InformationWeek

October 27, 1998

I graduated 1 1/2 years ago with a bachelor's degree in communications, with a specialization in accounting. Recently, I have decided to go back to school and I can't decide whether to get a undergraduate degree in MIS or a master's in information science. I am confused as to which would best suit my need to work in a managing consulting position within the high-tech field. Salary is not my concern; I'm more concerned with the path that would best provide the opportunity to gain knowledge and have a career that will grow. Is it worth paying the high cost of a grad degree as opposed to the lower cost of an undergrad degree since salary is not my main concern?

In information technology today, youth is an asset; use it to your advantage. You are in the driver's seat and are fortunate that you are working in an industry where demand outweighs supply by 3-to-1. If you enjoy the development route, you will still be afforded financial growth, and future technical opportunities will continue to exist. If you're interested in pursuing the management track now, I advise you to maintain your technical "hat" initially so that you maintain your marketability on either track. Management opportunities will present themselves again in the future; however, you may have to look beyond your current company.

More Questions:
I have no formal computer training, but am looking to make a career change. What will it take for me to break into some type of high-tech computer job? Are there any companies out there willing to train someone who is bright, a quick learner and eager?

I would like to be a Fortune 500 CIO. Do companies value MBAs from particular schools? Will any MBA do or will I need to go to a top-rated school? At what point does an executive search firm look more at the experience vs. the pedigree?