by Sushma Hans
One question I hear quite often from students is, “Which IT major should I choose if I want a good job?”
It is a fair question. When you are choosing your major, it is natural to think about the future. The jobs that will be available, the skills employers will want, and whether the choice you make today will still be useful when you graduate.
As a lecturer in the School of IT at Al Falah University, I have spoken to many students who are trying to make this decision. Some already know exactly what they want to do. Others enjoy technology but are still trying to work out which area is right for them.
My first piece of advice is simple: do not choose a major only because you have heard that it is “the most in-demand”.
Technology changes quickly. The jobs that are popular today may look different a few years from now. What matters more is developing a strong foundation and finding an area that you are genuinely interested in learning.
At Al Falah University, students have different pathways within IT, including Business Information Systems, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Games and Software Development. Each offers different opportunities, and there is no single major that is right for everyone.
So how do you decide?
I meet students who enjoy technology but are not sure whether they want a career that is purely technical. If that sounds like you, Business Information Systems could be a good direction. Organisations need people who can understand both business needs and the technology that can help solve them. This can lead to roles such as business analyst, systems analyst, IT consultant and business intelligence professional.
If you are naturally curious and enjoy finding problems, you might find Cyber Security interesting. Security involves understanding risks, investigating incidents and finding ways to make systems safer. It is also a field where there is always something new to learn.
If you enjoy programming, logic and understanding how technology works, Computer Science can give you a strong foundation. It can lead to careers in software, systems, data and many other technical areas. More importantly, you develop the ability to understand problems and build solutions, skills that remain useful as technology changes.
Artificial Intelligence attracts a lot of attention from students today. But I would not recommend choosing it simply because you hear that it is the future. Ask yourself whether you enjoy data, mathematics, problem-solving and understanding how intelligent systems work. If you do, it can be an exciting area to explore.
Then there are students who simply love creating things. If you enjoy developing applications, software or games and like seeing an idea turn into something people can interact with, Games and Software Development may be the right fit for you.
And what if you are interested in more than one area?
This is where a double major can be worth considering. You do not always have to put yourself into one box. Combining two areas can help you develop a broader perspective and understand how different parts of IT work together. For example, students who enjoy both technology and business may find it valuable to bring these interests together.
But there is something else I would tell every student:
Your major does not define your entire career.
I have seen students become interested in areas they never expected to explore when they first started university. A project, internship, student society or competition can change the direction you thought you were going to take.
This is why I always encourage my students not to wait until their final year to start thinking about their careers. Use your time at university to explore different areas and find out what you actually enjoy. Try a project outside your coursework. Attend an industry event. Join a student society. Speak to lecturers. Take part in competitions. Build something. Ask questions.
And while you are developing your technical skills, do not forget communication, teamwork, problem-solving, confidence and the ability to keep learning. When you enter the workplace, you will not be expected to know everything. You will be expected to learn, adapt, work with others and contribute to solving real problems.
So, when you are deciding which IT major to choose at Al Falah University, look beyond the question, “Which major will get me a good job?”
Instead, ask yourself:
“What do I enjoy learning?”
“What am I good at?”
“What kind of problems would I like to solve?”
Your first job may not be your final career, and your first choice at university does not have to determine your entire future.
Choose a direction that interests you. If you have two strong interests, explore whether a double major could bring them together. Build a strong foundation. Stay curious. Keep learning.
The IT industry will continue to change. Your ability to grow with it is what will stay with you.
