IT people, need advice

[ProudNissanFreak]

Alright, so I'm an IT student. At the school I'm transferring to, we have 4 different specializations we can pick from. I chose information security. But, now I think I'm set on dual-specializing. The other options are:

Web Dev/Design Emphasis

General Business Emphasis

Database Orientation (my current second choice)

Applications Development Specialization

Which one would you recommend and why? I picked database orientation mainly because I haven't really worked with them. I've written PhP data dump scripts and all, but never really worked with DB's. Appreciate the help.

[ugharin]

Id recommed DB as your first choice. I am starting my career in IT too right now...in the initial stages of my masters program..Im getting into Linux/ AIX (systems admin) and with my options open for Database admin. My bro has been into oracle apps for 5 years and is now planning to be a DBA now as well.....it pays very well...the job is fun. IMHO programming is crap...and boring. Depends upon what you like though...Networking is fun too...would go well with your security...

[2nissanclan]

I'm not an IT person but know many who are and they say networking and database admin.

[flohtingPoint]

DB easily. You can get secure jobs if you're an Oracle-head. You'd be a total fool to pass up this opportunity. DB admins are one of the few folks who can lay down better bargaining chips when it comes to salary negotiations than Network Engineers like myself.

WebDev crap is becoming easier and easier with each passing year and it's a fickle market to begin with anyway. The other stuff can lead to ho-hum things.

[ProudNissanFreak]

Id recommed DB as your first choice. I am starting my career in IT too right now...in the initial stages of my masters program..Im getting into Linux/ AIX (systems admin) and with my options open for Database admin. My bro has been into oracle apps for 5 years and is now planning to be a DBA now as well.....it pays very well...the job is fun. IMHO programming is crap...and boring. Depends upon what you like though...Networking is fun too...would go well with your security...

Where are you studying your masters and what exactly are you studying? I'm looking into getting my master's as well.

Thanks for the help guys, I guess DB it is.

[ugharin]

I was going to SUNY binghamton...until I transfered down south to Jacksonville state AL. It was a lot cheaper here than NY after I lost my RAship...Im just doing it in MS Computer Science and Software systems and they have a really crappi program here...I am taking soem time off and preparing for some certs (RHCT or LPIC and CCNA) and am gonna try and get a job after which I could complete the masters online. Atleast..thats the plan...

Incidentally there is only one university in the world (somewhere in australia) who offer a Masters program in Linux Administration.

There are a few programs that I found here which offer a program in Networking. Rutgers or RIT I cant remember are one of them...

[Joe]

DBA hands down.

having reignited my IT career im in a toss up between network security specializations or a DBA side.