6 answers
Andres
Student
Cooper City, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What colleges should I be looking at if I want to be an I.T.?
It can either be in Florida or in the US.
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6 answers
Melissa Kamermayer
Software Development
12
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hello Andres! You have gotten great advice already. Just thought I'd add a bit more to what's already said. Please remember that you don't have to go to the best college to get a degree and a job. To add to the things to consider in choosing a college, once you've narrowed down the list of colleges you are interested in, visit them if you can. Oftentimes those who visit multiple colleges have a moment where they say, this is it, this is home, this feels like a good fit for me.
Also, you can do your first 2 years at a local community college and then move to a state unversity, for example, for the next 2 years to get your Bachelor's degree. Just something to consider. Most any university in Florida will do just fine in getting a degree that involves programming.
Side note, there is often computer related degree(s) out of the Business college and out of the Engineering college of a university. Look at the list of courses for each degree to help you find which IT related degree you are most interested in.
In IT, there are many types of work that is performed. Development teams perform the coding and unit testing. System test/quality assurance teams are testers to write test cases/scenarios to validate the code that the development teams deliver. There are people who manage the projects. And so on. If you are analytical in nature, like solving puzzles, enjoy tackling challenges that need solving, then IT sounds like a good fit for you. Interesting side note, if you are creative also, I have found that it typically makes you an even better software developer!
Also, you can do your first 2 years at a local community college and then move to a state unversity, for example, for the next 2 years to get your Bachelor's degree. Just something to consider. Most any university in Florida will do just fine in getting a degree that involves programming.
Side note, there is often computer related degree(s) out of the Business college and out of the Engineering college of a university. Look at the list of courses for each degree to help you find which IT related degree you are most interested in.
In IT, there are many types of work that is performed. Development teams perform the coding and unit testing. System test/quality assurance teams are testers to write test cases/scenarios to validate the code that the development teams deliver. There are people who manage the projects. And so on. If you are analytical in nature, like solving puzzles, enjoy tackling challenges that need solving, then IT sounds like a good fit for you. Interesting side note, if you are creative also, I have found that it typically makes you an even better software developer!
Jolese Dunwoody
Loan Analyst
13
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Jolese’s Answer
Hey Andres! I'm so excited to share that I'm currently attending Purdue University Global, an online college, and it has been an amazing experience! The great news is that you have a world of options when it comes to choosing an online institution that's just right for you!
Now, if you're considering attending in-person, it's a fantastic idea to research each college you're interested in on Google. Carefully compare factors that truly matter to you, such as programs, clubs, and housing. This will help you create a shortlist of schools that cater to your specific needs.
Always remember, the possibilities are endless, and I have no doubt that you'll find the perfect college for your needs. I'm here to support you on this incredible journey, and I can't wait to see where it takes you! Sending you all the best vibes and loads of luck for your exciting college adventure!
Now, if you're considering attending in-person, it's a fantastic idea to research each college you're interested in on Google. Carefully compare factors that truly matter to you, such as programs, clubs, and housing. This will help you create a shortlist of schools that cater to your specific needs.
Always remember, the possibilities are endless, and I have no doubt that you'll find the perfect college for your needs. I'm here to support you on this incredible journey, and I can't wait to see where it takes you! Sending you all the best vibes and loads of luck for your exciting college adventure!
Micheal White, MBA
Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Management
19
Answers
Panama City Beach, Florida
Updated
Micheal’s Answer
Florida Institute of Technology is not a bad choice of you want to remain in the state.
Amy Macchiarola
Solutions Engineer and Implementation Management
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Florida has many wonderful options for degrees in technology. All of the public universities offer bachelor’s in MIS, Computer Science, Engineering etc. Check out USF, UF, FSU, Polytech and UCF.
I graduated from USF with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and a concentration in Management Information Systems which prepared for me technical roles that required working with people, both internal and external. This degree has been renamed. Read this article: https://www.usf.edu/business/news/articles/160330-isds-degree-change.aspx
I highly recommend degrees in Data/Business Analytics or info/cybersecurity. They are well-compensated and there’s great demand for this expertise today.
