Computer Science Canada

Is computer science for me?
Author:  deathbow2134 [ Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Is computer science for me?
Hello all!

I am a grade 10 pre-IB student (IB is an advanced academic program). I love science and math. I can program some basic stuff in a java, C++, VB, and C#. I have always been intreasted in computers. I have always wanted to learn about computers. I really would like a career that involves math in some way. It is tough to decide what kind of a career I want. To me, being a "programmer" is very mindless and boring. I enjoy theoretical computer science, and algorithim design and stuff, but there isn't really any jobs that involve those things. I don't want a job that highschool graduates can fill. I want an advanced education, maybe to the PhD level. I want to be respected, and to have a prestigous career that people don't make fun of.

Is computer science for me, or should I go into another field? (Computer engineering, Mathematics, operations research, etc.)? What kind of career would be suited to me?

Thanks all! Very Happy
Author:  Prabhakar Ragde [ Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is computer science for me?
deathbow2134 @ Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:59 pm wrote:
To me, being a "programmer" is very mindless and boring. I enjoy theoretical computer science, and algorithim design and stuff, but there isn't really any jobs that involve those things.


Professor.

Quote:
I want to be respected, and to have a prestigous career that people don't make fun of.


Never mind.

Seriously, there are industry jobs that aren't just "mindless, boring programming", though they are swamped by the ones that are. With post-graduate degrees, and good exposure to other related fields (e.g. mathematics), you can set yourself up for the more creative and enjoyable jobs.
Author:  jbking [ Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is computer science for me?
deathbow2134 @ Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:59 pm wrote:
I want an advanced education, maybe to the PhD level. I want to be respected, and to have a prestigous career that people don't make fun of.

Is computer science for me, or should I go into another field? (Computer engineering, Mathematics, operations research, etc.)? What kind of career would be suited to me?


I'm not sure there exists a career that isn't mocked out there in some way, shape or form. Authority figures appear in various sketch comedy or stand-up comedy routines, but I would like to know if there is some career that can't be used as a punchline.

Computer Science is rather broad and can be used in tons of different ways. Some can be simplistic programming but I wonder how well have you looked at software development methodologies and emerging technology trends that may change how some people work in this field. Some of my work is mindless and boring programming, but almost every job in existence has some administrative elements to it and you may be surprised at what some high school graduates could do for work.
Author:  deathbow2134 [ Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is computer science for me?
Sorry Razz

When I said a career people wouldn't make fun I just meant jobs that are considered very low end (I.e. garbage man, etc.) Though I realize that the low opinions of those careers are unfair and prejudice.
Author:  [Gandalf] [ Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Is computer science for me?
Nobody forces you to take a job at an interview. Razz It's your choice what work you do, and if you're good enough at the things they are looking for / the things you are interested in, they will most likely take you.

It's a bit of an idealistic perspective, but it's not too far removed from reality. You get good at what you are interested in, and you get jobs in what you are good at.
Author:  jbking [ Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is computer science for me?
deathbow2134 @ Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:43 pm wrote:
When I said a career people wouldn't make fun I just meant jobs that are considered very low end (I.e. garbage man, etc.) Though I realize that the low opinions of those careers are unfair and prejudice.


Some people will think a variety of professions are low end, that's life. Canadian Senators may get mocked for the little they do in the Canadian government but I wouldn't mind having that job. Some people will think any IT job is low end and that working with computers is for minions or peons. I remember being at a party and when I said that I was a software engineer, the person apologized as she didn't think it was a good job. I countered with valid points as I enjoy what I do and the freedom it gives me that some people may get and others just don't understand.

My father was a milkman. He drove those trucks that deliver milk to stores, schools, factories, restaurants and other places that would order from a distributor. While his work wasn't that intellectually challenging, it was likely physically challenging to move around all those cases of milk and going from a refrigerated truck to outside to possibly another refrigerated area where those cases were stored. Educationally, my father was a high school dropout. I can respect that my father worked hard for many years and is now retired. My mom was a nurse which may be thought highly in some areas but could just as easily be viewed as a, "Well, you just do what the doctor says to do, that isn't so hard," for a rather simplistic prejudicial view that is out there.
Author:  jernst [ Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is computer science for me?
I think a good view to have when thinking about your career is "What can I be good at?" and "What will I enjoy doing for many years" and then really work at doing your best at that, whatever it is. Always work to improve yourself and your skills throughout your life. Never stop learning. If you work hard and make an honest living, you shouldn't care what people think about what you do.

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