Which has the better career possibilities? Database, Application Programming or Unix Systems Operations?
Asked by tomster
I have to make a decision as to what to focus on in school starting next semester.

Best Answer:
I think all have excellent job opportunities. Although all the jobs you listed involve working with computers and on paper they appear similar, they are very different. You should choose the one that interests you the most and not what has the best job opportunities. Outsourcing of computer jobs is way overstated. UNIX and Linux are gaining market share from Windows, but mostly large corporations use *nix. Database Administrators: This category has the fewest jobs, but good DB admins are hard to find and the pay is probably the highest of the three, generally speaking. You may be required to be on call 24x7. From what I've seen, there really isn't a degree specifically for DB admins. You would probably would want to look into a degree in Computer Science, but you won't see a database class until you junior or senior year. Your university may have a degree program better suited for a DB admin, each university is different. Application Programmer: Lots of these jobs and in many different industries. This is what I do. My friends always have job offers me. There is definitely a shortage of qualified people. 5 years ago, these jobs were difficult to find if you didn't have any experience. Pay is decent with a four year degree, starts around U.S 50K. The jobs they do outsource, are the ones you don't want i.e. software tester. You would definitely need a degree in Computer Science. System Operator/Network Admins: Every company needs someone to maintain and troubleshoot their computers. If a company uses computers, then they most likely employ a network admin. One downside is that end users are idiots and you will have to deal with a lot of their stupidity in this position. I think the degree for these jobs are called information technology.

Database. App programming is all going overseas fast, and Unix Systems are becoming more and more rare, therefor the jobs are harder to find.
Answered by czekoskwigel