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How can I pick between a couple of career paths i'm thinking of?
I am split between a career involved with computer science/IT and a career involved with graphic design. I want to be able to make a 6 figure salary, as I live in an area with a high cost of living, but I also want a career i'll enjoy. I like the idea of either career path/majors but i'm conflicted. Is majoring in CS or IT and minoring in Graphic Design a good idea?
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7 answers
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Steve’s Answer
Fantastic insights shared here!
While it's crucial to maintain your living standards, don't just chase the paycheck! You can easily look up the salary scales for Computer Science/IT and Graphic Design professionals online. In the current job market, CS/IT is leading the pack... and it has been for quite some time.
However, it's essential to find joy in what you do.
For instance, I devoted my entire career to the creative realm of video production, wearing many hats as a producer, writer, director, and editor... As the industry bounces back from various challenges like strikes, technological advancements, AI, and other influences, countless individuals are presently jobless. I took the initiative and completed an online course, earning a professional certification in Cybersecurity from Google. But, as I embarked on my job hunt, I discovered that this field just wasn't for me. The takeaway here is that you have the luxury of time to carve out your career path. Trust your instincts on what you want to chase, bearing in mind that you can always switch gears if necessary.
Best of luck!
While it's crucial to maintain your living standards, don't just chase the paycheck! You can easily look up the salary scales for Computer Science/IT and Graphic Design professionals online. In the current job market, CS/IT is leading the pack... and it has been for quite some time.
However, it's essential to find joy in what you do.
For instance, I devoted my entire career to the creative realm of video production, wearing many hats as a producer, writer, director, and editor... As the industry bounces back from various challenges like strikes, technological advancements, AI, and other influences, countless individuals are presently jobless. I took the initiative and completed an online course, earning a professional certification in Cybersecurity from Google. But, as I embarked on my job hunt, I discovered that this field just wasn't for me. The takeaway here is that you have the luxury of time to carve out your career path. Trust your instincts on what you want to chase, bearing in mind that you can always switch gears if necessary.
Best of luck!
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Juan,
Really good question! And, you are not alone! Most people during their college career aren't certain of their career path and that is absolutely fine! One of the big advantages to college or university is that you can take different classes and see where your passions lie. I started my academic career in Biology with the intent of becoming a Marine Biologist. I took my first Computer Science class and fell in love! I ended up earning degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Computer Security and had a 38 year career in technology and academia. I will say that, if you ask my mother, she would tell you that I changed majors weekly!
You are not locked in to a major or path. You can always change. The good news is that both of your areas of interest overlap so a switch wouldn't impact your college career significantly. And, classes in each will give you useful skills.
I recommend that you take as many classes in both as you can and see which you prefer. If possible, earn either a double major or add the minor. It looks better on your resume and gives you more options.
As you go through your career, you will change and adapt. You can always switch from one to the other. I began my career as a high-level software developer, transitioned to a hardware test developer, including designing hardware, then into firmware (BIOS) development and finally academia as a professor. Technology changes quickly and you will adapt and shift so nothing is permanent!
My last recommendation is to enjoy your college career! Best of luck!
Really good question! And, you are not alone! Most people during their college career aren't certain of their career path and that is absolutely fine! One of the big advantages to college or university is that you can take different classes and see where your passions lie. I started my academic career in Biology with the intent of becoming a Marine Biologist. I took my first Computer Science class and fell in love! I ended up earning degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Computer Security and had a 38 year career in technology and academia. I will say that, if you ask my mother, she would tell you that I changed majors weekly!
You are not locked in to a major or path. You can always change. The good news is that both of your areas of interest overlap so a switch wouldn't impact your college career significantly. And, classes in each will give you useful skills.
I recommend that you take as many classes in both as you can and see which you prefer. If possible, earn either a double major or add the minor. It looks better on your resume and gives you more options.
As you go through your career, you will change and adapt. You can always switch from one to the other. I began my career as a high-level software developer, transitioned to a hardware test developer, including designing hardware, then into firmware (BIOS) development and finally academia as a professor. Technology changes quickly and you will adapt and shift so nothing is permanent!
My last recommendation is to enjoy your college career! Best of luck!
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You aren’t alone. Some of us who are well into our career still wonder what we want to ultimately do with our lives.
