Because of the wide variety of people on this BBS, I figured this would be a good place to post this question. I'm still a junior in high school and I plan on going to the University of Arizona, where i'll probably major in computer science. I want to work with computers when I'm out of school and I want to be well paid, does anyone have any ideas about any specific field that would be good for me to look in to? I'm interested in almost all areas of computers, and I only have a fairly general knowledge of the subject at the moment. Thanks for any help anyone can offer. ------------------
Words of wisdom: Computer Science on the university level is tough, and really doesn't involve working with computers all that much. If you decide to major in CS, you will spend hours writing code. CS majors don't do a whole lot of hands on stuff with computers. Instead, you'll mainly be doing courses in logic and programming and math. So before you make any real decision, find out about coding - what it is, how it works - then ask yourself, "Do I like to write programs? Would I like to do this for a living?" If the answer is no, then you probably aren't cut out for Computer Science. I know I wasn't. I rushed headlong into a university CS program after breezing through the easy high-school courses, sure that since I liked working with computers, this was the path for me. Instead, I discovered in my second year that I hated coding with a passion, and after two years of wasted courses (resulting in C's and D's and F's that remain to this date on my transcript), I switched to a BA in English. The moral of my story is twofold: 1. Know what you're getting into. Don't plunge into a CS program just because you like computers. Keep in mind you'll be working with computers in any field you choose. 2. Make sure you enjoy coding... a lot. Computer scientists write code for a living. I made the mistake of thinking CS involved fun work with computers and it totally fudged up my academic program. If I had my time back, I would have done things totally different. ------------------ My dream job is to be a Houston Rockets towel boy.
Thanks for the advise. In my situation, I don't want to just work with computers in an otherwise unrelated job, but I would like the computers to be the center of my job. I don't think I would have anything against programming depending on the hours and the pay. ------------------
Have you ever programmed? Even school can't prepare you for the deadlines and the frustrations of timelines and project scope creep like the real world will. Do yourself a favor : While you're still in school... take a programming course if you haven't. If you can't, find a book on a programming language such as Visual Basic or Java. See if you like doing it... but be warned that I've seen LOTS of people get a serious dose of reality when they hit the workforce and find out what real pressure is. ------------------ "I was arrested for sexual assault involving an elderly man and I was out in 35 minutes." -- Achebe - programmer by day, geriatric ass grabber by night. As(s?) a side note, he did state he was cleared of charges.
I have very little experience with programming, I know a little VisualBasic and I plan on possibly learning C++. Another question, if CS isn't a good way to go in college, what major would allow me a lot of hands on experience with computers? ------------------
I would say tech support, but I'd like you to keep your sanity. ------------------ "I was arrested for sexual assault involving an elderly man and I was out in 35 minutes." -- Achebe - programmer by day, geriatric ass grabber by night. As(s?) a side note, he did state he was cleared of charges.
Also, take into account the fact that you might want to have a life outside of your work. You know, a social life? Try not to plan your life out for the next 10 years. The average person changes careers 5 times in his/her lifetime. Keep that in mind and remember that life is about living. No one ever said on his death bed, "I wish I had spent more time working." ------------------ fArt don't pay the rent.
Well, I was a CS major, and can code. I don't any more though, I just manage the teams. CS is a great degree to have and programmers are VERY highly paid coming out with just a CS degree. Average starting salary of a CS major in my feild is around $42,000. Not too shabby, As for the hours, yes there are a lot, but that is only at the end of the project, at the beginning and middle it is reletively calm. Good Luck, DaDakota ------------------ Go Jazz * http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/Forum3/HTML/011403.html
That's strange, fadeaway... my experience has been the exact opposite. I love coding, and am quite good at it, given ample time, but at my University (University of Texas: Dallas), most of the CS classes I am in do not have all that much coding...which annoys the piss out of me because that is what I am good at, not equations and math formulas (well, not as much). If I had more programs due in my classes, my grades would be much improved, as I always ace the programs assigned, and then bomb other homework assignments. ------------------ "all your base are belong to us!" "you have no chance to survive make your time!" [This message has been edited by RunninRaven (edited March 11, 2001).]
Computer Science is tough. Why don't you look into MIS (Management Information Systems) or Computer Engineering? MIS requires a little programming, but Computer Engineering barely requires any programming at all. ------------------
My roommates an MIS major and the more he tells me about it the more I'm thinking about switching over to that from Accounting. Nice pay too. S_F_R: This explains MIS and Career Opportunities ------------------ Rarely has one player outplayed another the way Olajuwon outplayed David Robinson in their famed playoff series in the same season that Robinson was the league's most valuable player. That for me, was the performance of a truly great player. -Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Halberstam [This message has been edited by Band Geek Mobster (edited March 11, 2001).]
I know so many people who majored in Business & Engineering yet found and IT job doing coding because they can't find jobs in their field...Remember that your major & GPA doesn't matter as much as you think if you are going into IT, its how you do in your interviews is what matters most...how much you are willing to learn and your job experiences are the keys... Just have fun in college don't pick a major that will cause you to lose your mind [This message has been edited by ChenZhen (edited March 11, 2001).]
In GENERAL, if you want a job in houston, most people in CS will start out with the same jobs & pay as an MIS or Computer Engineering Degrees... ------------------
I'm personally getting into SQL and VB. Can't go wrong as a DBA. If you are getting into programming too, we're both probably going to start as program maintence guys. I think they start at 37,000 and it only takes an associates degree in Information Systems. ------------------
Computer Science is like a math major -- a lot of logic/algorithms in programming. You'll spend the better part of your collegiate days behind a computer -- coding, debugging, and more coding. Plan to spend some of your time enjoying the college years! Truth. An MIS degree will give you some in-sight to network administration and technology support. ------------------ Not only have the Bryce Drew and Jason Williams bashers crossed the line, but they've sprinted a couple of miles beyond it.
If I were you I'd go into the business of selling Volkswagons. Especially Jetta's cuz they're cool. Okay, seriously though, I'd go into the School of Business and major in MIS (Managment Information Systems). They are always in demand and you will learn basic programming skills as part of your curriculum. At least in UT's MIS program, you do. There's a broad range of jobs you can get with this degree. Consulting, programming, etc. All of my MIS friends found jobs right away and most of them landed jobs that started around $40-50K/year. Why, oh why didn't my parents force me to stay in the Business school? ------------------ Hinei ma tov umanaim, shevet achim gam yachad.
Where oh where is rimbaud? I thought people only went to college to learn? What's all this talk about getting a good job? I told you how it really was rimbo! Remember? ------------------ "****!" --Kenny Thomas
Actually, owning a VW dealership would be an excellent career choice, especially given their current product line. Along with the Jetta, there is the still popular New Beetle, the new AAC SUV coming soon, the best-in-class Passat (soon with W12 engine available), and a newly designed Golf bowing soon (not to mention a planned high-end VW sedan in the pipeline). It's a good time to be a VW dealer. (Interestingly, I was discussing this very topic earlier today with my Dad. Owning a VW/Audi dealership is among my life-long dreams. That or a bowling alley.) I don't know jack about computer careers, so I cannot comment on anything to do with that. I do know that a friend of mine who majored in CIS at Oklahoma is doing very well right now with D&T Consulting. ------------------ Houston Sports Board The Anti-Bud Adams Page
Am I the only one that thinks the new beetle is one ugly ass car? ------------------ IT'S THE BAND GEEK MAFIA!!
