<p>Did this dilemma ever apply to any of you? If so, what factors ultimately tipped you onto either side of the fence? My "practical" side leans towards CS, as it pays well, is in demand, has entrepreneurial opportunities... But a real sticking point for me is that I like pure mathematics (discrete and continuous) more than anything, and I worry that I won't get much opportunity to use them in a software-related job. (Are most jobs just a lot of coding?) Your thoughts? Any input would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I graduated with a B.S. in Math with a minor in Computer Science back in December. It depends on the company whether you code alot or not, but I'm a Simulation Engineer, where I mainly code and troubleshoot. I used math once since I've been here, where I had to find a interpolation algorithm for a 4-Dimensional search. I love math too, so I go to school part-time working on my Master's. But now I realized that I love math more than anything, well Applied Math. So now I'm trying to go back to school full-time to get my PhD, so that I can do research and teach, rather than sit in front of a computer all day. I've learned alot since I've been here, such as other programming languages, networking, but rarely any math. My mom has a B.S. in math also and since she's been in the industry, she has been working as a Software Engineer. We have physics majors here also, but they code too. I love Applied Math, so I get a kick out of this job sometimes just because it's using math models to drive the simulations and they use me to check calculuations, but if you love pure math, I don't think you will get a kick out of this type of job. But, you do get paid VERY WELL.</p>
<p>Hmm...how difficult is it to go back to school for a grad degree after some time in industry? Rec letters from one's past professors and what not...how does that work out after being outside of academia for a few years? Does the "break" hurt one's chances at a better school? Or is it common to be able to apply immediately and defer one's own enrollment for a year or two? My finances are growing kind of thin, and actually, your scenario sounds like something that'd pragmatically suite me well, too. As much as I like pure, I still could see myself doing coding or applied for some time to pay the bills. Beggars can't be choosers, heh.</p>
<p>Letter of Rec:
Well I just graduated in December of 2004, and I still kept in touch with the math department. So, when they found out that I wanted to go back to school, they were ecstatic. I've also been going to graduate school part-time, so it would be possible for me to get recommendations from my teachers here. Also, if you get in the industry, depending on your supervisor, you might be able to get a rec from him/her. I just got my undergrad professors and advisors to do my recs. </p>
<p>Defer Admission:
Some schools will let you apply and defer admission for up to a year, you may have to check with the department to make sure. Some schools allow you to also use Letters of Rec that are no more than a year old, depending on how long you plan to work in the industry.</p>
<p>Hurt Chances?:
I've only been out of school for a semester. I graduated last fall, missed the spring, and I'm in grad school this fall. I really don't know how it would be if you were in the industry for a few years. I just know that nowadays companies are looking for people with at least a Master's in Math, Physics, or Engineering, such as Raytheon. The companies also offer Tuition Assistance, where they pay for you to get your Master's, which is what I'm taking advantage of. You also bring in a very nice income. I think the average for a new grad is around $50K for an engineering position. Some schools do take your work experience into consideration if it is applicable to your degree. You don't have to be out of the academia totally, you can always take a class or two just to keep the math fresh on your mind.</p>