I recommend trying to talk with someone who is currently doing each job and ask them about their experiences. We don’t buy a car without test driving it and selecting a career should be no different.
Thinking good thoughts as you explore.
I recommend trying to talk with someone who is currently doing each job and ask them about their experiences. We don’t buy a car without test driving it and selecting a career should be no different.
Thinking good thoughts as you explore.
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
To choose between career paths, consider these steps:
1. **Self-Assessment**: Reflect on your interests, strengths, and values.
2. **Research**: Look into job roles, required skills, and career prospects.
3. **Experience**: Try internships or volunteer work in both fields.
4. **Consult**: Talk to professionals in each field for insights.
5. **Evaluate**: Compare how each path aligns with your long-term goals¹.
This should help you make a more informed decision!
1. **Self-Assessment**: Reflect on your interests, strengths, and values.
2. **Research**: Look into job roles, required skills, and career prospects.
3. **Experience**: Try internships or volunteer work in both fields.
4. **Consult**: Talk to professionals in each field for insights.
5. **Evaluate**: Compare how each path aligns with your long-term goals¹.
This should help you make a more informed decision!
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
The advice already given here is excellent!
Take into consideration, as well, that both of those skills have a lot of over-lap. If you major in one, but make sure to take classes in the other, chances are good that you're going to find opportunities to use both sets of skills within whichever industry you settle on (or probably in many other industries as well - not many that don't appreciate a good graphic artist, and basically everything needs tech support and programmers these days!), just remember that if you decide not to focus on the Comp-Sci/IT end, maybe keep some of those abilities under your hat; when your supervisor or leadership finds out that you *can* do something, even if it isn't in your official job description, it can be a quick, slippery-slope to "Hey, can you fix this too" and you'll end up burnt out and under-valued.
Also, I know it can be hard at this point in your life, but try to think about what kinds of things you're going to want to do for fun down the line too. Both of those industries tend to be never-ending deadline projects, one after the other. If you're the kind of person who likes to have a week or two off for vacation at a time, know that you're going to need to have extremely good communication skills, bargaining skills, and record keeping skills to make sure you get that time. And honestly, those skills are useful literally everywhere in your every-day life. They're worth cultivating!
tl;dr - don't put all your eggs in one basket. Good luck!
Take into consideration, as well, that both of those skills have a lot of over-lap. If you major in one, but make sure to take classes in the other, chances are good that you're going to find opportunities to use both sets of skills within whichever industry you settle on (or probably in many other industries as well - not many that don't appreciate a good graphic artist, and basically everything needs tech support and programmers these days!), just remember that if you decide not to focus on the Comp-Sci/IT end, maybe keep some of those abilities under your hat; when your supervisor or leadership finds out that you *can* do something, even if it isn't in your official job description, it can be a quick, slippery-slope to "Hey, can you fix this too" and you'll end up burnt out and under-valued.
Also, I know it can be hard at this point in your life, but try to think about what kinds of things you're going to want to do for fun down the line too. Both of those industries tend to be never-ending deadline projects, one after the other. If you're the kind of person who likes to have a week or two off for vacation at a time, know that you're going to need to have extremely good communication skills, bargaining skills, and record keeping skills to make sure you get that time. And honestly, those skills are useful literally everywhere in your every-day life. They're worth cultivating!
tl;dr - don't put all your eggs in one basket. Good luck!
Updated
Abbas’s Answer
A common dilemma! Choosing between two appealing career paths can be tough. Here's a balanced analysis to help you decide:
*Computer Science/IT:*
Pros:
1. High earning potential (6-figure salaries are common in the Bay Area)
2. Strong job market demand
3. Constantly evolving field with new challenges and opportunities
Cons:
1. May involve long hours, high stress, and continuous learning
2. Limited creativity in some roles
*Graphic Design:*
Pros:
1. Creative expression and visual problem-solving
2. Variety of projects and clients (if freelancing)
3. Flexibility in work arrangements (remote work, freelancing)
Cons:
1. Lower earning potential compared to CS/IT (although still possible to reach 6 figures)
2. Subjective feedback and criticism
*Majoring in CS/IT and minoring in Graphic Design:*
This combination can be beneficial, as it:
1. Develops strong technical skills
2. Adds creative skills to complement technical expertise
3. Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking
4. Opens doors to roles like UX/UI design, front-end development, or technical design
However, consider the following:
1. Double the coursework and time commitment
2. Potential for conflicting schedules and priorities
3. Ensure the minor program is substantial enough to provide meaningful skills
To make a decision:
1. Reflect on your passions and strengths: Which field do you enjoy more? Where do you excel?
2. Research job roles and salaries: Look into specific positions in both fields, including job descriptions, growth prospects, and salary ranges.
