Confused About Programming Careers?

Discussion in 'Programming' started by ComicStix, May 15, 2010.

  1. #1
    I really like programming and want to make a career out of it. Granted, I still have a couple years till I graduate (I am only a freshman) but I want to ask some questions. What is the difference between a computer science major, a computer programming major, and a software engineer major? Aren't they all the same thing? I would like to make programs that help people do things.
     
    ComicStix, May 15, 2010 IP
    ServerUnion likes this.
  2. arraffaele

    arraffaele Peon

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    #2
    ..i think its better that you start to study C language :)
     
    arraffaele, May 16, 2010 IP
  3. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #3
    I think you need to look at the required papers for each of the majors to identify the direction they take you. Different universities will have subtly different definitions.

    Next you need to review the situations vacant online or in the paper and ring up some of the employment agencies for jobs you fancy and ask them what sort of qualifications and major they expect for the position. They won't mind you doing a bit of research because they hope that one day they'll earn a commission from placing you in a dream job.
     
    sarahk, May 17, 2010 IP
  4. TechRaider

    TechRaider Peon

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    #4
    I graduated in 2003 and at that time the only 2 options for computer programming were Computer Science or Computer Information Systems. The difference seemed to come down to either getting a Bachelors of Science or Bachelors of Business Administration. I went with the CIS degree but wound up having to teach myself the nuances of web programming as my degree was based more on general programming theory, not any one specific application. I would say that if you want to go into programming hardcore, then go with the CS degree, but if you would like to start with programming and then maybe branch out or even start your own business, then go CIS. My .02 cents.
     
    TechRaider, May 25, 2010 IP
  5. ccoonen

    ccoonen Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Computer science trains you to become a software developer where as an engineer is more larger scale...
     
    ccoonen, May 25, 2010 IP
  6. ivan.kristianto

    ivan.kristianto Active Member

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    #6
    Start with what you fit the best.
    If you like become a developer then focus on that.
    If you like become a network engineer than focus on that. And so on...
     
    ivan.kristianto, May 26, 2010 IP
  7. torrfriend

    torrfriend Active Member

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    #7
    my advice is learn something.........programming or hardware engineering or something but dedicate your time and mind, choose quicker and create map to move......try to move in that map asap..
     
    torrfriend, May 28, 2010 IP
  8. ServerUnion

    ServerUnion Peon

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    #8
    computer science (CS) will take you the theory of programming, management of information systems (MIS or CIS) will teach you the practical aspects of development. MIS can make it easier to get a job as there are more openings, but you may make more with a CS degree.

    That being said, if you works hard and do good, you will have a great career with either.
     
    ServerUnion, May 28, 2010 IP
  9. windy

    windy Active Member

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    #9
    computer science major, a computer programming major, and a software engineer major

    almost the same, but if you like Programming Careers then try to get a CS degree
     
    windy, May 29, 2010 IP
  10. roopajyothi

    roopajyothi Active Member

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    #10
    Just move to second year mid you will automatically know what you asked!
     
    roopajyothi, Jun 1, 2010 IP
  11. diveloper

    diveloper Active Member

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    #11
    computer studies or something in that field is a good start....take a look at some microsoft certificates as well
     
    diveloper, Jun 1, 2010 IP
  12. amreek1sason

    amreek1sason Peon

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    #12
    Dear Friend
    First of all you need a degree in computer science, that may be MCA, Msc(cs), BTech. Than you have to
    choose a certifiaction in perticular domain. Now a days .net/ Java/Sharepoint server professional are demanded in hte
    market. Do certificate in any one of field and you will get job easilly.
     
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2010
    amreek1sason, Jun 2, 2010 IP
  13. creativeD

    creativeD Member

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    #13
    If you want to make a career out of programming, then head into the computer engineer major. This will teach you all the concepts needed to be a software professional. Computer science is mainly just a general field and is associated with what is says, computers as a science. Computer Programming major will probably teach you a variety of languages and in depth knowledge of programming in general. If you want to make money early on (find a job quickly) the engineer is the best route.

    Good luck!
     
    creativeD, Jun 3, 2010 IP
  14. DanoruX

    DanoruX Peon

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    #14
    Get a CS degree and build a portfolio of projects while you're in college. Do that and you'll have a software engineering job lined up easily by the time you graduate.
     
    DanoruX, Jun 3, 2010 IP
  15. drakha

    drakha Active Member

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    #15
    No need to worry about that, if you have very good skills, the company will recruit you, even if you do not college or do not have a certificate. Happen to me, ....and they pay me much ;)
     
    drakha, Jun 7, 2010 IP
  16. MrJoker

    MrJoker Peon

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    #16
    All of that have similarity ... Not quite different .. It just pushing one thing that you want to study for ... good for you to begin with C,then C++,Java ,Oracle ,perl, Phython and PHP
     
    MrJoker, Jun 7, 2010 IP
  17. meditation

    meditation Peon

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    #17
    Computer programmer or Software engineer both are good and creative work fields. Choose some thing which you like most.Just fallow what your heart says.Don't fallow the Mob.i would say any thing is good as long as choose with your interest.
     
    meditation, Jun 7, 2010 IP