Suggestion to all Undergrads: Study a subject that will help you find a job

Student Lounge College Life
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Why do you need a computer science major for programming jobs? I have taken precisely three computer science classes, two of which were actually more math than computer science, and I am currently working a programming job. I was offered an IT job too. </p>

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If you had substantial IT experience and you were good at what you are doing, you should not have so much trouble finding a job. </p>

<p>You sound like you have been very passive about your career development. Maybe this is a good opportunity for you to re-evaluate your options and priorities. What career would you like to have? What steps can you take to get there? For example, if you wanted to stay in IT and needed more experience in in-demand areas, could you strengthen your profile by taking a few IT classes or volunteering in the IT department of a non-profit?</p>

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<p>“-he is saying that it’s impossible to place into a typical job as a math graduate (actuary, engineer, computer scientist) when you did not have that set career goal upon starting college”</p>

<p>If you google “what can I do with a math degree” a ton of links come up listing the most common careers. And if you google “how to become an actuary” the very first link gives a lot of information. I doubt that someone capable of getting a math degree isn’t also capable of spending five minutes with a search engine.</p>

<p>“-unemployment is preferable to the jobs he could technically be getting (his reasons make a lot of sense strategically and mathematically)”</p>

<p>Okay?</p>

<p>“-he is unfairly disadvantaged by his medical disorders (they make it difficult to interview but not to do the job itself)”</p>

<p>Surely this would be a problem with other degrees too. Interviews still matter.</p>

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<p>Is being a math teacher possible, or working for an organization as a paid math tutor? Did you earn a degree from a school recognize, such as USNews ranking or at the least known locally?</p>

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<p>^ We already suggested the math teacher. He said it was not for him.</p>

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<p>I’m so over this “whoa it’s me” thread. </p>

<p>This guy is obviously a ■■■■■. Don’t let anything he says dissuade you because with hard work and determination you can achieve with just about any degree. A math degree is an degree to have. Although, you have to apply it. If you don’t its usely. Its like owning a car, but you don’t know how to drive…at that…don’t even have a license. Ignore this guy… he’s obviously a ■■■■■ who continues to do nothing but shoot down any possible career suggestions.</p>

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<p>Maybe they think you are a dumbass because you project the image of being a dumbass. Thats where you need to start your work. Your attitude. Really, it makes a huge difference. It sounds like you are stuggling with a mood disorder (depression, anxiety) low self esteem and possibly a touch of Aspergers? Is your therapist helpful? If not, there are others who can be.</p>

<p>If I have a touch of Asperger’s as you suggest (I actually don’t meet all the criteria, by the way) why should I blame myself for lacking the social ability to come across as an intelligent person? I don’t consider myself an idiot. If I were an idiot I suppose that I wouldn’t have excelled in school. But if the people interviewing me think that I am an idiot, what can I do? :)</p>

<p>*Oh, and if your resume isnt getting any hits, have someone reread it and make some suggestions. Do your parents work? Do they have contacts? If so use them. *</p>

<p>Someone at the career center read it. They said it was fine, although they suggested that I make some cosmetic changes to it. Nothing major. My parents are unable to help.</p>

<p>"Also, how did you handle the typically required reading/writing, humanities, and social studies courses in school? Or did you go to a school like Amherst or Brown with no such requirements? "</p>

<p>I wish I had gone to one of those schools :). Look, math and computer science were easy courses. I spent more time and effort studying for History 101 than I did for Math 417. I am not a Math wizard, but Math comes easy to me. History would have require me to read large amounts of information, retain it, and process it. It was considerable work and I relied on memorization. For example if there was a concept I needed to learn I’d highlight it in the book and reread it until it stuck to my brain. Plus I only read the textbook and took as many notes in class as possible. I did not bother reading the additional books (you know, all those little books they make you buy). So in History 101 wouldn’t have ended up with an A.</p>

<p>"Why do you need a computer science major for programming jobs? I have taken precisely three computer science classes, two of which were actually more math than computer science, and I am currently working a programming job. I was offered an IT job too. "</p>

<p>A degree in computer science makes you more desirable for an IT job than a degree in any other subject. And keep in mind that when I say “IT” I am referring to jobs that involve computer programming, not some job in the finance department of an IT company or some customer service position.</p>

<p>"What career would you like to have? What steps can you take to get there? For example, if you wanted to stay in IT and needed more experience in in-demand areas, could you strengthen your profile by taking a few IT classes or volunteering in the IT department of a non-profit? "</p>

<p>I want to take a programming course but that’s up in the air right now. It costs thousands of money and I don’t have that money right now. I am waiting a few weeks to see if I can get a loan.</p>

<p>"Is being a math teacher possible, or working for an organization as a paid math tutor? Did you earn a degree from a school recognize, such as USNews ranking or at the least known locally? "</p>

<p>I think it’s possible, but it’s not a job I want to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if I apply for a teaching job and it turns out that my experience sucks and that the person reading my resume concludes that I’m not the type of person they would want to hire as a teacher. Is becoming a teacher really so easy that they will take anyone who lacks the capacity to get hired to work in an industry?</p>

<p>The school was like top 50 the last time I checked?</p>

<p>*
"Ignore this guy… he’s obviously a ■■■■■ who continues to do nothing but shoot down any possible career suggestions. "*</p>

<p>Real life ■■■■■, if you are right about me. Remember, I just wanted to help kids not make the same mistake I made. But then people started psychoanalyzing me and making false accusations against me and I simply defended myself.</p>

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<p>Dude, go to your local library and check out some CS books and start working if your so interested in IT. Or even simpler, find a free one on the internet given that there’s so many resources. Stop making excuses. Stop trying to gain sympathy points. “Just do it” - Nike Inc.</p>

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<p>you could have used all that unemployment time to write a math book for kids or come up with a business idea.</p>

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<p>Good idea. Write a math book for kids :)</p>

<p>Like anyone is going to give a damn about a book that was written by a person with a BA/BS?</p>

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<p>It’s unfortunate that you can’t find a job that you want, but really what were you expecting? Your current situation is on YOUR shoulders because of your actions (or lack thereof), NOT your major. You can make almost any major work if you have a clear goal/mindset and work towards it but that isn’t your case. I think you really need to stop playing the victim and stop expecting others to take care of you.</p>

<p>What I’m wondering is, what career DID you hope to do with a math major? If you wish now that you were a computer science major, that’s a totally different thing than if you think a math major is completely obsolete. You should have done your research more thoroughly. Of course nobody is going to care about you; in the end it’s YOUR future so YOU have to take action to get you where you want. Welcome to the real world. </p>

<p>I’m sorry things aren’t working the way you want, but you can’t possibly blame it on a degree in math; it’s more like your bad planning and decision-making that got you where you are.</p>

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<p>Oh well. We tried helping you by giving suggestions but all you are good for is excuses. I guess it sucks to be you. And like I said, it is NOT the math major that is the problem, it is you.</p>

<p>On that note, this thread should just be closed. It has become pointless and a lost cause.</p>