Computer science

[Auger]

As a holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, I can say that it's a good start.  Most of what I learned in college was theory with a lot of programming languages thrown in.  Almost all of it is useless in what I do now.

Computers are really a vocation for me, almost a calling.  Information Security is my specialty, which is in high demand now and probably will be for at least the next 10 years (unless they invoke the death penalty for hacking).  It requires constant learning and creative thinking, another reason I love what I do.  The fact that they pay me to do it is just awesome.

If your daughter spends most of her time on the computer web surfing and chatting with friends she probably won't like the curriculum.  If she's already programming, hacking, designing web sites, etc. then she's well on her way.  You really have to like it or you'll hate yourself 3 years after college.

It's not all happiness and sunshine though.  It's a pretty harsh field if you're a programmer.  Once you're over 30 you need to be moving up the management chain or your days are numbered.  If you're in networking or security you can make it to 40 before the age discrimination kicks in.  I'm fortunate in that I got into the energy sector a few years back when the new NERC CIP regulations were getting teeth.  They are hurting for good security people, so the pay is good.

Bottom line is that it's a great field if you excel.  If you're mediocre, or even just good, it will chew you up by your mid to late 30s and you'll be looking for a career change.

[Ratsy]

Ironically, there are still a large number of US companies that won't give you an interview if you don't have a degree.

Being a prodigy is a good hedge for getting in the door.  Once it even worked for me.  

Bustr and Auger are correct about the end-game.  The older you get, the harder it is to stay employed in IT.

As Auger points out, there are niches where you can flourish as long as you are willing to work hard away from your job to keep your certifications current. 

I'm very glad I was able to retire.  I was lucky in that regard.  But I didn't retire when I planned to and that sucked.  I would not know how to advise a young person now. 

 

[Ramesis]

I have a CIS degree with a math major.
I haven't seen anyone mention the importance of mathematics !!
Granted I got this degree 30 or so years ago but I contend that
without a firm foundation in math, it will be hard for her to reach
the top of the profession. Of course I started programming in machine code
and then graduated to assembly language. I guess I just gave up my age
but at this point, I don't much care... lol... make sure she does what makes her happy.
I tried to push my daughter toward CIS and yet her degree is in marine biology !!
Good Luck,
Ram

[SilverZ06]

Usually if your child was teaching themselves programming and hardware outside of school, you would know an investment in higher education for computer sciences is worth it. The two year tech schools are often a bit behind the job demand curve. The degree you get two years from today may have been more relevant the day you signed up for your first class two years earlier.

If she goes with programming, reality is she will be competing for high end jobs against the visa lottery out of India and Asia. If she goes with hardware and backend systems. Many large companies have been down sizing to blade systems and virtual OS instances combining applications to reduce costs while outsourcing support. When I was at BofA, they were jokingly called Microsoft's largest beta sight for testing the future of corporate computing. Then they downsized 3000 servers to IBM blade systems on virtual MS OS instances. Out sourced hardware support to HP and software patching to India and got rid of hundreds of U.S. IT professionals. Funny how they would fire in blocks like 120 40-60 year olds with a single 25 year old to not violate federal ageism laws. Toilet tissue on your wall and who you knew mattered.   

IT is a game of getting into it first, regardless of the toilet tissue hanging on your wall. Once you are in, if you are in your 20's and very early 30's. Get as much toilet tissue to hang on your wall as you can even if you have to pay out of pocket yourself. Only your manager will know what kind of real genius you are and has no reason to tell his management about it. Toilet tissue counts in your signature and your resume. And know as many people as possible who you can ask for favors or will help you to your next job. In general IT is intolerant of you the older you get. So once you are in, as soon as you can. Start managing your money against age intolerance.

As a 32 year old going back to school for programming your post really scares me. Am I too old to try to get into this profession?

[Auger]

You're never too old to try SilverZ06, but the odds are stacked against you.  You may have an edge if you are learning whatever the latest buzzword programming language is.  Having recent experience in the latest fad programming language can get you in the door.  IT Recruiters tend to be absolute boneheads and will ask for 5 years of experience programming in a language that's only been around for 2.  They'll give some kid with Powershell and Python on his course list an interview and ignore the guy with 20 years experience because it's in C.  Just make sure you learn structures and the foundations of programming well and you can convert to just about any language. 

If you live in an area that isn't a IT job hotspot you may also have an advantage.  It's hard to find good programmers in BFE, Kansas because no one wants to move there.  If you are already there and there is a demand for talent you are a shoe in.