[plug] [OT] Soft Eng .vs. Comp Sci

[Randal Adamson]

On Thu, 2005-08-25 at 16:19 +0800, Jacqueline McNally wrote:
> Senectus . wrote:
> > On 8/25/05, Andrew Howell <andrew at it.net.au> wrote:
> > 
> >> Yeah we usually look for applicants that have people skills and can
> >> read and write ;)
> >> 
> 
> This is important, as very few jobs allow you to sit in your own corner
> 100% of the time. For example, you may have to speak to a technical
> writer - espcially if you don't like doing documentation yourself ;-p
> 
> > 
> > 
> > Plus they say that everybody these days (this generation) is expected
> >  to change career's/jobs at least 3-4 times in their life.
> 
> Yes, but it is a good idea to have a piece of paper to start off with.
> 
> > So the concept of studying for 4-6 years in one subject and spending 
> > the rest of your life in that job is very out of date...
> 
> It sometimes happens. But one of the reasons why you need to enjoy the
> course you are doing. Tim, I don't know the difference between the two
> courses, or other courses that people have offered, but I suggest you
> find one you like otherwise it is just hard slog.
> 
> > I've already made one major career change (Was a Baker by Trade.. I 
> > guess I still am but I've no intention of going back down that path),
> >  and I reckon I'm looking at changing again after 6-7 years of I.T. 
> > Support.
> > 
> 
> I know very few people that don't change from an IT support role :)
> 


I would say if it bore down to two choices as presented - I'd go with
Computer Science. This is based on the impression that I get that you're
not really going to be interested in all the standard "Engineering"
stuff. Computer Science is more associated to Software Development,
Systems and general "Computer Stuff". If this is where your pathed
career lies - than there's your answer.

The great thing about degrees, is you can still chose minors/majors and
specialist units.

I did a Bachelor of Computer Science and majored in Database
Development. I spent most of my degree aiming to enhance my skills on
that line. However, I also did a stack of Descrete Mathematics,
Programming Languages, and some really useless stuff.

The other suggestions of business or commerce are going to present the
same problems as would software engineering - do you really want to do
all the ancillary units that wrap around those degrees? 

Hence, my recommendation for doing Computer Science.

Enjoy - and feel free to ask me questions directly if needed.

Cheers,

Ranz