Any IT professionals about?

[ctid]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm currently in my 2nd year of a BSc in Computer Science. In my first year I had an average of 71.4%, which would equate to a First. However, in the second year I've become increasingly disillusioned with the emphasis on programming in the course. Applications programming simply doesn't interest me, and this is what the degree seems to be mostly made up of.

I am thinking of changing my degree to a degree in Internet Computing. As long as I make the decision before monday, there will be no penalty for doing so, and I will be able to re-enrol in September as a 2nd year student.

I've looked at the modules for both Computer Science and Internet Computing, and those contained within Internet Computing interest me more. Web development is something I've always had a keen interest in, and is the business I want to go into once I graduate.

My only reservation with changing is the fact that a degree in Computer Science is possibly seen as being more prestigious than one in Internet Computing. Upon graduation, I don't want to find myself in a position where I have difficulty finding work due to the fact that my degree is in Internet Computing rather than Computer Science. Would this be the case, or am I placing too much emphasis on the importance of a degree's name?

Thanks for any advice

ctid

[Moby-Dick]

I've been working in IT for 10 years now - my degree is in Metallurgy

[ctid]

Haha, thanks. The Internet Computing degree contains stuff like serverside programming, ajax development, and advanced database systems. This is all stuff I think would be more useful to me than Java Programming and Analysis of Algorithms etc. I've been doing freelance web design for a while now, so I know it is something I could see myself doing full time, but want to know more about the backend stuff.

It's become a case of going to lectures and just being bored by the subject matter, whereas I'd really enjoy learning about the modules I'd be doing in Internet Computing. Is the importance of a degree's name all in my head then?

The other thing that is bothering me is that I turned down an offer from a much more established university to do Internet Computing in favour of Computer Science at the university I'm at. Ah well, I suppose we all make mistakes

[Moby-Dick]

I suppose it depends on where in IT you want to go. There are a vast spectrum of jobs available - my particular skills are in the systems architectue / operational side of IT, though in a former life I was a SQL DBA.

In all honesty when I look at CV's I notice that a candidate has a degree , but I dont pay much attention to it. real world experience counts for much more.

[ctid]

It's the web development side of stuff I want to go into. I'm also interested in the Unix sysadmin side of things, but those modules are shared between the two degrees. It's the same with the networking modules. I suppose I already know the answer as to what I want to do, but wasn't sure how it would affect me after graduation, and whether I would be limiting myself too much.

Both of my parents worked in the IT sector (dad as a network security analyst, and mum in sysadmin), but neither of them had any formal qualifications to get those jobs, they both worked their way up from other jobs within the organisation.

Also, would you take much notice of whether a degree is a 2:1 or a First? I should get a First, but was just wondering if it makes that much of a difference. I'll be going on an industrial placement year, so that should give me some advantage when looking for a full time job.

Thanks

[jamin]

Ask yourself are you bored of the focus on programming, or does your boredom run deeper.Time to be honest with yourself mate...

[Lucio]

I think you need to ask yourself why are you finding application programing boring, because web development isn't really that different when you get down to it. My biggest concern about doing an Internet Computing degree is that's very specialised, and only prepares you to work in one narrow field of the industry. If the jobs aren't available at the end of your course for a web design company, where do you go from there?

[Stringent]

I did an MSc in Computer Science, this coming from a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology. I hated the programming aspect and found it boring too. I just trundled on with it. You are never going to like everything about a course. Just knuckle down and learn it. You may not even go into something which uses it at the end.

I did like Formal Specification though. That really appealed to my sense of working solutions out. Didn't even need to program!

[yamangman]

Not sure you should be looking upon your BSc as vocational training. CS/Internet computing, is their a vast difference? Nothing you couldn't pick up in a couple of hours of your spare time I'd of thought. (Degree is in English/CS and now a lead developer at web firm). I would definitely distinguish between a first and a 2:1 on a CV though, would only take the vaguest note of difference between 2:1 and 2:2.

Oh one more thing I would mention, from all of my current and previous colleagues, I can think of only 2 that have any computing-related degree. As I said, understand that the BSc should really be about academia.

[sp3n]

I think you need to ask yourself why are you finding application programing boring, because web development isn't really that different when you get down to it.

seconded

[dbh]

To be honest if you can learn the Java programming and the likes better while at uni then I would do so the AJAX etc you can learn more easily through books and resources (that's how I found it for myself).

