UCSD Management Science or UCSC Information Systems for Project Manager

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>I’m currently a 2nd year at UC Santa Cruz studying Technology Information Management, and I’ve recently applied and got accepted from UC San Diego as a potential transfer. The major I got in for San Diego is Management Science which is very economics and math intensive. This is a different from my T.I.M major in Santa Cruz which is making me take coding classes and some econ, while stressing information systems in business. I’m not really trying to be a software engineer nor a full-time information systems engineer; but am interested in being a project manager or project lead. </p>

<p>My questions are:

  1. How important is it that I learn technical skills (computer programming) to eventually land a job as a project manager?
  2. Would majoring in Management Science in San Diego be better than continuing my major at Santa Cruz? What if I minored in computer science in SD as well?
  3. What potential entry level jobs can you think of with both majors?</p>
2

<p>I don’t know how such a move would affect your initial job offers, but as a computer science major and software developer I know it would be pretty difficult for me to take seriously someone managing a software project who didn’t even know how to code. I would think knowing something about how software is actually created is pretty darn important if you’re going to be managing that process. My advice would be if you make the move to SD definitely minor in CS.</p>

3

<p>I would step back for a second and look at what kind of work you want to do rather than looking at a job position. Is there a certain reason why you want to be a project manager? You should understand that a ‘project manager’ position really differs between companies and industries. </p>

<p>I used to do consulting and one of my clients was a major tech company in the bay area. If I looked at all of their project managers, they were people who had computer science degrees (most with a masters) and have worked at the company for at least 5-7 years. Some of them even got a part time MBA to get where they are at. Just take a look at a couple of companies online and check their job postings for a project manager. You’ll see several differences, but most require you to be an expert in your related “project.” If you are a project lead or manager, you better know what you are working on in VERY great detail as you will be the expert or go-to person for any issues/questions.</p>

<p>If that’s the kind of work and experience you are shooting for, then to answer your initial questions:

  1. Very important depending on the line of work. You probably won’t even be able to join as an entry-level if you don’t.
  2. Again, depends on what kind of field you are looking to join. I like UCSD’s job prospects a little more, but UCSC has a great proximity to silicon valley (helps with internships). If you go to UCSD, definitely look into minoring in CS.
  3. Management science is more geared for students going for their MBA or for students who want to join the workforce in a general “business” setting. This could mean marketing, finance, operations, etc. The UCSC major is more econ + cs based, so it is geared for people who are interested in information systems, business analyst positions (these are starting to require more tech skills), financial analyst, and pretty much any business setting that requires some coding/software knowledge.</p>
4

<p>Hello! I am currently a student at UCSC majoring in TIM, and I was wondering if you were able to complete all the pre-reqs for UCSD, or if you missed any. Thanks</p>

<p>@r00tbeer112</p>