What do you think about this...?

mmarshall · 09-16-2006, 04:59 PM

Greetings everyone,

I have been reading around various computer forums as well as here, and have found that the industry is currently over-flooded with capable specialists, and job finding is obviously highly-competitive and tough for the "average" person.

I am highly concerned about making the correct career decision - so concerned, I have wasted 3 years out of high school worrying about where to start, simply afraid of going for the wrong thing. I seek education of a bachelors to possibly a masters degree.

It seems like every time I try to research a career, the outlook is always "good", until you read about what's really going on with folks in the good ol forums and see the truth of it all.

I myself was on the computer-orientied-field bandwagon for quite some time, but after reading the forums, I have been literally scared away from getting a bachelors degree in the field.

I don't want to start another thread of what's already been discussed everywhere with whats going on, but simply would rather like to make a proposal to another career, and see if anyone here can comment on just how "correct" this decision may be.

How about, an electrical engineer?

Would I be making a good decision by obtaining a BS in electrical engineering, or would I be entering another high-risk field for a job?

Thanks for any comments/opinions folks.

Quantum Bit · 09-17-2006, 01:02 AM

The outlook is not that bad. Specially for any engineering and software engineering. The flooding is in IT, because you have all the kids who try to get into IT from highschool, then you have kids who get 2 year degrees and then you have kids who get a 4 year degree. So if you are one of the people who are trying to get into IT without a 4 year degree, then it may seem flooded. But you should not have a problem if you have a 4 year degree. Since you already mentioned you plan on going to college, I commend you on that and you should have no problem with whatever field you decide to choose.

mmarshall · 09-17-2006, 01:37 AM

Really? I was under the assumption that the computer-related fields in general were starting to become crowded if you really didn't stick out.

I guess you are right with the education levels and worker correlation; the more education the fewer who have it obviously.

I think I am starting to really sway towards the electrical engineering though. I have always been mathmatically and scientifically inclined I believe, and have always wanted to make the most of these areas. Building and creating physically operating devices would appeal to me, I think it may just be the way to go.

jaeusm · 09-18-2006, 11:14 AM

Your major does not necessarily dictate your career path. Software developers have degrees in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. Get your degree, then get your job. The two are not as tightly coupled as you believe.

Ste · 09-18-2006, 11:18 AM

BS Then MA + Many Certs is the way to go. IMO anyways.
And if you have to stick out, then Stick out if you want the job.

superdave1984 · 09-18-2006, 03:25 PM

This is from a guy who made a career change at the age of 40. Yes i'm an old fart. Find what you are passionate about and pursue it. No, not that hot girl that works in accounting. If you enjoy what you do, you will do it better. When you interview for a job in that field, your enthusiasm shows. Above all don't be afraid to take a chance. You start at the bottom. Period. It really sucks to start over at my age, but it's working so far. Had to make some lifestyle changes but that's just life. Not everybody enjoys their job. I do. And the people I work for know it and they are very appreciative of that. I do my job the best I can, I don't get involved in office politics or any of that other garbage, and I go home. If you are working just for the money, you will not be satisfied most likely. Personally I would rather have a lower paying job that I enjoy over a higher paying job that makes me cringe when I go in the door. As long as I have room to grow and learn I am perfectly happy. Life is way too short to be miserable 40 hours a week.

09-16-2006, 04:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
mmarshall Newb Techie Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 7	What do you think about this...? Greetings everyone, I have been reading around various computer forums as well as here, and have found that the industry is currently over-flooded with capable specialists, and job finding is obviously highly-competitive and tough for the "average" person. I am highly concerned about making the correct career decision - so concerned, I have wasted 3 years out of high school worrying about where to start, simply afraid of going for the wrong thing. I seek education of a bachelors to possibly a masters degree. It seems like every time I try to research a career, the outlook is always "good", until you read about what's really going on with folks in the good ol forums and see the truth of it all. I myself was on the computer-orientied-field bandwagon for quite some time, but after reading the forums, I have been literally scared away from getting a bachelors degree in the field. I don't want to start another thread of what's already been discussed everywhere with whats going on, but simply would rather like to make a proposal to another career, and see if anyone here can comment on just how "correct" this decision may be. How about, an electrical engineer? Would I be making a good decision by obtaining a BS in electrical engineering, or would I be entering another high-risk field for a job? Thanks for any comments/opinions folks.

09-18-2006, 11:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ste lvl Infinite Psychopath Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mount Prospect, IL Posts: 8,580	BS Then MA + Many Certs is the way to go. IMO anyways. And if you have to stick out, then Stick out if you want the job. __________________ Read The Rules!! Power Supply Guide Intel Overclocking Thread AMD Overclocking Thread Other Important Threads I'm sorry but I do not accept support requests via IM, email, or personal messages There will come a day, such a day when all will be told more than they wish to know, what one hears may explain the past, it may explain the future, but it has never made a difference either way and it will change nothing. Some day.... But that is not this day, and I don't know when, I just don't know.

09-18-2006, 03:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
superdave1984 Repeat Offender Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Union City, TN Posts: 1,847	This is from a guy who made a career change at the age of 40. Yes i'm an old fart. Find what you are passionate about and pursue it. No, not that hot girl that works in accounting. If you enjoy what you do, you will do it better. When you interview for a job in that field, your enthusiasm shows. Above all don't be afraid to take a chance. You start at the bottom. Period. It really sucks to start over at my age, but it's working so far. Had to make some lifestyle changes but that's just life. Not everybody enjoys their job. I do. And the people I work for know it and they are very appreciative of that. I do my job the best I can, I don't get involved in office politics or any of that other garbage, and I go home. If you are working just for the money, you will not be satisfied most likely. Personally I would rather have a lower paying job that I enjoy over a higher paying job that makes me cringe when I go in the door. As long as I have room to grow and learn I am perfectly happy. Life is way too short to be miserable 40 hours a week. __________________

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09-17-2006, 01:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
Quantum Bit Newb Techie Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 46	The outlook is not that bad. Specially for any engineering and software engineering. The flooding is in IT, because you have all the kids who try to get into IT from highschool, then you have kids who get 2 year degrees and then you have kids who get a 4 year degree. So if you are one of the people who are trying to get into IT without a 4 year degree, then it may seem flooded. But you should not have a problem if you have a 4 year degree. Since you already mentioned you plan on going to college, I commend you on that and you should have no problem with whatever field you decide to choose.

09-17-2006, 01:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
mmarshall Newb Techie Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 7	Really? I was under the assumption that the computer-related fields in general were starting to become crowded if you really didn't stick out. I guess you are right with the education levels and worker correlation; the more education the fewer who have it obviously. I think I am starting to really sway towards the electrical engineering though. I have always been mathmatically and scientifically inclined I believe, and have always wanted to make the most of these areas. Building and creating physically operating devices would appeal to me, I think it may just be the way to go.

09-18-2006, 11:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
jaeusm Software Developer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 494	Your major does not necessarily dictate your career path. Software developers have degrees in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. Get your degree, then get your job. The two are not as tightly coupled as you believe.