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 Hey there everyone!

I'll get my college degree in computer science this summer, and next year I'm going to the University. I subscribed for the same kind of program which is "Computer science" and I got accepted! I'm really happy with that.

The "problem" is that I'm listening to a lot of MT podcasts and I've been the team leader of some Software developpement team, and I've discovered that I like management a bit. I'm not sure if Management is for me, but I think I would really like to be Project manager someday. There is two path that I can take, and I want to get your input on which choice seems better:

  1. I can switch program from "Computer Science" to "Software Project Management".
  2. I can finish my studies in "Computer Science", then if I still want to do project management, I can get an MBA or some sort of courses on "Project Management".

My favorite choice is number 2, because I think it is more logical to get experience in a Domain THEN (when you delivered results) get promoted to a higher position. Do you think two separate Diploma on both Management and Computer Science makes me better on theses two areas than one diploma of thoses two mixed up?

Finally, do you have any techniques to discover if management is for me or not? Is there any criteria that a Manager must meet?

Thanks in advance,
Eric

 

Mark's picture
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Stay in Computer Science if you like it.  Get the hard tech stuff into your head, and go do good work. As you learn about the professional world, you'll gradually be exposed to good and bad management, and will learn whether you want to do it or not.

I've got more to say on this, but I don't think young people should "choose management as a career".  Managing others is part of one's long career, and surely is done better early in one's career in an area one knows something about.

You don't need two diplomas.  You need one and the work experience you will get when you could have been getting the second.

There's an old pilot's saying: there are old pilots, and bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.  Meaning: you might be bold when you're young, but as you mature, you become more careful, AND better.

My take: there are young managers, and there are GREAT managers, but there are no great young managers.

Take your time.

Mark

PS: There are rare exceptions, like Chuck Yeager as a pilot, and John Hoffman as a manager/leader.  Which reminds me of the line from Harvey Penick, about gripping a golf club, in his Little Red Book: "As for your grip pressure, keep it light.  Arnold Palmer likes to grip it tightly, but you are not Arnold Palmer."

jhack's picture

The only way to find out is to do the job.  Degrees matter less than job performance.  

Careers in computers take many forms, and can evolve in surprising ways.  There is the conventional three track approach (Expert / project manager / people manager) and this the decision you're trying to make.  

School will only teach you a small percentage of what you need to know, regardless of track.  A good school will give the basics and the ability to learn, which will get you started.  

The formal curriculum of project management is relatively small;  you can learn in two semesters more than you'll ever use and less than you need to succeed.  An MBA isn't a management degree (it's "Business Administration") and it is unlikely to be useful to someone starting out in a field where technical skill and technology  management is paramount.  

Only you can know, and the only way to find out is to do it.  Some love it, some think they will and don't.  

And:  The degrees will matter very litle after a couple years on the job.  Your skills, your ability to learn, the way you lead, the company you work for...those will determine where you fit best.  The degrees just give you the chance to show what you can do.   

John Hack

EricGagnon's picture

 Thanks Mark and John for your answers, it's REALLY appreciated!

Mark: Well said! I totaly agree with you. This is what I was thinking but I asked many people's opinions, and they were all saying that I should go in management right now if it's where I want to go. I think your approach is MUCH MORE logical and I think you have really solid credibility on the subject. I'm much more confident now, thanks!

John: Thanks for your input! I'm happy with the program that I've choosen in University because I'll have 3 semesters that are going to be only internships, so I think this is a great opportunity to create links in the industry and start building a good network.

 

Btw: Sorry for my poor english. Don't be affraid to correct me if I made some errors :)

RichRuh's picture
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I'll second the comments above- go into Computer Science first, and save management for later.  In addition, I'll add that being a developer first will give you cred when you manage developers later.  Perhaps it shouldn't, but it does.

Finally, do you have any techniques to discover if management is for me or not?

Yes.  You'll just know. 

Here are some warning signs:

- If you go home at night to read up on your field, and you find yourself reading books on software process and software management rather than the latest whizz-bang technology.

- If you find yourself organizing grass-roots efforts to improve your team

- If you see things being done by your management that your colleagues think are stupid, and you burn with a desire to get a chance to do it better

At least when I look back on my career, those are the things that led me down the management path...

--Rich (formerly a really good C/C++ programmer)

EricGagnon's picture

 Thanks Rich for your input!

It's great to hear your opinion, since you were a programmer (and I'll be one soon!). Really helpful tips, thanks!

mtietel's picture
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I completely agree with Rich and experienced the same warning signs...