3. Network with professionals: Talk to people in both industries to gain insights into their experiences and advice.
4. Consider a "bridge" role: Explore positions that combine elements of both fields, like UX/UI design or technical design.
5. Keep an open mind: Be willing to adjust your path as you learn and grow.
Remember, it's not a permanent choice. You can always pivot or add new skills later in your career. Good luck!
*Computer Science/IT:*
Pros:
1. High earning potential (6-figure salaries are common in the Bay Area)
2. Strong job market demand
3. Constantly evolving field with new challenges and opportunities
Cons:
1. May involve long hours, high stress, and continuous learning
2. Limited creativity in some roles
*Graphic Design:*
Pros:
1. Creative expression and visual problem-solving
2. Variety of projects and clients (if freelancing)
3. Flexibility in work arrangements (remote work, freelancing)
Cons:
1. Lower earning potential compared to CS/IT (although still possible to reach 6 figures)
2. Subjective feedback and criticism
*Majoring in CS/IT and minoring in Graphic Design:*
This combination can be beneficial, as it:
1. Develops strong technical skills
2. Adds creative skills to complement technical expertise
3. Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking
4. Opens doors to roles like UX/UI design, front-end development, or technical design
However, consider the following:
1. Double the coursework and time commitment
2. Potential for conflicting schedules and priorities
3. Ensure the minor program is substantial enough to provide meaningful skills
To make a decision:
1. Reflect on your passions and strengths: Which field do you enjoy more? Where do you excel?
2. Research job roles and salaries: Look into specific positions in both fields, including job descriptions, growth prospects, and salary ranges.
3. Network with professionals: Talk to people in both industries to gain insights into their experiences and advice.
4. Consider a "bridge" role: Explore positions that combine elements of both fields, like UX/UI design or technical design.
5. Keep an open mind: Be willing to adjust your path as you learn and grow.
Remember, it's not a permanent choice. You can always pivot or add new skills later in your career. Good luck!
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
Dear Juan,
Making a choice can indeed be challenging.
However, remember that choosing one path doesn't necessarily mean closing the door on the other. In numerous technical fields, design skills are highly valuable. For instance, User Experience (UX) design is a prime example. Graphic designers can utilize their abilities in various technical domains such as website development, architectural design, and more. If resources and time allow, I would recommend exploring several classes in each field. This will provide a clearer understanding of what aligns best with not only your interests but also your inherent abilities and personality traits.
In my personal journey, I discovered my ADHD diagnosis well after I began my desk job. I often questioned why I detested being confined to a desk all day. Eventually, I realized it was because my personality thrived on movement and diversity. Had I known this about myself during my college years, I might have pursued archaeology or a field that didn't restrict me to a desk all day. My interests span across a wide range of both technical and artistic subjects, and I'm still on my quest to find the perfect fit.
So, my advice to you would be to ensure that your interests align with your daily psychological needs and your inherent abilities.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Making a choice can indeed be challenging.
However, remember that choosing one path doesn't necessarily mean closing the door on the other. In numerous technical fields, design skills are highly valuable. For instance, User Experience (UX) design is a prime example. Graphic designers can utilize their abilities in various technical domains such as website development, architectural design, and more. If resources and time allow, I would recommend exploring several classes in each field. This will provide a clearer understanding of what aligns best with not only your interests but also your inherent abilities and personality traits.
In my personal journey, I discovered my ADHD diagnosis well after I began my desk job. I often questioned why I detested being confined to a desk all day. Eventually, I realized it was because my personality thrived on movement and diversity. Had I known this about myself during my college years, I might have pursued archaeology or a field that didn't restrict me to a desk all day. My interests span across a wide range of both technical and artistic subjects, and I'm still on my quest to find the perfect fit.
So, my advice to you would be to ensure that your interests align with your daily psychological needs and your inherent abilities.
Wishing you the best of luck!