khoda

Also, please note that when you say something like "I might do CS because I seriously do enjoy programming" it illustrates your ignorance in the field. A famous computer scientist once said "Programming is to Computer Science as a telescope is to astronomy." I'm getting a degree in computer science and I hate programming but I love the theory.

al6200

Yeah, I agree ^^^ that Computer Science is way, way more than programming. But I tend to find that those who enjoy programming also get a kick out of the theory stuff, but its good that you can enjoy the theory anyway.

I think a nice analogy is:

computer science : programming :: mathematics : solving equations

Of course there are people who can't solve an equation to save their life, but still love mathematics, but solving equations and figuring out problems is the implementation of math theory, the same way programming implements the theory of computer science.



I also agree with everyone else that you should do what you enjoy. Of course you need to make some money, but also remember that work is what you'll spend most of your time doing as an adult. Even if you get a lot of money out of a job you dislike, you won't have a whole lot of time to enjoy the benefits of that money, and your un-enjoyable work will be a burden.

Compare that to getting a job with a lackluster income (but enough to support yourself). Sure you won't get the nicest car or the biggest house, but you'll feel better because you'll look forward to work every morning, and you'll probably find that there will be opportunities to make money in that field anyway.

So while its good that you are thinking about income (better than not caring at all, I must admit, you do need some money to live happily), it should not be the #1 reason why you pick a job.

california_love8

well actually from your description al6200 that is better for me. See, I really enjoy the theories behind math, but am not always the best at putting them to use (which is why I only got a 4 on the AP calc test ). So if computer programming is a lot more about theories and concepts than hands on programming, that bodes well for me.

My main concern though is just how much programming is involved? I mean, I like the challenge of trying to apply programming principles to everyday problems, but if I'm not the best at problem solving, will I be totally unsuccessful at CS?

Also, just to let you know, I seriously am not in consulting just for the money. I really do think that I can enjoy the work. It is a bit premature to think that without having done college, but still. Besides, I'm sure that software engineers, especially those that have a masters can make pretty good money right? I mean, they can always move up into management, and make good money from there right?

Addwit

Forgive me for being nit-picky, khoda, but I must correct your quote:

"Computer science is no more about COMPUTERS than astronomy is about telescopes.”

quicksilver40133

Yeah, CS isn't programming... that being said, however, programming is *the* most marketable skill CS majors have after graduation. Plus, software design can be a rewarding creative experience. I just don't think one should, hand-waving, imply that real computer scientists shouldn't worry too much about programming. That's like saying a mathematician shouldn't worry about knowing how to solve equations. Imho.

westsidewolf1989

no offense but look ibankers get paid a lot because they work forever in order to make their head honcho a ton of money. they work WELL over 40 hrs a week they are extremely devoted to their jobs. u dont get ibanking opportunities unless u r a top grad in a technological math-oriented analytical field (engineering, computers, econ and finance). u have to work hard in college to get close to a position like that