r/informationsystems

I'm a CSE-AI student and an aspiring Systems & AI engineer.

I'm looking for books that build a strong foundation in:

• Computer Networks
• Computer Architecture
• Operating Systems

I prefer books that start with the fundamentals but also go into enough depth to prepare me for systems programming, distributed systems, and interviews. I'm willing to read challenging books if they're worth the effort.

What books would you recommend, and in what order should I read them?

Any recommendations, opinions, or advice beyond books would also be appreciated.

To preface this I’m starting my freshman year majoring in CIT in the fall, and have already started a few certifications for cyber security and just other free ones in my free time, I have some coding experience, mostly game development but just basic understanding of a few languages, and I really don’t know what I want to do with my degree.

With that being stated is it worth it to learn coding language?

I say this because I have a friend doing the same major as me and he’s started learning python saying it will help with any job in information systems

Is there truth to that? Kinda lost, ai doesn’t help if I ask and I don’t know anybody else.

Hello, I'm about to enter college in the BS of Information Systems. I'm just wondering what and how should I prepare for it?

What coursework can I do in advance to further help me in the future?

I'm currently learning python with little to no knowledge, so is there anything that can help me be more prepared?

I am transferring to a really good university next year that has an amazing information system program, but I also want to do something that’s my passion. I decided I am going to get a double degree in information systems and visual art. My overall goal is to work with museums in whatever capacity I can but my dream is to analyze data for them and private collectors and have a say in what works and what doesn’t. Is this possible or am I just wishing on a star????

Does this even matter? I wanted to do my masters in person here in Chicago because i thought it would give me some kind of advantage being from a local school and making local connections etc. but the cost is so high vs some of these online programs. I guess i could also get an associate in information systems as well at some community college. But i don’t really know anymore. I was ready to commit to the masters program but after seeing the price tag and the fact that graduate degrees don’t get any grants for financial aid, it turned into a nightmare.

The idea of “making connections” isn’t even a guarantee, just a thought. But also i think i learn better in the classroom. But id be willing to trade that for significantly less debt.

TL;DR: Introverted first-year undergrad deciding between staying in Information Systems (Data focus, high GPA, but despise the business school networking vibe) or transferring to Computer Science (Rigorous, highly respected, but math/low-level systems might tank my GPA). Consider: PhD in Computational Social Science.

Hi everyone, I’m a first-year undergrad, and I’m currently at a crossroads between staying in my current major (Information Systems - under the College of Business) or transferring to Computer Science. One path I am seriously considering is pursuing a PhD in Computational Social Science (CSS). However, this is just an option I'm exploring, and I haven't fully committed to the PhD route yet.

Here is a breakdown of my dilemma:

Staying in Information Systems:

1. The Plan: Specialize in the Data Informatics or Business Intelligence, taking courses like Big Data, Machine Learning for Business, Python, SAS, and Regression Analysis.

2. What I like: The courses focus on applying technology and data to real-world problems, which perfectly aligns with CSS research. It leaves me enough time to maintain a high GPA and do undergraduate research.

3. My concerns: I absolutely despise the Business vibe (excessive group projects, mandatory presentations, and forced networking). I am extremely introverted and past group projects have literally made me cry from the overwhelming stress. I'm naturally terrible at networking, and I don't come from a family that can hand me any business connections or resources. On top of that, I'm worried about the stigma that IS is a "watered-down CS," and fear that PhD admission committees might look down on a business degree compared to a STEM degree.

Transferring to Computer Science:

1. The Plan: Take the rigorous CS route (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Data Structures, Algorithms).

2. What I like: It’s a highly respected degree that escapes the business school environment. It feels like a safer backup if I decide not to do a PhD, as the CS job market (even when saturated) generally pays better than typical IS roles.

3. My concerns: The heavy and low-level hardware/systems courses (which seem irrelevant to social science research and future job) are extremely difficult for me. I fear that struggling with these courses will tank my GPA, completely ruining my chances for a top PhD program.

I'm feeling extremely conflicted right now and really don't know which path to choose. I also want to know if my understanding of the reality of both majors (regarding PhD admissions, the job market, and the stigma) is accurate. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Most definitions center on collecting, processing, storing, and distributing information to support decision making. Nothing in that definition technically requires a computer.

So is the computer essential to what IS is, or just the tool we happen to use? And does tying the field to a specific technology limit how we define it?

Hey,

I’m an upcoming sophomore in ISE and I currently have a part time job but I want to build my resume with some internships experience and would like to ask how did you guys successfully get your first internship opportunity? Any reply would be greatly appreciated!

I just graduated this month and I’ve been applying for the past school year mainly for business analyst roles. I changed my resume and applied for many positions with one or two interviews that eventually got rejected or ghosted. Any help and advice is great on how I can land more interviews and potentially get my first offer. Thank you

Hey guys, would love it if I got some suggestions on this.
I have completed my Bachelor's in CS, 2 yrs of SWE exp, and my Master's in IT. I realised I don't enjoy coding that much, as other people do, who are with me, as they are passionate about coding and building, but I am more into a Technical Manager role, and so I was thinking of a Technical Product Manager role, where I can use the technical skills and also not be doing that much of the coding.

So, I tried reaching out to people on LinkedIn, but got no satisfactory answer from anyone on LinkedIn. I want to know, would it be good, and is it possible to switch from an SWE background to a TPM role?
Would it require any previous TPM experience?
Considering the current conditions of AI and other things, would it be a wise decision to switch to a TPM role?

Have been thinking about this for some days, and thought I could get some good suggestions from the community, please anything on this would be good.

Hello guys im from Philippines and i got no choice but to get in information system, the course i want is information technology but the school ran out of slot i can't get afford to get in another univ I heard that information system more focus on business but i wanna get more into tech like programing,netwoking or cyber sec can someone enlighten what is information system? is it the same in information technology?