MSP vs I.T. Department vs I.T./Software Company 

MSP 

Pros 

• Sometimes more flexibility 
• Touch a lot of technologies 

Cons 

• Can be grindy 
• Your mileage will vary between organizations 

 

I.T. Department at Organization 

Pros 

• Depending on size, you get exposure to a lot of technology 
• Same as above, you can support hardware, software, servers, and networks or just one application 

Cons 

• Least flexible, especially on help desk 
• Often call center-ish 
• Answer to people who are not familiar with technology 

 

I.T. or Software Company 

Pros 

• You get a behind the scenes look 

Cons 

• Can be isolated – One role or one technology 
• Not a lot of decision making 

 

Too Cool for School 

To Degree or Not to Degree? 

• Management Information Systems 
• Computer Science 
• Information Technology 

 

MIS 

• Business Degree 
• Technology applied to business 

Main points: 

1) Infrastructure 

2) Database Management Systems 

3) Object-Oriented Programming 

4) Project Management 

 

Computer Science 

• NOT a programming degree 
• Languages are a tool, not the highlight 
• Discrete mathematics, algorithms, and data structures are primary focus 
• Often split between hardware (embedded systems), computer graphics (vectors), Artificial Intelligence, and computer languages.  
• Some programs are interdisciplinary with Electrical Engineering 
• Why math? -- Soap box 

 

Information Technology 

• Certification paths are used as template for curriculum.  
• Wide array of technologies. 
• Pick your path and focus on that.  
• Most direct application, least amount of theory.  

 

Trade Schools 

• Hands on learning 
• Learn from professors working in the field 
• Half book learning half labs 
• Technical Diploma  

 

 

Other Degrees 

• Liberal Arts 
• Conventional Engineering 
• Supply Chain Management/Operations Management 

 

Choosing your major is not dictating your life.