I’m a senior in high school right now and definitely need to consider what I’m going to do in college and for work.
For a very long time I’ve been into computers, and am a developer with a few big projects under my belt (this is a burner account for privacy). So, my logical choice for a while was to become a software developer professionally.
Nowadays that plan doesn’t look too promising. AI has basically replaced junior developers (with dubious results) and the competition has gotten much fiercer. I’m not even in college yet so I have a good amount of time to potentially pivot to something else before choosing a major.
I’ve got quite a bit of experience with Linux and I manage a home server, but that probably doesn’t differentiate me much. I’m honestly interested in most things computer related, but don’t know of any specific fields to seek out. If it’s so hard for fresh CS graduates to get jobs, why would any other option be different?
NO. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GO INTO CYBERSECURITY. There are no jobs left in that field. College degrees are useless, boot camps are useless. Unless you got several years of industry experience, no one will hire you.
Good catch. I’m out of the job search market for going on five years and a lot has changed since then. It makes sense that the market is flooded and AI is probably being developed to “do it for us”.
I do still get feelers from recruiters though, and the jobs they share require a BS in CS or equivalent experience (usually 4+ yrs on the job). Would I get my CS degree again knowing what I know now? I think so. I learned a lot and met a lot of folks through internships. But none of my jobs have cared about my degree. They like my social skills, perfectionism and restlessness.
i wouldnt say all college degrees are useless, some need extra college, certification, or training to be useful(colleges dont like to inform students about jobs in general). i do agree with cybersecurity, CS, is very limited if not difficult to get a job.
In my experience, people can start as server or network admins and pivot over pretty easily.
The skills continue to have plenty of value, even if the official title isn’t a hot hire. As soon as your office gets hit with a ransomware attack, you can write your own salary.