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?

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[+] 25 points 2 months ago (7 children)
  • [–] 28 points 2 months ago (3 children)

    I also think networking still is a strong field, and obviously cyber security.

    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.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 months ago*

    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.

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  • [–] 1 point 2 months ago*

    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.

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 2 months ago* (2 children)

    I think cyber security would be fascinating to study and networking would be good. I just hoped my experience with development wouldn't be useless towards getting employed in those fields, but I feel like it would be.

    Thanks for your advice

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  • [–] 1 point 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

    cybersecurity is suffering just as much, i dont think they are hiring that many to begin with, IT is too. engineering(physical) took a massive hit during covid. also layoffs has worsened these industries in general.

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