<p>So I'm a Management Information Systems (MIS) major, and I feel like I'm not learning enough hard skills to land a solid career in the future. Though the career path I want to take is not the same a computer science major would take~ is there any recommendations on any programming languages to learn on the side? I keep reading that having a "side project" or something you do on the side is crucial for a resume/interview/etc. but I'm not even sure where to start. Any help? Greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Java (most common use is apps/games and the android OS) is a great beginning language for Object Oriented Programming, and it is one of the most in-demand languages currently. If you just want a programming foundation, C (the oldest language, not used widely anymore) can provide that for you as it gives you the basic knowledge required to use most languages. Also, C++ (used for firefox and adobe), C# (used in Microsoft OS and applications) and Objective-C (used in Apple operating systems) would all be much easier to learn after learning C.
As a goal, you should probably aim to learn either Java or one of the more advanced C languages, but, regardless of which language you learn first, it shouldn’t be hard for you to pick up a second programming language once you already know one.</p>
<p>If you are still in college as an MIS major, take the introductory CS courses for CS majors and the CS courses for operating systems, networks, and databases. These will give you a much stronger foundation in technical concepts needed to solve difficult problems and adapt to new technologies in MIS jobs, compared to most people in MIS jobs.</p>
<p>Thanks you guys for all the input!</p>
<p>@ucbalumnus Yes, I’m still in college (Junior). Thanks for your input! But quick question, In addition to a programming language, is there anything else that would really help me stand out? A certain skill, project, etc? Thanks again!</p>
<p>On the technical side, beside the CS courses, see if you can handle the system administration of a home network of several computers running different OSes and other software, plus internet connection, firewall and other security, and printing. Be sure to back up your data.</p>
<p>@chee154: what makes you stand out (from my standpoint of a guy who is forming a tech start-up) is actually how good your github account looks, or how many good codes that you manage to put out there.</p>