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 posted this in the General Forum too. I wasnt sure which place would be more appropriate.

rubicon

I have a "CIS" degree and went into network operations and admin. Now I freelance and do everything from program to designing web sites (SQL, PHP, ASP), and network architecture/operations.

Friends that graduated with the same degree became programmers.

I have a liberal take on college education... Getting a college degree proves to the world you have the wherewithal to commit to something over the long haul. It shows them you are willing to learn and have self-discipline.

What you actually do after college is largely irrelevant to your degree. My wife was a psychology major, did some work at a graphic design firm, then went into marketing for Johnson and Johnson (not a small company by any means).

And I know many people who graduated with a degree and hate what they do. Computer techs. Even lawyers - they're a slave to their salary.

You may want to consider the type of work environment you want to be in. Corporate or liberal? Well established or entrepreneurial?

Consider what field you want to work in. If you're an environmentalist, perhaps you want to work for a non-profit that monitors and lobbies (I hate that word) for causes. Maybe a company like Patagonia. Last I heard, they give you one month a year to volunteer for outside causes, you can surf into the office, and it's casual dress all day long. Finance? Health care?

You'll find that IT professionals are required in every field - it's just a question of what you get paid. However, you need to work in an industry where you care about the overall product or service. If you just want "a job," then throw your resume out to hundreds of companies and see what comes back. They'll give a paycheck every week, you come and go every day for 40 years, then you retire.

I wandered a little off-track there... If you're trying to find out what's interesting in the IT field, you should perform informational interviews, read the trade mags, and personal research. The trouble is finding the "cool stuff" because it's not so obvious.

One more off-topic thing you might be interested in. Read the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." The philosophy of the book is that you have two classes of people: those that work for themselves and have limitless earning potential, and those that work for someone else and simply get by. Most of us fall into the latter category. Even a highly paid lawyer, doctor, or executive may not have the life they want. Give it a read - it may give you some out-of-the-box insight.

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How you do anything is how you do everything.

Redjake

just thought I'd comment and say that I'm a CIS major, sophomore year too

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Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

nanofever

You might want to minor in an area which has job possibilities after graduation, like communications.

*hears his father bitch about the CIS job market frequently*

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I'm leaving for the University of California: Santa Barbara in 5 hours, give me your best college advice - things I need, good ideas, bad ideas, nooky, ect.

Originally Posted by Norseman on another forum:
"Yeah, the problem with the world is the stupid people are all cocksure of themselves and the intellectuals are full of doubt."

Lasereth

Hey, ASU's employment rate is still incredibly high for CIS majors. Their salary has dropped considerably on average, but the employment rate is still on up there. The CIS field has SO many possibilities...like k1ng said, it's a combination of business and computers which broadens the job spectrum considerably.

I'm a CIS sophomore as well, by the way.

-Lasereth

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"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

Zegel

I graduated with a CIS degree in March of 2002. Where you go with it really depends on what you're interested in. As you say, the CIS degree covers a broad spectrum of the computing world, which means that it doesnt give you an expertise in any single area (which is usually needed to land the better jobs). It will be up to you to become an expert in a specific field.. I'd recommend concentrating on something you enjoy doing.

Personally, I've ended up managing a tech support department somehow. I'm not sure how =P.. I've always been more interested in computer services/repair for medium size IT departments, but tech support seems to fit me pretty well too.