Computer Careers

Bizness · ‎02-11-2012

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this forum, so I'm not really sure if this is the right place to post this question. I figured who better to ask then people with knowledge in the tech field. Any corrections are welcomed.

So I am exploring getting a bachelors in a computer related field, specifically Information Tech with a concentration on security. However, through my research I've read a few articles saying that, although the job market will be growing, businesses want business oriented backgrounds with computer security as well. I also read that most people in business have dual roles, a primary business specialty with computer security knowledge. I just want to get some opinions on whether going for this kind of degree would be worth it.

By worth it I mean financially rewarding and is there a demand for people with this degree. Are there other areas I should be looking at? I would like to pursue this specific degree, but I also want a job that's in demand and pays well when I get out of school. Thanks for any help.

dickevans · ‎04-08-2008

Bizness wrote:
Hey everyone,

I'm new to this forum, so I'm not really sure if this is the right place to post this question. I figured who better to ask then people with knowledge in the tech field. Any corrections are welcomed.

So I am exploring getting a bachelors in a computer related field, specifically Information Tech with a concentration on security. However, through my research I've read a few articles saying that, although the job market will be growing, businesses want business oriented backgrounds with computer security as well. I also read that most people in business have dual roles, a primary business specialty with computer security knowledge. I just want to get some opinions on whether going for this kind of degree would be worth it.

By worth it I mean financially rewarding and is there a demand for people with this degree. Are there other areas I should be looking at? I would like to pursue this specific degree, but I also want a job that's in demand and pays well when I get out of school. Thanks for any help.

Welcome,

This is as good a place as any to ask your question.

My observation is that if you don't understand the business and cannot speak the language then you won't be able to provide for their security needs. A major in security with a minor in business might be useful.

I work for a local government agency and the primary focus is not information security. However, we have a number of people who devote all of their time and energy to making sure that our systems remain both operational and secure. All of them have a good understanding of the agency mission and some of them have even been members of the department before changing fields/careers. Hope this helps

Stay well and surf safe

Dick
Win7x64 SP1 current NIS V20

Atomic_Blast · ‎09-05-2011

Hi Bizness:

Welcome to the Norton Community Forums!

I have been in Information Technology for many years and feel that Computer & Network Security combined with a Business background is the way to go. Here is also a good article that can help you get a grip on the industry, so please click here.

When you become rich and famous, please remember us ($$$) in the Norton Forums.

Best of luck to you in your career!

Respectfully,

Atomic_Blast :)

"Every day is just another increment on the bell curve of life."

Bizness · ‎02-11-2012

Thanks for the help guys! Minor in business it is. Atomic I bookmarked the article, so I'll remember the forums

bleeper24 · ‎04-13-2011

Hi Bizness

Bizness wrote:
Thanks for the help guys! Minor in business it is. Atomic I bookmarked the article, so I'll remember the forums

Firstly...all the very best with your chosen path ....Here in the U/K ....a similar scenario is apparent .......Which subject to major in ? Which specific path to take ......and in which business field ? Not easy to decide considering all the "what ifs;" etc ;

It can seem very daunting at times....but a firm belief in yourself and your abilities will be invaluable .The wide range of knowlege your chosen subject will give you , will span many areas of subject matter that can prove immeasurably valuable in many fields of business

I spent many years in IT and have watched it continually evolve in many directions .As it has evolved ...so have the Security issues we all face ......in my humble opinion ....a career in the Security and network field is an excellent choice !

With the "Tablet " market also rapidly gaining momentum these days ...there are numerous extra security challenges that have yet to make an appearance on the scene ....and the business sectors that will be in need of security specialist attention will also increase !

A good understanding of the business aspects will be of reat value to you also ...but a firm grounding in the core of the Security and Network field will stand you in good stead and a good secondary understanding of business needs will enhance your ability to apply your knowlege to specific needs !

Building a rapport with the guys' who interview you is a subject that could fill a book all on its' own ...and this is where the confidence that you gain by understanding your "core " subject can really pay dividends

Good luck in your studies and for the future !

...................Ed

Windows7 SP1....Norton NIS 2012 ...4Gb RAM ..Momentus XT SolidState HybridHD

Docendo discimus ( Teach in order to learn)

dickevans · ‎04-08-2008

Bizness,

Bleeper24 makes a very good point about the interview/interviewer. Your degree(s) will get the interview but YOU have to sell yourself as the best person for the job to start getting paid. Know the company, know the need and then convince them that you have the tools and the will do get the job done. If you can't/won't do that stay home with a second cupa.

Hunt smart and shoot straight

Dick
Win7x64 SP1 current NIS V20

huwyngr · ‎04-13-2008

I started as a scientist with a chemistry major course at a liberal arts college back in the 1940's and continued after the war on a Chemistry major but could not catch up with what I lost away from my studies. I was allowed to change to a degree course in Philosophy Politics and Economics.

One thing I learned is that there is a difference between education and training!

In my business career subsequently I ran a company specializing in high technology transfer from research to industry and found that my two shoulders -- science and arts -- gave me a shoulder for the scientist to lean on and complain about businessmen and another for the businessman to complain about the scientists .....

So your choice of major and minor are important and if you get a chance do something totally unrelated -- learn another language if you can; do a literature course .... In a sense it doesn't matter what it is as long as it makes you think differently!

But a language skill -- even if English is the international language of computing (and airlines) -- can be a very valuable asset! The problem may be choosing which language!

I s c r a p e d through my final examinations but I got the degree .... and made some prize winning documentary films too. It's almost a case of it doesn't matter what degree you have -- it may matter if you don't have one at all!

PS Sorry but that norty word list needs editing!

Hugh