Re: I need opinion

In article <542vi9$rfi_at_frazier.backbone.ou.edu> ryanr_at_ou.edu (Ryan) writes:
>
>I am a senior majoring in MIS at a local state university. I have read
>that the MIS field (especially the programming, database development
>areas) is exploding. Although I am beginning to feel slightly
>concerned.
>
>I would really appreciate the opinion on how it REALLY is in the
>market today. I am married and started back to college after a 5 year
>absence and am considering the sales field compared to the MIS field
>(money-wise). I have heard that there are "MANY" jobs where you can
>make excellent salaries in the IS field, but more specifically:
>
>1) Can you really make the $50,000+ salaries that everyone advertises,
>and I hear about?

Yes, but it usually takes either a few years experience, or an engineering degree plus a demonstrated ability in a particular "hot" field. Also, there's a lot more to salary than the dollar amount (add, say, 25% for a good benefits package), and certain consultants can make big bucks with zero job security. Often, you have to be willing to move.

>
>
>2) If you become a developer in a 'hot' language such as Oracle,
>Sybase, SAP, C++ etc. is it true that you would have to relocate every
>few years?

Yes, if you want the big bucks, or be willing to travel. At one point I tripled my salary for the same work, simply by being migratory labor for a while. Not recommended for familial stability.

>
>3) I have also heard that immigration and offshore programming
>services is going to greatly impact the U.S. salaries of the IS
>professionals.

Could be, but it hasn't bothered me. Good English is required to land many jobs, especially if there is "analyst" in the title. Also, the MIS trend is towards people who know computers AND a specific business. Middle management has been getting hacked away, people that can actually do productive work are at an advantage. Entry-level programming might be a different story. I would be interested in knowing Oracle Corps. statistics, but we can only speculate there. Bad accents in Oracle Support is a standing joke.

>
>4) What are your thoughts as to where the industry will be in 5 years?
>

Pretty much the same it is now, aside from details like which exact language or system is hot. It is a lot easier to move from a technical position to a sales position than vice versa. Sales positions can make more money, but a small proportion of the people make most of it, and you often have to compete with the ethically challenged. The odd thing I've noticed through the last 3 business cycles is, it seems easier to get an MIS type job during recessions. Businesses lay people off cutting muscle as well as fat (or, some people leave because they get depressed by a minor downturn in business and think the company is going down), creating a crises need for a new person with specific skills. Some people think we are overdue for a recession.

>I hope that someone can give me some insight, considering that the
>readers in this group would know more than anyone else because you are
>in the field right now. I just don't want to take what all the
>recruiters and school faculty are telling me at face value. I greatly
>appreciate any help anyone can provide. Please feel free to email your
>response if you desire.

Note addition of misc.jobs.misc, which is supposed to be for jobs discussions. I would say you'd have to make your own decision based on your internal motivations and past experience as to whether to go sales or technical. Some good advice I got once: learn a trade, go to college, notice most CEO's are lawyers. You can always fall back on the trade.

jg

-- 
Joel Garry               joelga_at_rossinc.com               Compuserve 70661,1534
These are my opinions, not necessarily those of Ross Systems, Inc.   <> <>
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