Question for the IT guys out there...

[Terry Beeson]

I know there seems to be several IT type guys on here. I have a while to think about this question, but would appreciate ya'll's input.

For my CIT degree, I will have to take three Programming Language electives from this list:

COBOL

C++

Programmiing and Analysis

Visual Programming

Java

Beginning or Advanced RPG

Of these, which three would you say are probably going to be more valuable to me in about 18 months to two years in getting a good position - emphasis on the medical and/or banking industry...

Thanks in advance, guys...

[jeff]

Java, Java, and Java

Seriously, stay away from COBOL, it's ancient and well past it's prime. I know a couple of Java programmers and they get job offers constantly. One switches jobs about once a year because the demand is so great. The other works for the government. C++ and Visual are good, I don't know much about RPG. I would just find my dream job on monster.com and see what languages they are looking for.

[jdmidwest]

I agree, Java or Visual would be the key ones. What college are you looking at that offers COBOL any more, that was pretty well gone back in the 80's except for some unix apps. Never been much of a programmer. too boring. I like support or hardware. I have always had a knack for looking at a new piece of software and figuring it out. And my electronics background helps in hardware. But currently I sell stuff for a living and am not using my 22 years of computer experience. Your best bet will be to go to ITT or IET that specializes in this kind of stuff with a accelerated program and good placement. Most colleges will not get you far in the IT world unfortunately.

Most everything in the future will involve Internet based apps, Java, Visual (Basic?), and other web based progs are the ones to know.

[Steve Smith]

C++, JAVA, and Visual are sure bets. COBOL will make you drink even more than you do now.

[Capt E]

C++ is a great language to start off with. Once mastered, it is easy to transition to virtually any language. It is pretty darn easy to jump into Java, C# from C++, but it is more difficult to go the other way.

The 'Visual Languages' (C# and VB) are good as well, but tend to lock you into a Microsoft world. On the good side, it make it very easy to develop things very quickly.

I would not recommend COBOL nor RPG. I know that all of the local schools say they get 100% placement for those folks, but they get placed in a couple of local sweat shops.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd go the the C++ route. But it all depends on how deeply you want to get into coding for you CIT degree. After the second semester of programming you will have a much better idea in which direction you should go. I know a ton of CIS grads that couldn't code their way out of a wet paper bag, but they are great project managers and are doing very well.

[strangercreek]

Are you completely steadfast on programming? There are tons of opportunities out there for network administration, support, etc. Working in the field has a ton of advantages (no politics, self managed, flexibility, etc). Just a thought. I agree on the Java thing though, absolutely.

[Quillback]

The company I work for has openings right now, but you must be willing to travel and live near an airport. Good understanding of networks, and Window's OS is needed. Basically we install a client server app at a customer location, test the app, train the customer in it's use, then leave.

Some things that would also work in an applicants favor would be a good knowledge of SQL. In our near future we'll be working with Microsoft Expressions, Silverlight, Windows Presentation Foundation, XAML, etc., anyone with a good knowledge of these products would have a definite leg up.

It's a great job if you don't mind about 50% travel, sometimes we go out to a customer site, but there are also installs we do remotely (you work at home).