k1ng

I'm currently in my second year of college studying Computer Information Systems. The reason I chose this degree is because I know it is a broad field and covers both computing and business.

The hard part now, is to narrow down and try to decide what I want to do with it once I graduate. I've heard a lot of CIS people go to become a systems analyst, but I don't exactly know what a SA does. So far, from taking classes I know I don't want to do a lot/any programming. In fact, I find my self enjoying my business classes more than my computing classes. I would like to have a more business oriented job than a computer oriented job.

I would like to hear from some people who have graduated with a Computer Information Systems degree (or very similar degree).
What job do you have? What do you do everyday? Whats the demand for CIS majors?

I would like to start looking for internships or part-time jobs working in my field, gaining more first-hand experience and knowledge. Any ideas on how to get started?
I realize the job market is down right now, so it may be fairly difficult to find something, but I'm not necessarily looking for a new job right away.

Any information you guys can give me regarding my post is greatly appreciated.

-k1ng

P.S. I also posted this in the Computer forum. I wasnt sure which place would be more appropriate.

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CS733t

Most CIS people I know, are hardcore programmers. This is a very personality dependant career choice tho...if you don't enjoy it, don't even try to make it your career.

What school are you going to? I studied computer engineering for a year, and hung out with some CIS undergrads.

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k1ng

Thanks for the quick response.

Thats exactly why I'm trying to figure out what jobs CIS graduates currently have to see if this is something I want to continue to pursue.

BTW, you aren't confusing CS (Computer Science) and CIS (Computer Information Systems) are you? I know CS majors do a lot of programming.

I'm going to Southern Adventist University, a smaller private university in Chattanooga, TN.

Serpent

A system analyst job is a good paying job, if you can find an opening. It entitles developing methods to produce something. Either it being a computer system or a computer program. Following the proper steps designing and preparing it pretty much. Atleast that is what i got from when i took a class on it for a semester.

aurigus

In my College, a comparable program to the CIS degree is the IST degree, Information Sciences and Technology. It seems like this degree is closer to yours than CS (Computer Science) in that it focuses more on the business aspect than the science aspect. It gives you enough knowledge to know what php, asp, and c++ is, but not enough to program in it.

Anyway, my #1 suggestion is to get an internship/co-op. When you look for a job when you graduate, they don't care that you have a degree really. This mainly shows you can stick with something for 4(+) years to completion. The degree will help you with your salary in the long run, but for getting a job after you graduate your experience is what helps the most. I know I wouldn't have the job I have today without working in a tech field while I was in college.

Depending on what kind of company you intern with, you can actually get a good feeling what a SA does, and if you like it.

Cynthetiq

for CIS, maybe you should look into Management of Information Systems and see how you like that.

as far as the future:

experience experience experience.

get as much as you can as often as you can.

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