9 answers
Jacob
Student
Delaware, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
716 views
Which is better for a computer information technology degree - specializing in one area or obtaining a degree that is more general to cover more of what the future holds in the industry?
I am currently a programming and app development student at the career center and will have several certifications when I graduate high school. I like programming but know I want to be in the industry long term, so want to make sure I cover my bases!
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8 answers
Nital Desai,PMP
Project Management
4
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Nital’s Answer
Hello,
I will try to answer in a simple way as I understand. Hope this helps.
Imagine the IT world is like a giant video game with tons of different levels and characters (like coding, cybersecurity, building websites, fixing computers, etc.).
Going general in your CIT degree is like starting the game knowing the basics of all the levels. You get a taste of everything, so you can figure out which parts you like best and you're not stuck on just one level if it gets boring or changes completely in the future. It keeps your options open!
Specializing is like focusing super hard on one specific level from the start. You become a pro at it really fast, which can be awesome if you know exactly what you want to do. It can also get you a cool title and maybe even more in-game currency (money) quicker.
Think of it like this:
General: You're the well-rounded player who can try out any new game that comes out because you know the basic rules of most genres.
Specialized: You're the top-ranked player in one specific game. Everyone knows you for that, but if that game loses popularity, you might have to learn a new one from scratch.
What's probably best for the future?
The IT world changes all the time. New "games" and "rules" are constantly being invented. So, starting with a general understanding helps you adapt to whatever new cool stuff comes out. Then, once you see what you really enjoy and what's in demand, you can level up in that specific area later on.
Basically, be a bit of an explorer first, then become the expert! And always keep learning new tricks, because the game never stops updating.
I will try to answer in a simple way as I understand. Hope this helps.
Imagine the IT world is like a giant video game with tons of different levels and characters (like coding, cybersecurity, building websites, fixing computers, etc.).
Going general in your CIT degree is like starting the game knowing the basics of all the levels. You get a taste of everything, so you can figure out which parts you like best and you're not stuck on just one level if it gets boring or changes completely in the future. It keeps your options open!
Specializing is like focusing super hard on one specific level from the start. You become a pro at it really fast, which can be awesome if you know exactly what you want to do. It can also get you a cool title and maybe even more in-game currency (money) quicker.
Think of it like this:
General: You're the well-rounded player who can try out any new game that comes out because you know the basic rules of most genres.
Specialized: You're the top-ranked player in one specific game. Everyone knows you for that, but if that game loses popularity, you might have to learn a new one from scratch.
What's probably best for the future?
The IT world changes all the time. New "games" and "rules" are constantly being invented. So, starting with a general understanding helps you adapt to whatever new cool stuff comes out. Then, once you see what you really enjoy and what's in demand, you can level up in that specific area later on.
Basically, be a bit of an explorer first, then become the expert! And always keep learning new tricks, because the game never stops updating.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Jacob
Anthony Peruchietti
Technology-Software Delivery
6
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Having a broad focus offers many benefits, allowing you to work on front-end tasks, service layers, and back-end databases. To achieve this, you need to learn several programming languages and tools. Start by mastering one area first, then move on to the next.
Jayshree Bharatia
Software engineering
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jayshree’s Answer
Hi Jacob, If you are passionate about computer field, IT/software is one of the hottest field these days. Everything is revolved around AI/Machine learning but it is different when you learn this subject and put it in the practice. These are two different things. So I would suggest you to analyze what you really enjoy and make your choice accordingly.
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
105
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
Hi Jacob,
I agree somewhat with the other opinions here but lean toward specialization. These days many jobs are very focused in a specific area (like networking/security, Front or back end web development, AI Engineering, and others and they each demand their specific skills and tools. So for now, in the beginning, I'd suggest being an explorer and yes, be general. Study, look around, try reading a book or taking a course in each of these areas and see what interests you. But then, make a decision. Focus.
Actually, each area is so vast with so much to learn that you'll never run out of things to study but you need to ask yourself - WHICH OF THESE IS REALLY IT FOR ME? You'll dedicate you career to this, so make sure you choose what really interests you and is something you have affinity and aptitude for.
Good luck!
I agree somewhat with the other opinions here but lean toward specialization. These days many jobs are very focused in a specific area (like networking/security, Front or back end web development, AI Engineering, and others and they each demand their specific skills and tools. So for now, in the beginning, I'd suggest being an explorer and yes, be general. Study, look around, try reading a book or taking a course in each of these areas and see what interests you. But then, make a decision. Focus.
Actually, each area is so vast with so much to learn that you'll never run out of things to study but you need to ask yourself - WHICH OF THESE IS REALLY IT FOR ME? You'll dedicate you career to this, so make sure you choose what really interests you and is something you have affinity and aptitude for.
Good luck!
Rachel Masters
Kernel/Software Engineer
5
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hey Jacob, I am a computer scientist, not an information technologist, so my advice is only somewhat applicable. The bottom line is that I have seen people do both and succeed. I chose the general path as a way to keep my options open because I am interested in a lot of different fields in computer science. I have also seen other people choose a specialization which led to a Ph.D. and professorship in the topic. I think the key with choosing a specialization is to choose one you are really passionate about that other people care about as well, so that you can find good work and enjoy your job.
Kent Hallford
Principle Engineer
2
Answers
McKinney, Texas
Updated
Kent’s Answer
Hello Jacob,
You're on a great path with your unique skills. You're already ahead with your certifications, so keep doing what you love. Many people, including me, don't end up working in the exact field they studied for. I didn't know anything about telecom at first, but taking that job was the best choice for me. I learned a lot about telecom and used my programming skills to automate many manual tasks in my department. This got me recognized, earned me several awards, and led to multiple pay raises. The key is to enjoy what you're doing, whether it's something general or specific.
You're on a great path with your unique skills. You're already ahead with your certifications, so keep doing what you love. Many people, including me, don't end up working in the exact field they studied for. I didn't know anything about telecom at first, but taking that job was the best choice for me. I learned a lot about telecom and used my programming skills to automate many manual tasks in my department. This got me recognized, earned me several awards, and led to multiple pay raises. The key is to enjoy what you're doing, whether it's something general or specific.
Albert Pack
DevOps Software Engineer
3
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Albert’s Answer
I would not overemphasize at getting a degree, in this field it is better to have the flexibility to learn whatever is trendy.
YouTube and uDemy are a great place to learn at a fraction of the cost of a college degree, since the college degree focuses on other areas that you will not practically utilize outside of your field..
YouTube and uDemy are a great place to learn at a fraction of the cost of a college degree, since the college degree focuses on other areas that you will not practically utilize outside of your field..
Peter Sensenbrenner
Network Design
2
Answers
Southlake, Texas
Updated
Peter’s Answer
My opinion is to focus your formal training / studies in a specific area. This will give you a recognizable and marketable skill set. Even if that particular skill set becomes obsolete it will still be a point of reference. Along with that technology overlaps and builds on each other. If you deeply understand one programing language or routing technology you'll more easily be able to learn another one.
Having said that technology is constantly evolving. So expect to always be learning and growing. Most of the learning and growing will need to be your own initiative and on your own time.
Having said that technology is constantly evolving. So expect to always be learning and growing. Most of the learning and growing will need to be your own initiative and on your own time.