Programming vs Networking

[nos_grunt]

Hi guys,

Over the last 5-6 months I've been debating which career field I should try to pursue and am having a little trouble making up my mind. I've been told to stay away from programming, that all (or at least the big majority) of the programming jobs are being outsourced to India. I've also been told that getting a decent networking job is no easy task, that most employers these days require at least a Bachelor's degree, 3-5 years experience, and a plethora of certs (A+, Net+, MCSE, CCNA, Etc..). Even seeing past the catch 22 of "how do I get experience if they won't hire me without experience", as well as the dwindling economy, it would seem that (good) jobs in IT are becoming harder and harder to land. I've even considered changing my major to something easier like Accounting, simply because there are so many job openings for them and the pay is still decent (40-50k). Anyway, what is your personal outlook on the IT field and what do you think the best career path would be if I decide to stick with an IT major?

Thanks,

Grunt

[_bobcat_ Veteran]

I voted programming, but if those jobs really are being outsourced to India (I only know of Microsoft doing this) then go for networking.

Someone in India wouldn't be able to set up and maintain a network for an American company. If you can troubleshoot well, you will always be in demand.

[Daem0hn]

I am studying Comptuer Systems Engineering + Computer Science and i am overloading in some communications engineering units

personally i think (and i am studying to work in) the feild of portable and integrated computing is the way to go, this would require new networking technologies, however with those network technologies comes the programming of the packet structures and the protocols with which to access the networks.

if you are talking about network set-up and maintainance i believe programming is growing at a faster rate.

[_bobcat_ Veteran]

But if those jobs are going to other countries (I am just going by what he said) then it is hopeless. I can't argue with you though as I don't know enough about it.

I do know however that every business in the western world needs computers, networks and people to set up and run them.

[dduardo]

Networking in my opinion isn't as important as programming. In most cases networking is simply knowing how to use some programs to do what you want. Programming allows you to build networking tools and much more.

Also, you don't need to go into a pure software company to do programming. There are a lot of non technical companies that need software automation.

Finally, networking is just as suseptible to "outsourcing." Instead of a person in india taking your job, a more robust computer program will allow a company to hire a much less qualified person with less pay to manage the program.

[Daem0hn]

the portable and integrated computing i was talking about is like the development of the 'smart phone' which has grown rather quickly in recent years, also the networks required to communicate between smart phones and increase the bandwidth throughput capable with wireless radio networks (CDMA GSM '3G & 4G' networks)

programming jobs are being outsourced to india and the likes because of lower cost per programmer, however another reason is around the clock development cycles, cram the most man hours into one day.

given that the programming and pure computer science workforce is flooded with applicants (computer science is one of the most popular individual degrees) of average skills, unless you stand out from the crowd it would be hard to find a decent job. for that reason i suggest doing what i have done and taking a double degree, it may take a year or two longer, however in the end the job you will get will be a higher pay and there will be more oppertunities in the market for you

[aberflasm]

Goto www.dice.com and check the techie jobs. Also go to www.salary.com and check out the pay scales.

[runningking7]

Networking, simply because more people know about it, whereas not a lot of people know how to program well.

[nos_grunt]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Really appreciate it. Perhaps I should just keep studying programming and spend a year or two longer in school and take some networking certificate classes (mcse, ccna). That way I'd have both bases covered. I'll just have to get over the fact that I hate this town and can't wait to get out of it :cry: Hopefully it will be worth it in the end.

[clonek]

You could try doing what I am. Focus on Networking/Systems Adminstration as a career, but study programming as a hobby or future career should you get tired of administration.

[J Z]

I went for Networking, like you said its hard to start out in a networking position without experiance. I would research your area and see what they are hiring for as entry level positions and focus on that. Keep your education broad to don't be to specific because if you have knowledge in one thing and not another you are limiting your job search. Also you could always look into enter the market in a support position, like a help desk or somthing and then work your way up to something bigger.

[THE BAT]

I voted for Programming.

[lawtai]

I'd also say programming

[kingkong118]

Programming is fun and exciting, get to create new things and actually make something worthwhile.

Networking is dull and boring, oo lets connect a few cables together, badda bing badda boom. BOOOOORING.

So i choose programming.. :)

[W1cked-J]

Programming is fun and exciting, get to create new things and actually make something worthwhile.

Networking is dull and boring, oo lets connect a few cables together, badda bing badda boom. BOOOOORING.

So i choose programming.. :)

I would have to say "To each their own" on this one. I find programing boring and I have tons of fun with networking. You can run into some big challanges with networking and it is not just simply plugging cables in. Ever try configuring a Cisco Router? But like I said, it is a "To each there own" on this one.

[kingkong118]

I would have to say "To each their own" on this one. I find programing boring and I have tons of fun with networking. You can run into some big challanges with networking and it is not just simply plugging cables in. Ever try configuring a Cisco Router? But like I said, it is a "To each there own" on this one.

I agree with what you say, its just i'm not a fan of networking, it just doesn't interest me. :p

[Catharsis]

Coding grunts will always be needed. I don't mean grunts in an insulting way at all. :) I'm just saying that you sit there and grunt it out, coding everyday. I started out a CS major, then quickly changed. There's no WAY I was going to code 8 hours a day. I'm in networking. It's a versatie, changing environment, especially with VoIP on the rise. (Speaking of which, I may want to get certified for that! :)) However, both will be equally needed, but more coders are needed than network engineers, so it's a difficult question to answer. If you were to answer it by how many are needed, then programming wins. I null voted.

[tony-inpo]

Networking, simply because more people know about it, whereas not a lot of people know how to program well.

Surly that suggests that there is more of a future in programming as 'not as many' people can do it well?

[Catharsis]

Surly that suggests that there is more of a future in programming as 'not as many' people can do it well?

No. He's saying that, since not as many people can do it as well, they are in high demand. However, like I said in my previous post, these points are...beside the point. (That sounded a little redundant of me.) BOTH are needed. What's the use of having good programs if they can't work with other machines? What's the use of having programs to function across networks if there's no functional network?