What that best field to study in the world of tech in terms of job opportunities?
I'm torn between choosing just Computer Science, or Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Cyber-security, Computer Forensics...I know I want to be a tech major...but which one??
14 answers
Wael’s Answer
All of these are going to be in demand in the coming years; however, there is a serious shortage in cyber-security employees and the forecast for is to be even more serious.
Leoncio Cornejo
Leoncio’s Answer
All of them are a good point to start. The interesting thing in the IT world is that every day things change, so you need to be always willing to change and obviously to improve.
Abhishek’s Answer
Economics favors quantitative skills and critical thinkers. The employment rate for economists is projected to grow at the rate of the current average, with the largest area of growth being private industry, especially in the areas of consulting and economic research. A master’s degree or Doctor of Philosophy degree is recommended for prospective economists to be competitive.
Basically what economists do is analyze how people create goods and services by allocating limited resources like raw materials, land, technology, and labor. They do this by researching and monitoring things like exchange rates, business trends, taxation, employment rates, inflation, and costs of materials. They then try to find trends and develop predictions based on the data.
BS in Economics
Economists use many different methods for collecting that data. They might survey random samples or use math and statistical models. Economists not only need to collect data, but communicate it in an effective manner so companies can make informed decisions for so the media can communicate it to the world at large. For this reason economists spend a lot of their time making reports like charts or graphs.
Economists take the theories and trends they find and apply them to benefit many different organizations and industries. Many corporations require the skills of microeconomists, like projecting customer demand or product sales, both of the client firm and their competitors to maximize profit. These economists also review new legislation, like minimum wage requirements or tariffs, and how it will affect their client. Large business with many smaller branches might also have economists assess the economy of countries where branches exists or where they are looking to open new branches. Smaller businesses often hire economists as consultants or those who work in research firms. Consulting firms in the United States provide a large proportion of the macroeconomic study and prediction by gathering many different statistics, compiling large databases, finding trends. These firms often publish their findings.
The federal government also employs a large percentage of economists. They generally conduct surveys and gather data. For example, the Department of Labor studies salaries, industry growth, employment rates, and safety issues. The Department of Commerce looks at the manufacture, allotment, and use of goods and services both domestic and international. Employees of the government also use economic data to forecast the consequences of new legislation or policies, such as Social Security, tax increases or cuts, increasing the budget deficit, trade regulations, or communications.
Types of Economists
Though all economists need to be familiar with general principles, most economists specialize. The skills and knowledge gained in each of these areas are often applied to other fields like agriculture, medicine, education, law, energy, and environmental protection.
Microeconomists: These people study individual companies or people. They look at supply and demand to find out how to maximize production, for example, or to project how high the demand for a particular product would be.
Macroeconomists: They look at the economy as a whole to find long-term, overarching trends throughout history. They can then make generalizations and draw conclusions about investment productivity, inflation, unemployment, etc.
Financial Economists: strongly correlated to macroeconomists, financial economists study interest rates to see their effect on banking systems.
International Economists: They look at markets internationally, studying currency exchange and the effects of tariffs and trade procedures and laws.
Organizational or Industrial Economists: They examine the markets of individual industries, studying competitors and making predictions based on the decisions of competitors. They may also be involved in protecting the industry against trusts and monopolies
Demographic or Labor Economists: They look at trends in salary, such as how it’s determined, and the need for labor. They are especially interested in causes of unemployment and the results of changes in demographic, such as a baby boom, on labor.
Public Finance Economists: They look at the government’s involvement in the economy, such as taxation, deficits or surpluses in budget, or policies concerning welfare.
Econometricians: They use mathematics in every branch of economics. They put together economic models using methods like calculus, regression analysis, and game theory. These models explain economic happenings and help to project future economic occurrences and trends like how new taxation laws will affects employment or the duration of business cycles.
Training and Qualifications
Many jobs in the private industry and most opportunities for advancement require at least a master’s degree, often a PhD. Many schools offer graduate programs in specific areas of economics like advanced theory, international economics, demographic economics, or econometrics, and so students should find a school with the right program for them. Many schools also offer undergraduate degrees in economics. Undergraduate students should take advantages of the courses in their school to gain skills in mathematics, especially statistics, designing surveys, preparing presentations, or computer science. Also, many graduate students gain valuable experience in internships at governmental departments, business, or consulting or researcher firms.
