I know that I want to major in Cybersecurity, as it's been a passion of mine since middle school, and I really like my classes so far (Sophomore). But I'm starting to think about what to minor in because my degree leaves a lot of credits open for electives or other classes. My mom has stressed to me the importance of backup plans in case the cyber field crashes for some reason, and I understand, but it's stressing me a bit.
I'm trying to think about both my strengths, likes, what is relatively AI resistant, and is projected to have decent growth according to the US BLS. I've considered data science or a similar field, but I don't think I'm a huge business person.
What I'm good at:
- Sciences, specifically bio, chem, marine, and earth. I never did physics nor want to (it sounds boring...)
- Math, although my degree only required pre-calc at max. But it's always clicked for me as long as I do some short practice
- Writing, even if I hate it sometimes
- Tutoring/teaching others
- Being detail oriented (read: perfectionist)
- Leading a project (if no one else wants to)
- Public speaking
What I like:
- Biology is the best, I love learning about DNA/genetics, cells, viruses, animals
- Learning Japanese is a fun hobby, but I try to take it seriously too (with what extra time I have)
- Writing when I get to pick a topic I want to research
- Music and art. I did Orchestra (viola) most of my academic career, and I can't draw but I'd like to learn. I do like making infographics and presentations. I do like a little photography, but I don't have fancy equipment or know special techniques
- Tech, duh. I got very into computer networking, and I like learning about privacy and self-hosting.
- Helping people, although I'm not sure if I'd be good at being a counselor or community worker
What I hate:
- English. Specifically writing about shit I didn't pick (book reports, forced topic paper). Also how open-ended it can be ("Oh, A isn't wrong per se, but B is the best answer")
- Not a huge hands-on person, outside of exercising and gardening. I don't build stuff or want to be an engineer.
- Not a social butterfly, so hospitality wouldn't work. Despite being introverted, I also don't like talking to people via text, social media, and phone. I like being in person with people if I have to talk to them.
Need more practice/time:
- Coding. I really want to make wonderful software to help others, but I'm still a noob. I need to practice more to at least get comfy with Python...
- Apparently I was one of the few weirdos to like the trial week of learning SQL in high school, but I'm not sure if it's something I'd do for life or am good at
Any Cyber professionals think I should just go all in and minor in IT or CS? Or does spreading out a bit more sound good? I feel I could learn the additional useful skills (programming) in my own time rather than majoring in CS.
Wtf is cyber? Cybersecurity...?
I will say that, for the most part, minors are worthless.
Unless you have a specific combo major+minor for a specific field you are interested in entering, then minors will play essentially no role in the hiring process - other than maybe some casual conversation during interviews. They are essentially seen as hobbies. If you minor in CS, eg, a company looking for developers will have little interest in hiring you without some other evidence that you know how to develop software.
Meanwhile, for your own personal skills that you could put into practice to be useful in a workplace, again, the minor will likely not be very useful. Usually you gain actual useful skills for the workplace at the 4000 level. Minors typically require a bunch of pre-recs, and top out with a handful of classes at tha 3000 level. The earlier classes in the degree are there to lay the foundation.
My vote: if you can hit your credit hours needed for your degree solely with your majors courseload, just do that. Graduate early if possible. Save time and money.
If not, take the easiest classes you can to hit your required credit hours. Use your free time to get an internship/part time job in your field, study more for your major classes in order to get a high gpa, or just, like, have an enjoyable and vibrant social life.
If you want to diversify your potential income streams, get on track to work in a trade. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, etc probably won't be automated out of a job anytime soon. You don't really need any formal classes for this - just ask around and start working for a local plumbing company or whatever.
But honestly, if you really want the best skills for the workplace - fuck getting a minor, and instead work on your people skills. Instead of going to class, go out and learn how to strike up a friendly conversation with a stranger. Go do something dumb and embarassing, and learn that doing dumb, embarassing things is fine. Train your brain to be optimistic, focused on the positives and opportinities in life, and learn to express this mindset to others. Learn to have uncomfortable conversations, where you tell someone something that you know they won't like, and which might make them dislike you. It's a lot easier to find work when you have lots of friends who know you're smart, cool, and hard working.