BS degree perspective

[jballew7]

Hello all, so I know this has been discussed before but I have a different way of looking at this question.
I'm in college majoring in Computer science, i love it. However I have to choose between a focus in "information systems" or "computer system" Right now I'm taking class that apply to both so I'm ok but I need to make a decision and don't know which to choose. I know CIS is business oriented while CS is coding oriented. Thing is, at my college all the coding/computer class are the EXACT same between focuses. A CIS and CS student will receive the same education. They differ in the other stuff like replacing high level physics and calculus with accounting and managerial stuff. I want a job creating software. I can obtain the CIS degree about a year quicker so its very seductive. But I don't want that to affect my chances of employment because someone looks at the CIS and says oh that not a programmers degree, while in reality at my school I've learned all the programming a CS student does. Besides, if I applied for a job at some company to develop software, would a HR person really know the difference between CIS and CS. Btw, my school refers to both of them as "majors in computer science" if that makes a difference.

Thanks

 

[Ralston18]

Do what you want to do which is, as I understand your post, code (CS).

It will be your passion and coding abilities that carry you. Not the degree per se.

Wonderful that you will have a degree. That is a big plus.

The qualities that will get you hired are your ability to do the job and your ability to convince a potential employer that you can do the job. Plus be a team player, be reliable, show up on time, and not a general hassel to your boss or co-workers. Have fun but stay out of trouble.

HR people do quite a bit of the initial screening: They may not know the difference between a CIS and a CS per se but a good HR person will find out. They do know how to screen out basically unqualified people, low motivated people, burned out people, and potential troublemakers.

If your heart is not really into it (via the CIS) that will show.

Get a job doing what you love. Then after some real work experience and additional hands on "education" go for a Master's degree or 2nd Bachelor's degree even to round out and bring up your skills. You will have a much better idea of 1) what you want, and 2) what is needed to move upward. Get some certifications if appropriate. Keep your options open. Things change fast nowadays. Too fast actually.....

Eventually you may need to decide on a technical path or management path. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Either way there will be sacrifices on your part. Just watch what you sacrifice.

So go with what you want to do now and especially what will make you happy. Most likely you will change careers one way or another overall and likely to do so several times. Most of us have.....

Do not stop learning and remember that communication skills, writing skills, people skills, manners, and diplomacy are 80% of it all. Learn to "bite your tongue" as they say, go with the flow (within reason), keep eyes and ears open. Sometimes hard to do I know.

You will need to take reasonable risks, make mistakes, and admit you are/were wrong.

Still, no matter what there will be wins and losses for you. Accept that, "take the pain" and push through.

 

[jballew7]

Do what you want to do which is, as I understand your post, code (CS).

It will be your passion and coding abilities that carry you. Not the degree per se.

Wonderful that you will have a degree. That is a big plus.

The qualities that will get you hired are your ability to do the job and your ability to convince a potential employer that you can do the job. Plus be a team player, be reliable, show up on time, and not a general hassel to your boss or co-workers. Have fun but stay out of trouble.

HR people do quite a bit of the initial screening: They may not know the difference between a CIS and a CS per se but a good HR person will find out. They do know how to screen out basically unqualified people, low motivated people, burned out people, and potential troublemakers.

If your heart is not really into it (via the CIS) that will show.

Get a job doing what you love. Then after some real work experience and additional hands on "education" go for a Master's degree or 2nd Bachelor's degree even to round out and bring up your skills. You will have a much better idea of 1) what you want, and 2) what is needed to move upward. Get some certifications if appropriate. Keep your options open. Things change fast nowadays. Too fast actually.....

Eventually you may need to decide on a technical path or management path. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Either way there will be sacrifices on your part. Just watch what you sacrifice.

So go with what you want to do now and especially what will make you happy. Most likely you will change careers one way or another overall and likely to do so several times. Most of us have.....

Do not stop learning and remember that communication skills, writing skills, people skills, manners, and diplomacy are 80% of it all. Learn to "bite your tongue" as they say, go with the flow (within reason), keep eyes and ears open. Sometimes hard to do I know.

You will need to take reasonable risks, make mistakes, and admit you are/were wrong.

Still, no matter what there will be wins and losses for you. Accept that, "take the pain" and push through.

Wow thank you for the in depth reply. I will take your advice. Also, I think I've figured that I want the cs.