| Topic Name: |
Graduating in May, seeking some advice on career options |
| Message Name: |
Wake up |
| Date Posted: |
11/10/2003 |
| In Reply To: |
I will be graduating with a BSBA in MIS from a large average University, and I'm having trouble deciding on what entry-level job field I should focus on most.
I'm a little undecided on whether I want to focus on business or IT - my choice would be to do both, but many job descriptions (and general specialization of labor) tend to dictate otherwise, to a degree. I can say that I intend to get an MBA 2-4 years later and climb up the ladder of leadership/management/responsibility.
I'm a little concerned that it appears many positions are either strictly technical (programmer, network related admin) or strictly business (business analyst - those positions where MIS/IT familiar people not required). I wouldn't mind either side of the fence, but I'm wondering which would be the best side to start from?
Start technical, gain experience, try to gain more business/management responsibilities as I grow? Positives: I'd stay technically proficient. Negatives: I don't want to be a code-monkey 8-5 every day.
Start nontechnical as more of a business analyst role? Positive: I may not have to have full command of all the technology applications - I'll have other programmers for that. Negative: If I had to change positions in time, I'd probably be lost in a more technical role since I would have not developed those skills.
Would either choice be preferential to B-Schools?
Would either offer better growth opportunities?
Am I completely off track?
I can't seem to gather my thoughts into a coherent post- this the best I can do. Basically, I'd just like some advice from those who can relate to my situation. Thanks! |
| Message: |
You've answered your own question by stating "I don't want to be a code-monkey 8-5 every day." You've also shown that you don't know too much about the real world of systems development. "Code-monkey"? Who the hell do you think you are? If you truly believe that describes the life of a programming professional you will not succeed in either the technical arena or management where you are bound to be perceived as a "snob" by the hard working skilled technicians who will be stuck with the task of developing your master pieces. I know this sounds harsh but believe me, this is not personal (I don't even know you.) I'm offering this as a wakeup call. Adjust your attitude or look for a career elsewhere.
When you start programming, there is no such thing as 8-5, if you're interested in what you're doing, the clock doesn't exist. You get engrossed in what you're doing and don't stop until you've finished. You can't walk out at 5:00 just because that's your official stop time. If you're in the middle of a complex routine with a hundred loose ends in your head waiting to be resolved, you don't shut down. You keep going at least until you have those thoughts cleared and then probably a few hours more. It's an addiction akin to video games. If you don't know this, or don't care, you shouldn't go technical. If you don't know this, or don't care, you shouldn't aspire to manage those who do know and do care.
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