IT College Degree Options

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 15:33:19 -0400

I am due to ETS next year, I am currently looking at 3 different degree options to get into the IT field. Either degree has the same number of classes left for me to complete my Bachelor's Degree. My options are:
1. Information Systems Management
2. Cyber Security
3. Computer Networks and Security

I am just wondering if there is anyone on here in the field that could offer some advice as to which path I should take, which would be more useful in the civilian sector?

Thank you in advance for any time and assistance.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2014 2:48 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 02:48:18 -0400

For the love of God, before you even start, make sure it isn't a degree farm. Ensure that they are accredited REGIONALLY

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 1:43 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 01:43:13 -0400

I would say to focus on Cyber security. Second Network sec. You will find the quickest path in any project management (PM) roles in either.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 11 at 2014 2:50 AM

SPC David S. — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 02:50:49 -0400

I would say Information Systems Management. The reason is it offers the most opportunities and while the others do offer good job opportunities they are subsets of Systems Management being in a niche is good at first but then that need is fixed by software or hardware advances.

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/lmj45jgfi/no-8-management-information-systems/

No. 8: Management Information Systems - In Photos: 15 Most Valuable College Majors

Starting Median Pay: $51,000Mid-Career Median Pay: $88,200Growth In Pay: 73%Projected Job Growth: 18.1%

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 8:36 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 08:36:58 -0400

Justin,

Based on my own experience, here is my advice for you:

Are you interested in being a "technical" person or a manager?

Don't know much about information security/cyber security, can't provide advice here. If you want a career which is hot, here are two good options:

Learn everything about private cloud, and earn your MCSE-private cloud certification. A BS in Computer Engineering, System Engineering would put you on the right path, but not really necessary.

Consider a career in data analytics/data science. This is my current career field, and the field is not going away in the coming years. Feel free to message me.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 12 at 2014 11:57 AM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 11:57:02 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, there are mixed comments about the Army's ACAP program, but since you'll be required to do it, you might as well knock it out early. There is a lot of good references they provide during the DOL mandated course, especially for those trying to explore what type of career they want after the military.

As SPC Private RallyPoint Member indicated, a lot is going to going to be based on what YOU want. You often hear 'backwards planning' harped on in the military and you should take a similar approach towards your education. You need to set your end goals first and then figure out what educational steps need to be taken to meet those goals.

Careeronestop (http://www.careeronestop.org/), O*NET OnLine (http://www.onetonline.org/), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS - http://www.bls.gov) are a great resources to look at different careers and learn lots of different aspects about them (plus they interconnect and reference the information between each other). For instance, if you at the "Computer and Information Systems Managers" occupation profile on BLS (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm) it will give you a lot of detailed information about the typical positions, what they do, the environment, requirements, outlook, etc.

Good luck and heed my advice about doing your ACAP stuff now instead of later ... you will benefit MUCH more from it sooner than later and give yourself that much more time to prepare for the transition.

CareerOneStop

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 13 at 2014 4:12 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 16:12:01 -0400

After talking to some in my classes that are already in the field, they said it's the certifications that got them their jobs. I would advise you to get your degree in whatever IT program you're going into and include certifications. Don't forget about DoD 8570. If you're not in compliance with that, it's going to be a hard road. Look into the IAT vs. IAM's. I'm in the UMUC Cybersecurity Program and have CEH and CHFI. I'm battling CISSP and PMP.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 4:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 16:39:50 -0400

It depends on what you want to do. If you want to be an IT manager, then the ISM degree would be awesome.

The thing about IT is that there is actually two career paths to choose from: management or technician.

The management path will entail dealing with IT/business strategy alignment, frameworks, governance...not much hands-on tech work involved, but you need to have an understanding of the technical piece to help translate it into business objectives, and vice-versa. As an IT manager, you are a liaison between the business units and the IT techs. IT managers can filter into a CIO or CTO position after years of service in the IT management career path, and a degree in IT or IS management holds alot of weight. IT managers can make a nice income, as well.

The technician path is hands-on, in the nuts and bolts of technology equipment, whether it is security or networks. Most techs have no desire to be an IT manager, unless they are still able to be hands-on. Certs are what count in this career path. Techs make a very good wage, too.

Bottom line is this...IT is a great field, but you should think about what you want to do in the long run. Do you want to be hands-on 10 years from now or in an IT management role?

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Jul 10 at 2015 1:05 PM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:05:51 -0400

If IT is your thing. Forgo the Degree for Now and focus on Certs. they mean more that the degrees currently. Start with your Security+ and Net+ regardless what specialty you want to go into. These 2 certs open MANY doors and Security+ is required for most .GOV jobs

Response by SSG Ronald Noble made Mar 17 at 2022 10:21 AM

SSG Ronald Noble — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 10:21:46 -0400

number 2