Perspective from graduate in CS

Transcript

1. Computer Science Perspective from an almost graduate in
2. Before we start I … will go through the slides rather quickly. have included links within slides for further exploration. may not get around to all the slides. Do copy this link: (use phone, take picture)
3. Background Digital & Fine Arts major (LaGuardia H.S.) formerly Chemistry major (Hunter ~ 3 yrs. ) B.S. Computer Science (Lehman ‘15) Minor in Mathematics and Philosophy (Tentative)
5. Bicycles for the Mind
6. CLIP
7. What is Computer Science? “Computer science is a discipline that spans theory and practice. It requires thinking both in abstract terms and in concrete terms… computer science can be seen on a higher level, as a science of problem solving.” - http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~john/whatiscs.html
8. The value of Computer Scientists “Computer scientists must be adept at modeling and analyzing problems. They must also be able to design solutions and verify that they are correct. Problem solving requires precision, creativity, and careful reasoning.” - http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~john/whatiscs.html Summary: Problems → Solution/Opportunities
9. A Little History In an effort to break the Nazi Enigma code, a group of Mathematicians and graduate students built a machine that followed logical instructions based on Alan Turing’s proposal. The Turing Machine became the foundation of modern computer and computation. Clip of how the code was broken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb44bGY2KdU Twitter-like history of computers: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000984.htm
10. That is why Computer Science graduates end up doing so well in the marketplace; They are capable of attacking many of todays problems using computers. Just like Alan Turing did.
11. How does it relate to other fields?
12. INSERT CHART
13. Why study Computer Science?
14. Reason 1 Influences EVERY facet of our lives Even a bird-eye view and understanding of computing is a necessary skill set for every person in the 21st century.
15. Reason 2 Learning to solve diverse and multi- dimensional problems…(literally) “Computing drives innovation in the sciences (human genome project, AIDS vaccine research, environmental monitoring and protection just to mention a few), and also in engineering, business, entertainment and education.” http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=4
16. Reason 3 The sky is not the limit. The foundation of knowledge, problem solving and logical thinking will be a competitive advantage in any career or field you pursue. Coupled with a secondary field your opportunities expand and become more interesting.
17. And many more... Forbes Article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/12/12/the-top-jobs-for-2014/ Association for Computing Machinery: http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=4 Bureau Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
18. Subfields (Industry & Academia) Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Graphics, Networks & Communications, Mainframe Systems, Distributed Systems, Data Processing and Database Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Cryptography, Security and much more. just marble at the wonder of your mobile phone….
19. Careers in Industry Programmer Software Developer Software Engineer Computer Scientist http://www.bibl.u-szeged.hu/afik/compw.html
20. What’s the difference?
21. Developers: generalists (think applications). Programmers: have a good set of algorithmic knowledge (applications, +). Software Engineers: apply engineering principles to the creation of software systems, with many sub disciplines. Computer Scientist: “as much a mathematician as they are a technologist, they don't just need to know [it] works, they have to prove it.” http://www.skorks.com/2010/03/the-difference-between-a-developer-a-programmer-and-a-computer-scientist/
23. Less Risk Averse? There is always room on the road less traveled; You can always employ your problem solving skills to create your own startup company. Work on “projects” while a CS undergrad, they may turn into a viable business by the time you graduate. WARNING: If this is more up your alley, do take some business courses and basic accounting
24. Why Computer Science at Lehman Our professors are AWESOME. They have TONS of real world experience in both industry and academia. The Mathematics and Computer Science Department has a partnership with IBM, opening up doors for students to gain experience.
25. Some Advice Do Major/Minor in Computer Science (or Information Systems) At the very least take: CMP 167: Programming Methods I (Any) PHI 227: Ethical Issues in Computing & Tech. (Dale) PHI 170: Introduction to Logic (Dale) PHI 330: Business Ethics (Birnbaum)
26. More Advice 1. No matter what field you guys end up pursuing get an internship in the field or a related one by your Junior or Senior year. 2. Start updating your resume: Get experience outside the classroom: program/hack away, find problems and try tackling solutions, join Hack-a-thons, build things. Resume Help: http://www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/materials/resumes_and_cover_letters.pdf The Google Resume: https://www.uop.edu.jo/download/research/members/495_1887_llll.pdf You can always compensate lack of work experience with personal project.
27. Word to the wise Computer Science degree is not a golden ticket It is a sufficient and necessary condition to being a good candidate in industry and thus you’ll have to put in effort.
28. Easy to Get Started Hour of Code a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming. https://www.khanacademy.org/hourofcode
29. Next steps for you 1. Reach/Seek out CS & Math department professors! 2. Get acquainted over the winter break: Codeacademy.com (fantastic place to start) Udacity.com (How to Build a Startup) EdX.org/Coursera.com (MIT, Harvard, etc CS courses) Lynda.com (available Lehman Library)
30. Don’t let a weak foundation in Mathematics hold you back. It is the foundation for the field. There are a MANY ways to fill in your gaps. Khan Academy + Youtube + Google + Professors + Tutoring Embrace Maths
31. "Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion… To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow." - Robert Pirsig, The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Some strings of Inspiration
32. “It is not knowledge, but the act of learning, not possession but the act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment.” - Carl F. Gauss