I studied Multimedia Technology & Design and have found myself moving between programming and actionscripting to design on a continual basis, but definitely if web development is your thing and you want to focus on that the AJAX route probably is the better route but I reckon if you know Java pretty good you should be able to transition to the AJAX route easily. Rather than learn AJAX and then down the line try and do JAVA (as its going from something I personally see being easier to something harder).

Java programmers seem to hold more weight when it comes to wages than the average web developer as well. Bear that in mind too.

Oh and what Lucio said the difference between the two is neglible is true.

[tiggerai]

Ctid... if it helps - I'm a Prof. (ha!) Web Applications developer, and I did Software Engineering at Uni. I didn't get taught any of the Interfacing languages I now use, and have a background in Programming Java.

I'd stick with the CS... it will become more useful in a few years time. It took me 3 years to be using the stuff I learnt at uni but I'm glad I did it and not just took the easy way out with the Interfacing.

(I started on Internet Computing then switched to Engineering)

You'll also show employers that you're not just a one-trick pony and that you have a wider skill base than your average web dev. Which believe me, can make all the difference.

Also... your year in industry - if you get a good one... can mean more than any 1st or 2:1.

EDIT: To be a really good programmer you need to know the basics, doesn't matter what language or Client/ Middleware or Serverside programming you need to know how to work algorithms and the other things. (I've got too much to write here than I've got time to...)

(what were the 2 unis??)

PM me or add me on MSN if you wanna chat more

I did like Formal Specification though. That really appealed to my sense of working solutions out. Didn't even need to program!

You, my dear are a special case! (Actually... I did enjoy it, although it rotted my brain... Z logic anyone?)

[Stringent]

You, my dear are a special case! (Actually... I did enjoy it, although it rotted my brain... Z logic anyone?)

I know. Heh, having to work problems out on paper and theory is brilliant when you don't have to do any actual practical! LOL! I used to love coming up with names for the stuff. Brill.

Still can't get the hang of relationships though ...

[Bugbait]

You should view your degree as something that will open doors once you leave University. In the long term nothing matters more than commercial experience and exposure. I'd say stick with ComSci as it's generally viewed as being more "prestigious" and may open more doors. I've never cared too much about grades and marks as I've found those that are too studious can be closed or marrow minded, ie. Don't think outside the box. One of the best software testers I knew entered the industry with little direct IT knowledge and a Masters in Geology. One for the best software architects I've worked with was a chef first, then got his diploma and refused to get MS certified out of principle. Don't get too bogged down in the paper credentials.

[Mutley]

(I'm an IT/engineering manager in a well-known computing business. My team is very web focussed, but when recruiting, I look for a solid Bsc in Computer Science - its a great platform to work from, and teaches all the fundamentals you need to know. I myself came through the same background. Stick with it)

So in other words, what Tiggerai said:

Ctid... if it helps - I'm a Prof. (ha!) Web Applications developer, and I did Software Engineering at Uni. I didn't get taught any of the Interfacing languages I now use, and have a background in Programming Java.

I'd stick with the CS... it will become more useful in a few years time. It took me 3 years to be using the stuff I learnt at uni but I'm glad I did it and not just took the easy way out with the Interfacing.

(I started on Internet Computing then switched to Engineering)

You'll also show employers that you're not just a one-trick pony and that you have a wider skill base than your average web dev. Which believe me, can make all the difference.

Also... your year in industry - if you get a good one... can mean more than any 1st or 2:1.

EDIT: To be a really good programmer you need to know the basics, doesn't matter what language or Client/ Middleware or Serverside programming you need to know how to work algorithms and the other things. (I've got too much to write here than I've got time to...)

(what were the 2 unis??)

PM me or add me on MSN if you wanna chat more




You, my dear are a special case! (Actually... I did enjoy it, although it rotted my brain... Z logic anyone?)

[G4Z]

I am an IT professional and I don't even have a degree (ran out of cash).

I don't even have one of those fancy pants 'serco' IT certifications that qualifies you to type with two fingers and earn up to £37 grand a year.

I think qualifications are over rated, skill and experience or enthusiasm if you are just starting is all you need. Probably.. I suppose I did start this gig 7 years ago now but I really doubt things change that much.