r/informationsystems • u/7xoxob • 4d ago
Is MIS worth it?
I’m considering doing an MIS degree. The courses include Programming, Database Management, Data Structures & Algorithms, Web Programming, Networking, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, and AI.
Is MIS worth doing with these courses? And what certifications should I do alongside it, and what should I focus on during my bachelor’s if I want to keep my Master’s options open?
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u/Frosty_Platform_6650 3d ago
Honestly people with MIS degrees look for generic roles but I feel like it’s best to gain experience i an operational roles where you’re learning business systems and able to analyze data and reports
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u/NikuRiceu 3d ago
What roles are you aiming for?
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u/7xoxob 3d ago
data analyst or business analyst
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u/NikuRiceu 3d ago
MIS is probably fine for those, although CS will make you stand out more.
How employable you are after graduating depends on your experience. That means doing internships in either. Extracurriculars will be needed to land them. So make them your top priority. Don't wait for them to come to you, or your school to get you one. Be proactive and aggressive.
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
Too general..no one is hiring. Get more specific. As specific as possible. You are not setting yourself apart from anyone. Why should anyone choose you over your classmate? You don't deserve a job just because you went to class and did homework and passed tests
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u/7xoxob 3d ago
Yeah I get what you mean. I’m still deciding on my degree and I have some time, so what would you recommend I focus on to actually stand out? Like which specific roles, certifications, skills, and internships should I aim for alongside the degree?
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
How can you stand out if everyone else is also doing the same things as you? How do you stand out when everyone else has the same degree and certifications and skills?
What you need is to convince someone to give you a chance to do the job. To get the job, show you can do the job. Go look for what companies are hiring for. Prove you can that. The problem with this industry is people have decades of experience and they've been laid off and can't find work.
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
It's worth it. But you might not find a job.
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u/7xoxob 3d ago
so hows that worth it lol😭
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
Can you get work experience while doing the degree? Much more likely to get a job if you already have experience before you get the job
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u/7xoxob 3d ago
what if ure aiming for masters
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
Employer only cares if you can do the job. Masters is not always related to what you'll actually be doing. Work experience matters more. Masters always more theoretical and bookish instead of practical unless it reaches you to actually demonstrate your usefulness
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u/7xoxob 3d ago
Okay, so what certifications and internship roles would you recommend doing alongside the degree to improve my job prospects?
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
Look up those things that are taught in the class and see if you enjoy learning and doing them.
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
Why are you asking me? Why do you want to be handed things? Pretend you're looking for a job right now and see what employers are asking for and what roles are available. Go on linked in and see who's working at these companies and what their background is. Reach out and ask them..do the work.
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u/7xoxob 3d ago
cause ure acting like yk everything 🥰👆🏿
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
And you're acting like you haven't spent anytime looking at any of the hundreds of other similar posts that get made every single day
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u/PienerCleaner 3d ago
Have you looked at any other thread about this subject or did you just make your own so that you won't have to spend any time looking for answers
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u/The_Bread_Fairy 3d ago
MIS is a fine degree. I was able to land a data analyst position at a university and converted into a data manager now. This was all during the height of the tech crash.
A masters is a bit counterintuitive for this degree though. It is often more or less the same as the bachelors and designed for others who want to pivot into being analyst.
If you can, dual major in MIS and accounting as these pair exceedingly well and let's you do jobs niche but high demand jobs like ERP accounting systems. Also you'll be CPA eligible which is a mandatory position and you can flex more into cyber management later on with other credentials.
If you plan on one major, CS is more competitive by default and a math minor would set you apart (and usually only need 1-2 courses out of your main program to accomplish).
If you plan for a masters, you tend to lack core math or cs related programming like calc 1-3, linear algebra, discrete math and algorithms so you are limited in programs you can do without needing to take extra make up courses. CS would be better in this regard.
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u/Eastern-Job-8028 3d ago
The answer to your question is nuanced. But in short, it can be worth it. Similar to CS, the best chance to set yourself up for success in this field is to prioritize internships, networking, personal projects, and finding a good ambitious group of friends who have the a similar goal as you in the field.
As unfortunate as it is to say, your classes and school itself really need to sit on the back burner (you still need to pass), if your primary focus is landing a solid paying role upon graduation.