If you were planning on being a CS major, which specific areas would be wisest to go into(moneywise of course)

Answer 1

First off, let me say that if you're in the field for the money, you should take a long, hard look at what you're doing. When you get out of school, you're going to get into a job, and you're going to need to be working 50-80 hours a week. You're going to live in front of your boxes, whether it be at work or at home, and most of the people you see or know will be technical.

If that isn't what you want, if the potential to work on cool stuff and solve interesting problems doesn't outweigh the rest, maybe you should consider another field. The money doesn't matter if you hate your job and the lifestyle.

If CS is still what you want to do, and you're just looking for the high paying bits, realize that that changes year to year. Find something you do well, and enjoy doing, and go with that. Think about the money later.

Answer 2

Make sure you understand the difference between Computer Science and Computer Engineering. Most of what these folks are talking about aligns with a typical Computer Engineering background. You can still work as an engineer with a CS degree (I did as a consultant), but in general a CS degree will prepare you more for research and high-math-focuses careers.

Also, I've heard CS majors are on the decline these days (see references). So in 4 years, there may be more of a need than there is now. It's true that a lot of engineering is being outsourced, but IT jobs are growing at a comperable rate. Think about this: you will probably need a decent background in computers just to work your fridgerator in 10 years.

Also, don't worry about outsourcing. The way to beat that game is to move to an island with a low cost of living and become the enemy (so to speak).

If I were studying CS right now, I would focus on Artificial Intelligence. There are going to be a lot of breakthroughs in this area over the next few years. While most off-shored, out-sourced development is focused on business development, your AI background will prepare you for a segment of development that will be understaffed soon. Money is going to flow input this area very quickly once the business plans pan out.

Right now, a degree in CS concentrating in AI is mostly preparing you for a research position at a university (read: not a lot of money), I'd say in 4-8 years there will be a lot of money coming into the coffers of folks with a strong AI background.

Answer 3

Dude, don't listen to Curious George. He is disappointed because he is 30 and still lives at home. Just Kidding. There are very many opportunities for us techies and there will always be. Being a current Electronic Engineering student, I have researched the job availability in our occupation and it is very good. Networking has many opportunities but won't pay as much as say programming or computer design. I would look at the courses offered at the school your are planning attend. Try to take a course that offers a broad learning perspective. I personally attend Devry and I strongly recommend their courses. The courses are very versatile and offer great placement programs during and upon completion.

Answer 4

If money is what you want then you should try the defense industry. Most postitions require a security clearance and background investigation but the pay rates are usually 10-20% higher than commercial. If you can, find an intern program and work with a contractor like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, etc. on your summers off. You won't make much money but it will get your foot in the door.

Answer 5

If your goal is cash don't waste your time with a CS degree. IT's for those of us that love the work despite how jacked up the industry is. Minor in CS. Get a business degree and go into management.

Answer 6

Dude what did I just tell you! Its a sinking ship, the market is soo over saturated with CS majors that no one can get any job worth a damn. Go talk to the guys at geek squad. How many of them have CS degrees and now they repair computers at best buy!!

Answer 7

Bad choice of major! If you are majoring in that area, you better move to another country! Chances of hiring is very low in the states! My friends have BS degree in CS, and now they are jobless! They are getting another degree! What a waste of time?

Many companies are hiring people from India and other countries for cheaper labor!

Answer 8

The demographics of the mainframe business indicate that there will be mass retirements in the next ten years. Mainframes are used by most of the Fortune 500 companies for everything from stock transactions to payroll (anything where getting the right result the first time is important).

Answer 9

hmmm that's a crucial making decisions huh! well anyway if your planning to take a CS major, first you must be good in arithmetics or what we say math and also to logic, may the best areas to go to nowadays is in the fields of programming because not all of the CS major are born to be a programmer but if you intend to develop your skills in programmer is that many of the hot jobs now in INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY are all in programming... and if you also intend to make some futuristic ideas then go to the fields of robotics. but massive skills in physics, math and also programming are required in robotics..

Answer 10

Move to India and beat 'em at their own game.