Most Families Pick the Wrong Tech Major — And Don’t Find Out Until It’s Too Late

Your Host: Dr. Rose Shumba

Parent + Educator Perspective

Portfolios + Internships Early

International Student Support

I raised two of my own children into successful tech careers — and I’ve spent my entire 20+ year career helping other families do the same.

As a professor and department chair, I don’t just teach theory. I help students prepare for industry jobs early, succeed in their classes, and learn what most professors never share: the real strategies for building portfolios, landing internships, and making connections before graduation.

I’ve guided students who never thought tech was for them — first-generation students, career changers, veterans, and military families — mentoring them from high school through graduation. My mentees have secured roles in big tech companies and federal agencies.

And yes — I support international students, too.
If you’re trying to find your footing in the U.S. system, I help you understand the expectations, choose the right lane, and prepare strategically from day one — so you don’t lose time (or confidence) to avoidable surprises.

The results? Hundreds of students in six-figure tech careers — and the 2025 University System of Maryland Mentoring Award.

My background includes a PhD in Computing, time as a software engineer, and leadership roles at an NSA/DHS Center for Cyber Defense and a U.S. Military Academy. Today, I lead a Computing Department with twenty faculty mentors.

When The New York Times wanted to feature someone building real pathways into tech careers, they came to me.

But what matters most? I’ve been on both sides — as an educator watching students struggle, and as a parent navigating the same decisions you’re facing right now.

I’m not a college admissions consultant. I’m a tech career architect for families.

Now I'm sharing what I know with families. Because the preparation that gets students hired starts long before senior year.

Learn more about Dr. Shumba

Most families enter tech majors through the wrong door.

Every year, capable students struggle — not because they aren’t smart, but because no one explained how tech majors actually work before tuition is paid.

The 4 mistakes that cost families thousands:

• Wrong Major (Financial Risk): Computer Science is not Cybersecurity. Data Science is not IT. Choosing the wrong lane is how families lose time, credits, and confidence.
• Too Late (Timeline Risk): If you treat internships like a junior-year problem, you’re already behind. Strong students build credibility early.
• Parent Trap (Emotional Risk): Most parents either hover (creating dependence) or disappear (creating drift). Both backfire.
• AI Fear (Market Risk): A tech degree is still worth it — but only if you choose the right lane and build thinking + proof, not just “tools.”

In 60 minutes, you’ll learn:

The clarity families need to choose the right lane — and avoid preventable mistakes.

Why I Created This Open House

I’ve sat across from too many students in my office — crying, defeated — because they picked the wrong major and didn’t realize it until the grades dropped.

By then, the damage is already in motion: wrong major → failed classes → lost credits → extra semesters → stressed student → stressed parent.

I’ve watched families lose $30,000+ on one bad decision — and I’m tired of seeing it happen.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Families can prevent this when they understand the system early — before tuition is paid and before expectations become painful surprises.

— Dr. Rose Shumba

This Open House is for families who:

• Want the best for their student but feel overwhelmed by all the options
• Worry about their child burning out, losing motivation, or struggling with tough classes
• Want to be supportive without becoming “that parent”
• Need clarity on how AI and tech changes affect their child's future
• Refuse to let their family waste years and dollars figuring this out alone

Why This Is a Family Decision

Your student doesn't know what they don't know. Professors won't explain their expectations. Advisors are overloaded. And your teen probably thinks “I'll figure it out when I get there.”

But you're the one writing the tuition check. You deserve to understand what you're paying for — before you pay for it.

This Open House gives you the clarity to lead the conversation, not just pay the bill.

Come with your student if you can. This decision affects both of you — and it's easier when you're on the same page.

What Happens After the Open House?

This free Open House covers the WHAT and the WHY. If you want the HOW — the step-by-step plan and finished documents — I’ll introduce two options at the end:

After you register

• You’ll receive a confirmation email + calendar reminder
• Zoom link is emailed closer to the session

FAQ

Quick answers to remove hesitation.

Don’t let your family learn the hard way.

Most major mistakes are preventable when families understand the system early. Join us for one hour — and leave with clarity.