[game_edu] question from the community

[Shannon Jaeger]

Hi Ted,

Not all computing jobs are equal.  Help desk support isn't high
on my list, yet this is where some CS start.  I knew a person who
changed paper in printers all day long in a co-op position. I don't think
these jobs  fit the "Top Reasons to Major in Computer Science Programs
In America" list you give

I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that those in the CS field have
the highest number of unpaid overtime hours, so while it may pay well,
how many hours are people putting in.

Having a CS degree doesn't help you develop your ability to solve
problems, you do.  I seen many a person go through CS who had 
others solve the harder problems.  The hardest part is not the code
but the creative solution and in a class full of students a handful find
the solution and before long by word of mouth the rest of the class
has found out about or perhaps googled it.

I  can't recall anyone calling me a "well rounded individual because
I have a CS degree.  I have been called a geek though.  That is as a
an odd one.  I can see my CS degree helping me get a management
job, in fact my experience is it doesn't even help me get a project 
management job without prior experience managing a project.

Like all careers their are good points and not so good points and not
all degree holders are equal there is a wide range of competencies. It
really depends on those at the particular institution and the culture they
create.  

I do believe a CS degree can be the things in the list, I don't think it's
a guarantee.

Cheers,

Shannon

On 2011-06-28, at 10:11 PM, pawlicki at cs.rochester.edu wrote:


> Ryan,

> 

> I don't want to get into an argument, but I do feel the need to

> debunk some common myths in the post below. Jim's post (perhaps

> inadvertently) implies that computer scientists are "programmers".

> Computer Science is not "programming". (That's like calling

> astronomers "telescopers").  Jim's post also (perhaps

> inadvertently) implies that computer scientists exhibit low creativity.

> Or that CS is not a "creative subject".

> The fact is that computer science offers one of the highest career

> opportunities for creative expression.

> 

> Yours,

> 

> Ted

> 

> 

> (http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/TopReasonstoMajorInComputerScience.cfm)

> Top Reasons to Major in Computer Science Programs In America

>    Computing is part of everything you do (really)!

>    Computing will develop your ability to solve complex problems.

>    You will make a difference.

>    Computing jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job

> satisfaction.

>    There are more computing jobs than there are people to fill them.

>    A computing major can serve as a competitive advantage regardless of

> what career filed you chose.

>    Computing is creative and supports creativity in other fields.

>    Computing allows you to work independently or as a member of a team.

>    Computing is seen by employers as part of a well-rounded graduate.