Out of the following, which specialization would be the most profitable? And which would be the most useful? Artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer theory, networking, security, robotics, parallel computation, database, data mining, computer architecture, or systems software.

Profitable in what way?

If you're going to specialize, then it seems obvious to me that you should specialize in something that interests you. You're going to be working for 8 hours a day, you don't want to be doing something you hate for all that time just because it's "profitable". After all, if money is all that matters, then you should become a lawyer or something...

As for "most useful", then they're all useful, otherwise people wouldn't ever specialize in any of them!

So I suggest you study as much as you can first, then decide which area you find most enjoyable. Then specialize in that.

The magic 8-ball says..... databases. Go for it. Devote your life to that. Never look back.

Quote: Original post by HeyHoHey
Out of the following, which specialization would be the most profitable? And which would be the most useful?

Depends on what you mean by "useful". On many other factors as well, of course. One thing to consider is ease of finding a job. Last time I looked, most ads are about web development/databases. If you do that, you'll probably find a position easily. A position for AI developer might be much harder to find. But if you do find it, I guess AI will out-earn web development. Another factor to consider is what level are you planning to work at eventually. If you graduate with a BSc, finding positions in robotics or AI might be difficult (they may require MSc/PhD). So you might need to stick to kind of generalist development positions, of which web development/databases/networking/security are probably easiest to find. If you do plan to get an advanced degree, it does become easier to do AI or robotics, but you also become overqualified for many positions. If you plan to get into management eventually, I don't think specialization matters at all.

Also, fashion changes. Right now, I think networking and security are hot topics, but they weren't 20 years ago and I'm not sure about the next 20 years either.

Quote: Original post by Codeka
Profitable in what way?

I would assume, in the way of making more money. As measured, maybe, by the average salary in the field?

Quote: Original post by Sneftel
The magic 8-ball says..... databases. Go for it.

Actually, the guy didn't ask what he should do. He asked which of several fields are more profitable. Although I must say, your inability to understand the post you are replying to doesn't surprise me at all :)

Quote: Original post by Gil Grissom

Quote: Original post by Sneftel
The magic 8-ball says..... databases. Go for it.

Actually, the guy didn't ask what he should do. He asked which of several fields are more profitable. Although I must say, your inability to understand the post you are replying to doesn't surprise me at all :)

You sound pretty angry, anything wrong?