Career advice

[Blakk_Majik]

I am a senior, and will be graduating this time next year with my BS in CIS.

Here is my problem. Throughout my time at school, I have always struggled in my programming classes. My school only offers Cobol and VB (2 courses each, one basic, one advanced), and I have only recieved a B in my beginning VB class. In both Cobol courses, I received a C, but usually due to not so great test scores(my assignment grade usually saved my butt). And from the looks of things, it seems that I will end up with only a grade of C in my advanced VB class.

However, I have always excelled in my other CIS courses, never receiving a grade less than a B. This includes systems analysis, networking, asp.net, and database. In fact, I am really looking forward to taking both my Oracle database class and ASP.net server-side development class next semester.

I guess I am worried because recruiters may look at the grades in my programming classes and not look at my resume a second time. I really do like programming, but my ability(or lack thereof) to quickly grasp new development concepts makes me really question if I would even have a future in application development. I'd have no problem doing systems analysis or database work, as I enjoy those as well. I'd also consider networking.

Does it have anything to do with my lack of math skills? I was under the impression that really good programmers were usually pretty good math students. I have never been a good math student. I had to take Calc THREE times to get the grade required, which was only a C. However, I have always made A's and B's in my business math classes such as Accounting, Finance, and Statistics.

Anyone been in my situation before? And for those of you in the field, what do you suggest? Should I still try for a programming job, or just focus on my strengths and pursue something related to database or networking?

[RhinoBull]

Hi BM,

just to let you know (and perhaps to make you feel better) that nobody (and I mean nobody!) cares for your grades outside the school. No one would even care what school you went to (unless you have a diploma from one of the elite schools - but that would be nice flashy thing on the resume and that's about it). Today's employeers are looking for experienced personal regardless of education...
If you want to proceed programming carrer then based on what you told us you don't enjoy it much so therfore it might not be for you.
Also, (again based on what you told us) since you enjoy doing analysis and learning business becoming business analyst may suit you much better.

Good luck in your venture!

[runner4]

Hey BM,

There are different levels of programming.

I don't think you should pursue a software development position because I don't think you are a hardcore programmer; but, I think you have enough programming and analytical skills to become a Database Administrator, and since you also enjoy database work, statistics and networking. If you are a good DBA, you can make more money than a software developer. But, don't let money be the main factor when choosing a career. A lot of students make the mistake of pursuing a field because of the pay, but they end up in a rut. Take a field that you really enjoy, and become really good at it. Remember, it is not what you know, but how well you know it that will determine your demand in the business world.