[TheCDAllenGroup]

For you Computer Science/I.T. professionals on here, what is your personal view of the job marketplace for up-and-coming I.T./computer science college graduates?

I would like to know from a personal standpoint about how the industry is doing and such.

I'm finishing my degree in computer science starting this summer to graduate from Southern Methodist University (School of Engineering), and won't be finish for another three years, but I'm simultaneously working on a number of certifications like CompTIA A+, Network +, Security +, MCSE, CCNA, etc., to at least "get my feet wet" before I finish my degree.

So, what do you think the near future holds for me? Are the outsourcing of jobs (particularly to India) that much of a concern for me (and others)? I'm based in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

I'm 23, by the way. Thanks for your help! :-)

[JLeezer]

In Nashville, where I'm located, the job market for IT jobs has still been going pretty strong. I think turnover has gotten a bit higher, but so have the available jobs and pay. Of course, if you come to Nashville, you'll most likely end up in either the healthcare or music/media industries. So if you're interested in either of those, this could definitely be a hotspot for you to go job hunting.

[jasaunders]

I heard a presentation last week from a very successful entrepreneur, the CEO of CCC Information Services, and he still thinks there is a big demand for software in this country. Software has not come close to catching up to technological advances in hardware.

The demand isn't in endless programming (which may be where you have to start), but in new technological innovations and new ideas and platforms for doing things.