Transcript ready for life after cis? what you should know!

READY FOR LIFE AFTER CIS?
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!
Jason T. Black, CIS
September 22, 2004
Professional Development Forum
OUTLINE OF TALK
Introduction
What IS Computer Science Really?
How do I Prepare for CIS Careers?
What Jobs are Out There For Me?
What do the Salaries Look Like?
Does FAMU’s CIS REALLY Prepare Me?
Conclusion / Questions
INTRODUCTION – Who Am I?
I am “one of you”
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Major – CIS Business option
Internships (Life Gets Better)
Clubs / organizations / “College Life”
Graduated 1991
Masters
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Georgia Tech (Software Engineering, 1992)
Ph.D.
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Florida State University (Ed. Tech., Dec, 04)
Both M.S. and Ph.D. were in Computer Science
Departments
SO, WHAT IS COMPUTER
SCIENCE?
Start with what it is NOT:
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Not “Study of computers”
Little significance with Computers
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Not “Programming”
Has programming at core, but majority of time
not spent on programming
Programming taught at Community College
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Not “use and application of computers and
software”
These are tools used by computer scientists
SO, WHAT IS COMPUTER
SCIENCE?
So, What IS it?
Definition (freedictionary.com):
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Branch of engineering sciences that
studies (with the aid of computers)
computable processes and structures
Study of algorithms, including:
Formal and math properties
Hardware realizations
Linguistic realizations
Applications
DIFFERENCES IN CIS AND CS
CIS (Computer Information Systems)
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Basic core courses same as CS
Exposure to languages
Immediate employment / MBA Program
CIS (Computer Information Sciences)
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Same core courses
Exposure to languages and theory of CS
Graduate School / Research
CIS (Science tract) is more related to
Computer Science
AREAS OF COMPUTER
SCIENCE
Core Areas:
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Algorithms and data structure
Programming languages
Computer architecture
Operating systems
Additional:
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Software engineering
Database / information management
Artificial Intelligence
Graphics
Network / internet computing
Mobile computing
AREAS OF COMPUTER
SCIENCE (CONT.)
Areas not really CS, but CLOSE!
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Computer Information Systems
Educational Technology
Human-Computer Interaction
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Scientific Computing
All Areas Require:
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Problem-solving / reasoning
Creativity
Theory / research
CS CAREERS
Computer Programmers
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Application, system, network
Almost 500,000 in 2002
B.S. degrees almost 50%; M.S. almost 20%
Drawbacks:
Long hours, minimal pay
Limited advancement
Outsourcing
Consultants
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Earnings:
Average: $60,290
50% between $45K and $78K
Minimum Average: $35K
Highest 10%: $95K
CS CAREERS (cont.)
Software Engineers / Systems Analysts
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B.S. degree: almost 80%
Almost 700,000 employed in 2002
~400,000 applications; ~300,000 systems
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Found in corporate, academic and research arenas
Almost 21,000 were consultants
At least B.S. with experience with systems
Increased focus on Computer Security
Often requires advanced degrees and experience
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IEEE certification (training)
Requires STRONG problem-solving and analytical skills,
communication
Entry-level: testing; experience controls advancement
Earnings:
Average: $70K
Middle 50%: $55K - $88K
Entry: $44K
Highest: $110K
CS CAREERS (cont.)
Information Management Specialists
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Database administrators, Information research specialists,
systems support
Employment in 2002:
DB: 110,000
Research specialists: 23,000
Systems Support: 192,000
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Increasing employment with Internet providers
Requires B.S. in CS, IS, MIS, or CIS
Increased interest in M.S. in BA (Business Admin.)
Webmasters: associates degree or certification
Research: Ph.D.
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Earnings:
Average: $62K
Middle 50%: $49K - $78K
Entry: $39K
Highest: $93K
Federal Govt: $68K
State Govt: 45K
With Grad Degree: $69K to $101K
CS CAREERS
Hardware Engineers
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Computer engineers, system engineers, electrical engineers
~40% work in computer/electronic manufacturing
~25% work in professional, scientific and technical firms
~75,000 jobs in 2002
Competition overseas
Earnings:
Average: $72K
Middle 50%: $56K to $91K
Entry: $45K
Highest: $115K
Semiconductors: $76K
Equipment manufacturing: $75K
Systems design: $74K
With Grad Degree: $65K
CS CAREERS
Hot Emerging Areas:
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Computer Security
Mobile Computing / Wireless Programming
Graphics
Artificial Intelligence
Consulting (???)
MEDIAN SALARY COMPARISON
By State (B.S. in CS):
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California - $80K
New York - $60K
Texas
- $63.5K
Florida
- $56K
Michigan - $59K
Virginia - $65.5K
By City (B.S. in CS)
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New York - $75.5K
Seattle
- $70K
San Fran - $80K
San Jose - $98K
Chicago - $70K
Dallas
- $74.2K
Washington - $75K
HOW DO YOU PREPARE
(while at FAMU)?
Talk to counselors, teachers
Examine course catalog / Plan WELL!
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Department curriculum
Critical thinking courses
Internships
Balance “training” with “good education”
Technical Skills
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Oracle, C++, Java, Visual Basic, UNIX, Windows
Non-Technical Skills
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Professionalism, etiquette, oral/written skills,
clubs/activities
Make contacts with professionals
Keep abreast of new technologies
Interview, Interview, Interview!!!
Words of Warning
Things that can affect employment:
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Economy is cyclical
Growth in some areas of minimal
Outsourcing
Government
Focuses in technology
Ways to be ready for down trends
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Best credentials
Prepare for worst-case scenario
HOW TO GET A JOB
(After FAMU)
Things to consider BEFORE interviewing:
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Self-Assessment
Match YOUR skills with the career of your choice
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Set your CAREER goals
Once you have an offer:
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Weigh Salary .vs. Cost-Of-Living
Examine environment / locale
Opportunities for advancement
Number of minorities
Select company that satisfies all of the above
WORDS OF WARNING (cont.)
Other issues:
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Still lack of qualified computer science
graduates
Still too few students going to graduate
school
Students with college degrees best
candidates
Avoid downsizing:
Be BEST-PREPARED
Keep Busy!!
Think in terms of CAREER, not JOB!
Consider Graduate School (Careful!)
SHOULD I GO TO GRADUATE
SCHOOL?
Benefits:
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Increased career choices
Financial
Contribution to the field
Flexibility
Giving back (academia)
But is it right for ME?
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Cost
Time
Lifestyle change
Background
Availability
Answer: depends on YOU!
SO, DOES FAMU PREPARE YOU
FOR THE NEXT LEVEL?
Industry
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Yes, but depends on YOU!
Number of graduates in workforce
Curriculum consistent with needs of corporate
world
Graduate School
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Again, YES, depending on YOU!
Science tract consistent with most CS programs
Diversity of students in grad programs
Number of M.S. recipients
I AM LIVING PROOF!!! 
QUESTIONS?