Is the computer industry falling?

[matrix86]

I was getting excited about getting ready to go into computers as a career. But now i'm getting kind of worried. I've talked to several people who hold degrees and certifications, yet haven't been able to find jobs. Is there really a demand for networking specialists and computer engineers and computer support, or is all that just a gimmick for schools to get more people into their institutions?

I have 3 years of college as a music major, but left that once schools started to cut the fine arts from their budgets and job security for that began to be shaky. I knew going into computers would pay good money, and always thought it'd be a secure job to get into since everyone needs someone to fix their computers/routers.

I'm at a point where i'm thinking that maybe I should finish my music degree, and also get a computer degree just to be safe.

So to get back to the point, what do you guys know about how well the computer industry is actually going? Thanks.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

You see, computers/programmers and such was a new industry, masses of people use that same logic and think, hey, if I go into this new IT field, there will be a high demand for me and i'll get paid a lot. Now thats all catching up to us and there is a superfluous (relatively) amount of people in the computer technology field. Plus theres that recession if you didn't know.

Thats what I think...

 

[ravisunny2]

Finish your music degree.

Also, there is no harm in learning some computer related skills.

Some day you will put you computer skills to good use, in music.

 

[captaincranky]

I would argue that there are still more jobs in IT available, than there are seats available in a symphony orchestra.

Still in all, by your count, you have three down, one to go for the degree in music

 

[LinkedKube]

Old man, I happen to like some orchestras. Do you go to them somewhere local. I got a question for you too. If you were alone in the woods, would you be just as cranky?

 

[captaincranky]

Old man, I happen to like some orchestras. Do you go to them somewhere local. I got a question for you too. If you were alone in the woods, would you be just as cranky?

Now Smash, here's what I don't get. I Post saying that I believe that there's more competition for a chair on a symphony orchestra, (which is what many music majors aspire to), than there is for work in the IT field. How that incurs your wrath, is beyond me. I certainly didn't say that I didn't like orchestras, just that it was very difficult to get a job with one. I don't normally listen to classical music, or go to orchestra performances for several reasons. One, I'm usually broke from buying computer parts. Second, and perhaps more importantly, I'd rather be at my desktop arguing with you.

When and if I ever get wireless internet, I'll go out to the woods, log in to Techspot, then see if it has the same effect on me there. I'd say, just as a rough guess, that it would probably make me twice as cranky, owing to that fact I'd still have to listen to this BS, and pick ticks off my a** at the same time.

I hope this helps.

 

[LookinAround]

I would argue that there are still more jobs in IT available, than there are seats available in a symphony orchestra.

Still in all, by your count, you have three down, one to go for the degree in music

I concur on both the captain's points. As well as considering HK's point that the economy, at the moment, just plain sucks across the board...

I'd add
> If you were at the same starting point for each, i'd definitely recommend IT (is my personal point-of-view..) Tho understand i also always want someone to provide orchestras, music and concerts i enjoy)
> So i think your tough choice is the fact you only have 1 year left for your music degree... Hard to ignore all those years towards music you've already invested..

And (already anticipating all the cracks about government statistics, "close enough for government work", etc. ).... you might also find it helpful to look through the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics website

/* edit */
OH. look here as well.. They also have software and support job descriptions somewhere but you'll have to search for it.. i've seen it on there before

 

[matrix86]

While I do have three years of music education under my belt, I have more than a year left...because of my screw-ups, lol. Failed math twice due to laziness and took mostly performance classes instead of the needed core classes...so I have maybe 2 more years left on that degree.

I think what I can do is finnish my music degree and still get some computer certifications (A+ and Network+).

I don't doubt the recession is to blame here, I had just thought that going into computers would be easy to get into, and i'm sure at a time it was. But maybe getting education in both computers and music would be the best idea...so if one area falls, I have another to fall back on. I love teaching music to others, and I love working with computers, so no matter what direction I head, i'm a happy camper! Thanks for all the tips and advice.

 

[LookinAround]

Now what are the odds???!!

Shortly after my post in this thread, I turned on my DVR to watch some recent past episodes of The Colbert Report that i missed (as a complete side note: i think The Daily Show with John Stewart and Stephen Colbert are both incredibly funny and brilliant I try not to miss any of their shows! )

Colbert took on "for profit" universities and training centers.
My only point being to carefully look into and check out whatever IT training school you choose to go to - tho you probably are already. And watch that Colbert report segment (Evaluate overall cost of a school, placement history of graduates, etc.)

 

[ravisunny2]

@LookingAround

Aren't all universities there for a profit, whether it be from the student or a government body ?

@matrix86

The computer industry is not failing, just overloaded.

As, LookingAround says, you should check out the background of the School. Many are a rip-off.

 

[LinkedKube]

When and if I ever get wireless internet, I'll go out to the woods, log in to Techspot, then see if it has the same effect on me there. I'd say, just as a rough guess, that it would probably make me twice as cranky, owing to that fact I'd still have to listen to this BS, and pick ticks off my a** at the same time.

I hope this helps.

The wow of the webernets messed my joke up, damn you CC.

 

[Archean]

Just one little bit I'd like to add, a degree only enhances your skill set if you have some to start with; otherwise there is no point in getting it, I mean look at the successful entrepreneurs around you, and you may find not everyone of them in fact have degrees.

 

[Trillionsin]

I dont have any degrees and I managed to get a position in the IT field. If I didnt have this job, I would be fixing computers (and laptops) for all the money I could, but right now I just do that as a side hobby and some beer money or to buy myself fancy new technology stuff.

 

[matrix86]

Yeah, i'm trying to figure out how to get into the industry without a current degree. I have experience with just doing random stuff for family and friends for the past few years...unfortunately most of the companies in my area only want people with degrees or certifications. So i'm working towards an A+ cert and saving up money for the exam.

 

[jaydeee]

having multiple course is cool but you may have problem focusing.

Im a system engineer, as per my experiences its a good career.

 

[matrix86]

I wouldn't be doing both majors at once. Maybe doing music during regular (after all, I am closer to finishing that than a computer degree) and doing some certifications and computers classes during the summers. But i'm still a little ways off before making any decision. I'm broke and need to work full-time to catch up on some debts (but I do plan to get A+ cert. sometime early next year...which will help me get my foot in a door.

I'm looking more into Computer Support Technician or something like that...working on the ground floor assiting people with computer problems (troubleshooting and upgrading) and software training. I like being hands on with the computer and the person at the computer.