Computer studies

[mailbox]

I can't think of a better place to ask this question than here. My oldest son just graduated from high school a couple of days ago. He's thinking about getting in to some type of computer classes at our local junior college, but he's not sure what type of classes he should take. Since several here work in that field, what would you recomend? He was looking at a 2 year course of either programming or networking. What field would be more lucrative in the long run, more relavant, better direction to go? Should he be looking toward a full 4 year degree in some type of computer science or what? He's taken several programing courses at high school and enjoyed them. I don't know anything about these fields and he's the type of guy that won't ask a lot of questions, he just kinda goes with the flow. I don't know what to tell him.

 

[DrEntropy]

Programming.

Networking has become rather "automagic", akin to the advent of the automatic transmission: peeps will accept that they're networked and not have the slightest idea (or NEED to know) how it works.

But there's going to be a need for good code for a long time to come.

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

There will be some need for good network engineers and technicians. In large intuitions and businesses there is normally a networking team that designs, installs and maintains the in-house network. I agree with Doc if we are talking about homes or small and medium size businesses.

Twenty years ago it was predicted that programming jobs were going away because programs were going to write themselves.

There are application support people who do the upgraded, troubleshoot and what ever else is required to keep the users happy and working.

Is a two year or four year degree better? Due to pressures other than the ability to do the job, my last two employers required four year degrees. The degree did not have to be in computer science if you have the work experience. That first job is easier to get if your education is related to the job you want.

I was given some advice in college that I have kept in mind ever since. When you ask for career advice be aware if the person tells you to do something other than what they did, they are opening the possibility that they made a mistake.

 

[DNK]

11100010010001011100010100111001010100011110000001

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

A 50 bit word? Shouldn't it 16, 32 or 64 bits?

 

[drooartz]

I have a music degree (and work as a programmer/DBA) so my path was a bit different...

My best advice is to get a good sound foundation in all the pieces -- networking, programming, databases, etc. We've a real mix at my work, but most of the younger guys don't really understand basic network architecture so getting them to troubleshoot is problematic. No matter what your son goes after, he needs to make sure he really digs in and digests everything. The degree is nice, but that real understanding will get you further.

 

[JPSmit]

I know it is early days (high school grad) but have him go for what he enjoys. The dollars loose their charm in a hurry if you're miserable. (recognizing that for many these days a job is a job)

 

[PAUL161]

JP, I like your signature. <span style="color: #3333FF">"If life hands you melons, you might have dyslexia"</span>. Reminds me of an old girl friend, she didn't have dyslexia though. Life is just full of wonderful memories. (Grin).

 

[aeronca65t]

My career advise is to find your passion and try to make a job out of it. That's what I did and that's what JP is talking about.
I am the <span style="text-decoration: underline">oldest</span> of seven children and the <span style="text-decoration: underline">lowest</span> paid.
But I'm pretty sure I'm the one who likes my job best.

Some other examples near and dear to me:
My older son-in-law has always enjoyed playing with rocks and dirt. He's a geologist.
My younger son-in-law is a programming nut and sports fan. He works as a programmer....for the NY Jets.

One other point:
As a communtiy college teacher, I find the students who seem to be most focused are the ones who have had at least a few part-time jobs. Maybe not during the semesters but at least in the Summer. It surprises me but I often run into 19 year old kids who have <span style="text-decoration: underline">never</span> held any type of job. Kids benefit greatly from the reality-check of having to show up on time, getting yelled at by a non-parent, sweeping a floor, moving boxes, loading a truck, etc.
They learn things they can't learn in college. :wink:

 

[PAUL161]

They learn things they can't learn in college. :wink:

For one, COMMON SENSE!

 

[JPSmit]

They learn things they can't learn in college. :wink:

For one, COMMON SENSE!

A Shovel is a great teacher. Was for me

 

[JPSmit]

JP, I like your signature. <span style="color: #3333FF">"If life hands you melons, you might have dyslexia"</span>. Reminds me of an old girl friend, she didn't have dyslexia though. Life is just full of wonderful memories. (Grin).

:lol:

 

[judow]

They learn things they can't learn in college. :wink:

For one, COMMON SENSE!

A Shovel is a great teacher. Was for me

My shovel was 2 summers in a shoe manufacturing plant - and what was air conditioning you ask. Open windows, any fan you could get your hands and ether rags for cleaning the vinylite shoes.

 

[elrey]

I get paid to play in peoples houses with glues, knives, guns, and saws. Sometimes i even get to smear mud all over their walls, and they actually thank me! What a great job for a kid like me! I was groomed to be a lawyer. --elrey

 

[DNK]

They thank you until they are still cleaning white dust up in their house 3 months later

 

[elrey]

So true!

 

[MikeP]

One thing to consider is taking a class in logic and/or problem solving to learn if he has the mindset for that kind of work. Learning to write code is easy, being able to solve the problem set before you in a logical manner is much more difficult and if you can't think in that structured way can make you miserable when in a job. I've been in database and tech services for nearly 30 years now and the folks that have the most trouble and move to other careers are those who can't think their way through their tasks.

If he does go down this road, doesn't hurt to get a pasing familiarity with the mainframe too, still lots out there and since most younger people aren't learning it, less competition for jobs.

 

[DrEntropy]

Are ya sayin' those Fortran classes I subjected meself to back inna '60's are gonna pay off soon?!?!

 

[MikeP]

That may not, but having a knowledge of cobol, jcl, IMS and DB2 don't hurt.
Still a lot of large organizations using that stuff, as well as web based products.

 

[Brooklands]

I remember submitting all my Fortran and Cobol programs in college on punched cards, and then coming back hours later to see if they compiled and ran...that sort of ended my programming interest.