Working for the federal government requires at least a bachelor’s degree with 21 hours of economics and at least 3 hours of advanced mathematics. Bachelor’s degrees are generally qualification for entry-level jobs like research assistants, trainee positions for management, or sales positions in most areas and corporations like consulting firms or government departments. As positions increase in the amount of responsibility required, the amount of education required increases as well. Thus, master’s degrees are often needed for higher-level jobs in research or management. Most applicants for economist positions will have an advantage if they have strong research, quantitative, or computer skills. Many top positions require PhDs. Also, the heads of many businesses and governmental agencies have economic knowledge, even if “economist” isn’t in their job title.
In order to be on the faculty at a community or junior college, an applicant needs at least master’s degree. In order to be on the faculty at a large college or university, an applicant generally needs a PhD. If a faculty member is applying for a professorship or tenure, publications and research, along with the PhD, are required.
Economists have many other skills besides their schooling that make them successful. They are detail-oriented and have good analytical skills. Much of an economist’s work consists of long-term data analysis and problem solving, so perseverance and patience are advantageous. Also, many economists work independently, so it is important that they be self-motivated and disciplined.
Rachel’s Answer
Although I am not in the field of Cyber Security, this is a very hot topic and in demand. I sell hardware to the Government and they are always working on getting better, more advanced technology for their online security threats. If you are to pursue a field in this area, I imagine it will be exciting and in demand for years to come. The more technology we get, the more hackers will be tempted to interrupt the advances. Best of luck to you!
Matt’s Answer
A combination of cyber-security and software engineering would suit well in the long term. The IoT (Internet of Things) is going to impact the world greatly, and the world will need intelligent individuals to help proof it and make it work in a positive way.
Ali’s Answer
As mentioned by some colleagues, all these areas will be in great demand in the coming years. Also, as technology develops, new and exciting areas will appear. I can tell you from my experience that everything I learned in the university is not only obsolete but is already in museums. So my advise is for you to focus in the area that seems more interesting for you and if you have the skills and work with passion you will always have a good and exciting job, and as technoly evolves you will be able to expand your knowledge and skills.
John ’s Answer
Computer degrees give students access to state-of-the-art equipment, helping them learn in an interactive way. Continue reading for an overview of the programs, as well as salary info for some career options for graduates.
Those with a degree in computers have a number of career options available to them. They might seek work in computer science, computer engineering, or information technology. For most positions, some level of work experience is required and optional certification is available in some cases.
Online Degrees
Associate of Computer Network Engineering: Online Degree
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems: Online Degree
Master of Science in Computer Science: Online Degree
Salaries and Outlook
Computer Information Technician: Job Outlook & Info
Be a Computer Specialist: Salary and Career Specialization Information
Career Information
Career Info for a Degree in General Computer & Information Sciences
Career Information for a Degree in Computer Hardware
Program Info
Computer Software Degree Program Overviews
Computer Hardware Engineering Certificate and Certification Programs
Computer Technology Courses and Classes Overview
Schools with Computer Technology Programs: How to Choose
Chris’s Answer
I'm going to break this down a little easier since I had the same problem when I was trying to figure out what to major with. I've also listed them in importance for today.
Cyber-security - White-Hat Hacker
Software Engineering - Expert Software Programmer
Computer Science - Software Programmer
Computer Engineering - Hardware-circuit designer
Computer Forensics - Law Enforcement geek
Information Systems - General computer degree
Everyone is correct in stating that cybersecurity currently is very sought after and will be for a number of years due to the prevalence of corporate information leaks in the public news, but so are computer programmers.
The problem is, you don't want to be stuck in a job you don't like so what I would do is research all of these on your own with the secondary titles I've given you. Basically, one of these is going to be something you are already doing as a hobby. Whether it's designing a level for Halo or writing a story in the high school paper about an investigation you did, one of these majors is going to pop out at you as your favorite. And if none of them do, don't get stuck doing it just because you can make a lot of money. You should major in what you love to do in your off time.
