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

 

[Andy in Sactown]

TL;DR version: IT > Accounting. Go for flexibility and get your certifications.


I've been working in one area of IT or another for about 16 years now and I can tell you that all the comments about specialization are right on.

IT encapsulates so many things, that can be extremely different from one another. I've been programming in intel x86 assembly all day wishing I was back on my ship (Navy IT days) running my network.

Bottom line is try to get the education that allows you some mobility within the IT workforce. Computer Engineering > Computer Science > IT.

Engineers have to do extra engineering specific work, computer scientists have to do the most coding and IT is the least stringent, but also the least mobile.

Certification is a MUST. For basic IT work a A+/Security+ combination is almost mandatory. In years past proprietary certifications for Micro$oft or Cisco products were more marketable than they are today, but are still very solid. MCSE is like an A+ for Micro$oft. Getting a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a great starter certification if you want to go into the networking world (The IOS stuff is Cisco specific, but the rest is applicable EVERYWHERE).

And as mentioned, security is HOT, HOT, HOT! The very difficult to acquire CISSP certification is extremely marketable and has compensation commensurate to the challenge.

 

[Irish#1]

TL;DR version: IT > Accounting. Go for flexibility and get your certifications.


I've been working in one area of IT or another for about 16 years now and I can tell you that all the comments about specialization are right on.

IT encapsulates so many things, that can be extremely different from one another. I've been programming in intel x86 assembly all day wishing I was back on my ship (Navy IT days) running my network.

Bottom line is try to get the education that allows you some mobility within the IT workforce. Computer Engineering > Computer Science > IT.

Engineers have to do extra engineering specific work, computer scientists have to do the most coding and IT is the least stringent, but also the least mobile.

Certification is a MUST. For basic IT work a A+/Security+ combination is almost mandatory. In years past proprietary certifications for Micro$oft or Cisco products were more marketable than they are today, but are still very solid. MCSE is like an A+ for Micro$oft. Getting a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a great starter certification if you want to go into the networking world (The IOS stuff is Cisco specific, but the rest is applicable EVERYWHERE).

And as mentioned, security is HOT, HOT, HOT! The very difficult to acquire CISSP certification is extremely marketable and has compensation commensurate to the challenge.

Agree

 

[Woneone]

I started in Computer Science, but had been programming for years before starting college, so I went with MIS to get a bit of business education along with IT.

I agree to a certain extent with some here. Certifications are good, but again, it depends on what discipline you're looking at (as well as the companies you're applying to).

I was actually looking at resumes today for an admin position we're looking to fill. For development, certifications are nice, but they're trumped by any "tangible" portfolio you may have, be it open source contributions or side work you've done (heck, even code you wrote in school that demonstrates the skill set you need for the position you're applying).

Certifications are nice, but give someone a few weeks and a password to a brain dump site, and Larry with no IT experience can get one. But, if you're competing with other recent college graduates, they could be what put you ahead.

Edit: Guess I never answered the question. I love IT, but I fell into a pretty niche software category that has a pretty high barrier for entry (that my previous employer paid for). As others said, it's a very diverse job market, so even just saying "IT" could be a bit confusing. It really does take a certain mindset to sit in front of a computer day after day, and can get tedious. But, it can be very rewarding.

 

[Irish#1]

I started in Computer Science, but had been programming for years before starting college, so I went with MIS to get a bit of business education along with IT.

I agree to a certain extent with some here. Certifications are good, but again, it depends on what discipline you're looking at (as well as the companies you're applying to).

I was actually looking at resumes today for an admin position we're looking to fill. For development, certifications are nice, but they're trumped by any "tangible" portfolio you may have, be it open source contributions or side work you've done (heck, even code you wrote in school that demonstrates the skill set you need for the position you're applying).

Certifications are nice, but give someone a few weeks and a password to a brain dump site, and Larry with no IT experience can get one. But, if you're competing with other recent college graduates, they could be what put you ahead.

Edit: Guess I never answered the question. I love IT, but I fell into a pretty niche software category that has a pretty high barrier for entry (that my previous employer paid for). As others said, it's a very diverse job market, so even just saying "IT" could be a bit confusing. It really does take a certain mindset to sit in front of a computer day after day, and can get tedious. But, it can be very rewarding.

I agree that certifications aren't as important on the coding side, but they are in security, network, project management, etc.. I haven't tested for network or security, but have been studying for the PMP. There is no way someone could do a brain dump and get a certification. It takes a lot of studying and usually 2-3 times before they pass. I work with a PC guy who graduated with a degree in Computer Technology then tried to get his A+. It took him a couple of times to pass.

 

[woolybug25]

I would go interview the head of the different programs at your school and not decide your future because you think you may like it or opinions on the web. Go interview the main professors or dept heads in each major you would consider. Narrow your list, then do job shadows in each field. Your education is important and once you get invested in a field, it's hard to change careers. I did this when I began college and it paid huge dividends.

Oh... And remember, do something that you can be excited about. You don't have to "love" it or do something that you would do for free. But do something that you can continue to learn and be excited about. If you don't do that, then it really doesn't matter what you choose, because they all lead to the same result of hating your work. That's no way to live.

 

[Woneone]

I agree that certifications aren't as important on the coding side, but they are in security, network, project management, etc.. I haven't tested for network or security, but have been studying for the PMP. There is no way someone could do a brain dump and get a certification. It takes a lot of studying and usually 2-3 times before they pass. I work with a PC guy who graduated with a degree in Computer Technology then tried to get his A+. It took him a couple of times to pass.

Oh, I agree 100% with some certifications (PMP, Certified Records Management, software specific Certifications in some cases, ect). And it's all anecdotal evidence we're talking at this point. For example, at my current company, the most proficient PC Technician currently holds a 2 year degree in something like business administration, where the guy with the A+ certification (and some college, I'd be lying if I said I knew), I wouldn't let work on my toaster.

Heck, isn't one of the criteria for the PMP a certain amount of experience (I looked into it once, but don't remember)?

As everyone has mentioned, different situation, different barriers for entry. There really isn't much "wrong" advice to give.

Take that back. Don't go Oracle. Everyone will hate you.

 

[ClausentoTate]

My wife has been in accounting most of her life. She hates it.

I'm pretty sure every accountant hates it. It's part of the job.