We're looking for suggestions on what type of information/computer science/data related degree my kid's interests will fit into. Junior in high school, A/B student, all A's in math, loves statistics and arraying data, organizing data, is very computer literate on his PC. He likes to collect data and organize it, interpret it, e.g., sports statistics, weather info, etc. A relative weakness is language related tasks, writing of the Eng lit type, inference and interpretation of essays and literature, does not do that well with complex abstractions unless they have to do with math. He will need to at least start with a distance degree due to physical/mobility issues. Which major in college would incorporate his interests? I don't think he will be doing calc or much higher math unless it is applied math, which he prefers. We have also considered library science which still is a possibility but we want him to do something marketable. Is computer programming that difficult or require high ability in abstractions? i don't really know much about the data-computer field, but it seems to be changing rapidly, and we want him to choose something that will be there when he graduates from college.
Thank you-any references/reading material? I would like to read up on this to get a sense of what the courses would be like, whether he can take this as a degree without prep beforehand, and an actual job description. I tried googling it but keep going in circles. Anyone know of any books, websites, that discuss the actual work involved on the job...also how the coursework related to the actual daily work as a database developer. Also, is it feasible to do the courses by distance or do you need actual classroom experience...Would apprecaite any and all info.........
The type of stuff that your son enjoys is what I do for a living. Try information systems, operation research, or management science. A degree in systems engineering, industrial engineering, or math will also steer him towards a career where he can do what he enjoys. Take a look at the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) web site to learn more. http://www.informs.org/index.php?c=74&kat=-+Career+Booklet
marisa, I was looking at the INFORMS web site and I came across something you may be interested in. High School Operations Research
Re: Thank you-any references/reading material? Any job description and activities associated with the job that you read in a book are not necessarily reflected in reality of the workplace. If your son wants to be a database developer, he should talk with current database developers and ask them about what they do on a daily basis. Outsourcing is also an issue which necessitates understanding the potential rewards and pitfalls of certain career paths. Does your son even know what he wants as a career yet? A career in IT is not winning the lottery; it takes a lot of study and effort to be really successful and the burn-out factor is relatively high. In fact, I would highly recommend your son attend an on-campus two-year college to explore his interests both academically and professionally. And yes, IT professionals need above average communication skills (verbal and written); the basement dwelling stereotype is not going to cut it in the workplace. Sorry to toss a bucket of ice water on you.
Thanks for the heads-up, sentinel... Actually our main goal for him and his goal is...survival LOL, in this cold cold world of cutthroat competition and global warming. Campus based won't work at least right now, but we will surely investigate the real world settings for this type of specialty and downgrade the expectation if that's necessary or find something else. Don't worry about the buckets of ice water, we've been splashed many times, we just treat it as a Three Stooges episode and move on LOL......
Re: Re: Thank you-any references/reading material? Marisa, You mentioned that your son has "all A's in math, loves statistics and arraying data, organizing data, is very computer literate on his PC. He likes to collect data and organize it, interpret it, e.g., sports statistics, weather info, etc." These attributes do not describe a career in IT; however, they do fit the description of an operations research analyst. A career in operations research requires a bachelor's degree. Most people in the field eventually earn a master's degree. My undergraduate degree in math and my master's degree is in operations research. The type of things your son enjoys is what I do as an operations research analyst.
With his interest in mathematics perhaps a career in a statistical field would be a good option. Government agencies hire statisticans and full-time employment with the government, at most levels, could be just the ticket (long-term career progression, health benefits, life insurance, decent renumeration, education allowance). I hope your son finds something that both interests him (personal growth and satisfaction) and provides a stable income (survival).
Marisa : You may want to consider actuarial science. It's routinely rated best job and seems a likely alternative given your son's attraction to Math and Stats. Moreover, it's not subject to outsourcing, pays extremely well, and is low stress. Finally, your son could sit for the exams taking online courses or just cramming Actex study guides while in school. Hope this helps. Greg
Actuary Profile in WSJ http://www.careerjournal.com/salaryhiring/industries/financialservices/20050614-waldman.html
I don't know...how about a career as a Chief Beer Officer. Duties include: It doesn't sound any better than that. http://tinyurl.com/yypvwa