Angus’s Answer
Excellent question! There are so many new and exciting areas in tech where there are some fantastic job opportunities. For example, in the new types of engineering like materials science, nano-technology and bio-science, all of which are going to be world-changing in the future, with jobs like scientists, researchers, programmers, designers, etc on the tech side. Rather than jumping straight into engineering, what about topics like linguistics, languages, and programming languages - these could open doors into these tech industries very easily.
Another route (as I work in the digital age) is think about starting as a data scientist - with the evolution of the use of "data everywhere" (Internet of Things) - this is a huge growing industry. This is applicable in all industries - from auto to healthcare, to weather forecasting, to managing cities and education!! So many areas! There is also an opportunity to look at data science from different angles, like the pure maths side through to the "creative" side (being able to interpret data for a project or business, and convert data into interesting information and insight).
Creative design is often linked to technology - Computer Aided Design, Game Design, 3D design, VR development - all need huge creative input to a massively tech-focused business.
In fact nearly EVERY business has a strong tech-aspect to is if you look hard enough!
Pradeep’s Answer
If you want to work is something that is trending now and is amazing every day at what you do, I would recommend a Cybersecurity career, however if you love to create things, design, invent, maybe you can lead your career for something like peogramming or architect solutions to solve problems of companies. I love the field for what I work for, information security, every day is a new challenge, every day is different, you always have to be learning about nre threats, new risks, new vulnerabilities, new technologies, if all this stuff sounds good for you, go ahead, start a career in Cybersecurity!
Tjada’s Answer
Most Computer-related fields will increase in demand over the coming years, I think it is more important to consider what you are interested in. You will find that we work years to get into a career the ultimately do not like. Luckily all of these fields involve computers. I would suggest you gain as much exposure to each of them needed to decide whether you would like them or not. At the end of the day the job market for any Computer professional will be quite large.
Felipe’s Answer
Hi there
If you want to work is something that is trending now and is amazing every day at what you do, I would recommend a Cybersecurity career, however if you love to create things, design, invent, maybe you can lead your career for something like peogramming or architect solutions to solve problems of companies. I love the field for what I work for, information security, every day is a new challenge, every day is different, you always have to be learning about nre threats, new risks, new vulnerabilities, new technologies, if all this stuff sounds good for you, go ahead, start a career in Cybersecurity!
Felipe
Naveen Kumar MN
Naveen’s Answer
Computer degrees give students access to state-of-the-art equipment, helping them learn in an interactive way. Continue reading for an overview of the programs, as well as salary info for some career options for graduates.
Those with a degree in computers have a number of career options available to them. They might seek work in computer science, computer engineering, or information technology. For most positions, some level of work experience is required and optional certification is available in some cases.
- Online Degrees
Associate of Computer Network Engineering: Online Degree
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems: Online Degree
Master of Science in Computer Science: Online Degree - Salaries and Outlook
Computer Information Technician: Job Outlook & Info
Be a Computer Specialist: Salary and Career Specialization Information - Career Information
Career Info for a Degree in General Computer & Information Sciences
Career Information for a Degree in Computer Hardware - Program Info
Computer Software Degree Program Overviews
Computer Hardware Engineering Certificate and Certification Programs
Computer Technology Courses and Classes Overview
Schools with Computer Technology Programs: How to Choose
John ’s Answer
Cyber-security - White-Hat Hacker
Software Engineering - Expert Software Programmer
Computer Science - Software Programmer
Computer Engineering - Hardware-circuit designer
Computer Forensics - Law Enforcement geek
Information Systems - General computer degree
Everyone is correct in stating that cybersecurity currently is very sought after and will be for a number of years due to the prevalence of corporate information leaks in the public news, but so are computer programmers.
The problem is, you don't want to be stuck in a job you don't like so what I would do is research all of these on your own with the secondary titles I've given you. Basically, one of these is going to be something you are already doing as a hobby. Whether it's designing a level for Halo or writing a story in the high school paper about an investigation you did, one of these majors is going to pop out at you as your favorite. And if none of them do, don't get stuck doing it just because you can make a lot of money. You should major in what you love to do in your off time.