I graduated from USF with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and a concentration in Management Information Systems which prepared for me technical roles that required working with people, both internal and external. This degree has been renamed. Read this article: https://www.usf.edu/business/news/articles/160330-isds-degree-change.aspx
I highly recommend degrees in Data/Business Analytics or info/cybersecurity. They are well-compensated and there’s great demand for this expertise today.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Andres,
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Information Technology (I.T.):
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-public-affairs-schools/information-technology-management-rankings
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Arizona State University
- Syracuse University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University at Albany - SUNY
According to Niche, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Information Technology (I.T.):
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-information-technology/
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cornell University
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- University at Buffalo - SUNY
- Penn State University
- Hallmark University
- Brigham Young University
- Western Governors University
- University of Washington
- New York University
- Florida State University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Information Technology!
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Information Technology (I.T.):
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-public-affairs-schools/information-technology-management-rankings
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Arizona State University
- Syracuse University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University at Albany - SUNY
According to Niche, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Information Technology (I.T.):
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-information-technology/
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cornell University
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- University at Buffalo - SUNY
- Penn State University
- Hallmark University
- Brigham Young University
- Western Governors University
- University of Washington
- New York University
- Florida State University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Information Technology!
Mike Gresley, PSM, PSPO
Strategist/Architect/Programmer/Leader
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mike’s Answer
I graduated from Purdue University and have had a very successful IT career, including significant positions at Salesforce, Microsoft, and JPMorganChase.
Purdue is consistently ranked as one of the best values in Public education, as well as being one of the best engineering and technology schools in the country. They've frozen tuition prices for what will now be twelve years in a row! I don't know of any other university that is so tightly focused on value and caring for their students first.
Today, Fast Company also announced that Purdue is ranked #1 in most innovative education companies, and is the only University to be on the list.
Most importantly, Purdue focuses on going beyond the theoretical and providing practical training as a matter of coursework. When I graduated, I original joined a consulting firm, where we entered an "intense six-week training program." My peers were wrestling with all of the new subjects and technology. I, on the other hand, had already worked with the tech, processes, and subjects on which we were being trained. I was done early every day and was able to help out my teammates. In short, I knew how to do my job when I graduated...Purdue prepared me for the real job market.
Purdue is also opening a second main campus in Indianapolis, so they will greatly increase their total student capacity, and the scaling will help keep things more affordable. Additionally, they're bringing semiconductor (chip) manufacturing to be constructed near campus, so students there will have the opportunity to go "lab-to-fab" both for education and career!
I can't say enough good things about my alma mater and how my education there prepared me for life. What I learned was leading-edge, but practical and applicable. I credit Purdue with a lot of my career success.
Purdue is consistently ranked as one of the best values in Public education, as well as being one of the best engineering and technology schools in the country. They've frozen tuition prices for what will now be twelve years in a row! I don't know of any other university that is so tightly focused on value and caring for their students first.
Today, Fast Company also announced that Purdue is ranked #1 in most innovative education companies, and is the only University to be on the list.
Most importantly, Purdue focuses on going beyond the theoretical and providing practical training as a matter of coursework. When I graduated, I original joined a consulting firm, where we entered an "intense six-week training program." My peers were wrestling with all of the new subjects and technology. I, on the other hand, had already worked with the tech, processes, and subjects on which we were being trained. I was done early every day and was able to help out my teammates. In short, I knew how to do my job when I graduated...Purdue prepared me for the real job market.
Purdue is also opening a second main campus in Indianapolis, so they will greatly increase their total student capacity, and the scaling will help keep things more affordable. Additionally, they're bringing semiconductor (chip) manufacturing to be constructed near campus, so students there will have the opportunity to go "lab-to-fab" both for education and career!
I can't say enough good things about my alma mater and how my education there prepared me for life. What I learned was leading-edge, but practical and applicable. I credit Purdue with a lot of my career success.