Degree finalisation and potential jobs

In summary, the speaker is seeking advice on their academic choices and job opportunities in the field of Computer Science. They are considering adjusting their Mathematics major and are unsure about the benefits of a Psychology minor. They also discuss their plans for applying to companies and whether getting a Master's or Ph.D. in CS would be beneficial or overqualifying. They seek recommendations for companies to apply to and mention their qualifications, such as being the president of the CS club and having a published research paper.
  • #1
Adeil
1
0
Hello everyone, I'd like your opinions/advice on a few things, your help would be greatly appreciated. Right now I'm getting close to finishing my degree but I still have a few parts that I can change and I'm not fully sure what I want to do or what would be best.

I'm currently an undergraduate at a 4-year university, I'm dual majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics with a minor in Psychology.

Firstly, I still have the opportunity to adjust my Mathematics major, I'm wondering if I should major in Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. I'm wondering which would compliment a Computer Science major more, and which companies look more at when hiring people.

Second, my minor, Psychology, I chose that minor because I find Psychology interesting. But so far, I've only taken General Psychology, I'm planning on taking the rest of the Psyc courses in the next few semesters to complete the minor. I'm wondering if companies look highly on a Psyc minor as being useful, maybe beneficial to understanding and working as a team member? Or, what other minor might be useful for CS? Business?

Next, I'm wondering about where I could potentially apply for a job. At the moment, I believe I'll graduate in December 2012. I'm planning on applying to the companies I want to get into in December 2011 saying that I'll graduate in December 2012. If I get in, I'll just go to the company after I graduate. If I'm not accepted, I think I may continue on to get my Masters in CS. I'm worried about getting my Masters (and especially Ph.D.), that I'll become overqualified and not have enough real-world experience to get a job.

My plans for the future have changed a bit in the last month. All the professors I talk to seem to think that a Ph.D. is the best thing to get in CS, and keep pushing for me to go to graduate school. But, talking to some people I know that work for actual companies say that a Ph.D. would make me overqualified for positions, and they would rather higher people with bachelors or possibly masters, rather than a Ph.D. I've also heard that the market for getting a job in CS is very very good right now, and if I were to get my masters or a Ph.D., there's no way to tell what the market could be by the time I get the actual degree.

The last thing I'd like some assistance with is I'd like some help with what companies that would be good to apply for. I would like to work for a company utilizing the CS portion of my degree, I *think* I have a decent chance at getting into some of these because I'm the president of the CS club, I have a published research paper (and potentially more by the time I graduate), I've placed in and won programming competitions, and I have a decent GPA (3.7). I'm planning on applying to: Google, Microsoft, Intel, Blizzard, Amazon, the NSA, Facebook, and IBM. (those are all of the ones I'm thinking of off the top of my head).

If anyone has any opinions/ideas/recommendations for my Math major, my minor, and/or the companies I should apply to, that would be greatly appreciated! And thank you for reading all of this!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
For math it really depends on what your school means by applied. The courses you could take that would apply to CS might be information theory, discrete math, numerical analysis, and linear algebra. For jobs it depends on what you want to do at work. If it is research for cryptography then a PhD could definitely help.

Psychology might help with getting a product sold or how the product will affect people's interactions but I don't think employers expect you to psychoanalyze your coworkers. If it's google they have a team on product analysis and advertising.
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Degree finalisation and potential jobs

What is degree finalisation and why is it important?

Degree finalisation refers to the completion of all academic requirements for a particular degree program. It is important because it signifies the culmination of years of hard work and dedication towards achieving a specific academic goal.

How does degree finalisation impact my potential job opportunities?

Degree finalisation can greatly impact your potential job opportunities as it demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and dedication to complete a rigorous academic program. It also serves as a proof of your commitment and ability to follow through on long-term goals.

What are the steps involved in finalising a degree?

The specific steps involved in finalising a degree may vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, it involves completing all required coursework, exams, and assignments, fulfilling any internship or practical experience requirements, and submitting a final thesis or project. It is important to consult with your academic advisor or department for the specific requirements for your degree program.

Can I still apply for jobs before my degree is finalised?

Yes, you can still apply for jobs before your degree is finalised. However, it is important to be transparent with potential employers about your expected graduation date and any remaining requirements needed to complete your degree. Many employers may be willing to offer conditional job offers or flexible start dates to accommodate your academic commitments.

Are there any potential jobs or career paths that require a specific degree finalisation?

Yes, there are certain jobs or career paths that may require a specific degree finalisation, such as becoming a licensed professional in a specific field (e.g. doctor, lawyer, engineer). It is important to research and understand the specific requirements for your desired career path to ensure you have the necessary degree and qualifications.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top