Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoe Lace
Just read this thread from top to bottom. You seem to be in good shape. A lot of people really under estimate how important English is for programming.
In the end, programming is about taking a problem and creating a solution. To solve a problem you need to fully understand the problem. Understanding the problem is the best possible thing you can do to eventually solve it.
Once you know the problem, then you can map out how to solve it piece by piece.
If I were you, I would spend free time really trying your hardest to find content/courses online which assist in learning how to solve problems, critical thinking and logic in general.
Learning Java in the grand scheme of things is kind of useless. Java is just a tool. Learn how to solve problems and then apply that to any tool to reach a solution. Java won't teach you how to program or teach you how to solve a problem. It's just 1 of many tools to assist you in solving a problem that has nothing to do with Java.
It's only useful if you want to be a Java developer, and if you want to do that then by all means go for it because there's nothing wrong with that decision.
Thanks for the response. I am hoping that my 5 years of work experience will provide me with a skill combination that will allow me to get a great job in the future once I finish my degree. Earlier a few people mentioned Consulting, which is something I will look into. Below I pasted parts of my resume--it would be interesting to hear if people think there would be a natural transition into a certain career. I still don't know what career I am going after with this degree--I just know that it's a skill set that will help me build a great future for myself.
Please note that I know that my resume is not currently related to anything involved with Computer Science. What I will need to do is pick out skills from it that will be enhanced by learning new skills in Computer Science. Of course I will go after what interests me, but I also want to be strategic with the career path I choose since I know I will be competing against others who have been programming since they were 12.
EDUCATION
DEPAUL UNIVERISTY Chicago, IL
College of Computing and Digital Media
Master of Science in Computer Science
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Ann Arbor, MI
College of Literature, Science & Arts
Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy
GPA: 3.53/4.00
Account Manager [1 YEAR]
Successfully grossed more than $400,000 in sales for the company, surpassing the assigned goal and ranking #2 in first year hires;
Analyzed the needs of companies ranging from logistics/asset tracking to warehouse management/inventory control and created customized solutions designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs;
Developed long term relationships based on a service-oriented approach that involved a thorough understanding of the customer’s perspective, responsiveness, and technical support;
Studied and specialized in data capture technology related to barcodes, barcode scanners, RFID, mobile computers, and various types of software;
Obtained Motorola certifications in Barcode Technology and Data Capture solutions.
Midwest Franchise Business Manager [1 YEAR]
Successfully grossed more than $250,000 in franchise fees and royalties and $1.2 million in franchisee investments;
Analysis, Direction, and Training led to a 100% increase in revenue for the Midwest region;
Audited franchisees throughout the Midwest each month in order to provide feedback and ensure compliance with company standards and guidelines;
Analyzed marketing plans and business plans of each franchisee in order to increase profitability and hosted web conferences regarding ways to increase revenue, new company policies, and social media;
Trained franchisees on all aspects of business including understanding the educational program, selling products to clients and utilizing the ERP system;
Utilized Direct Mail, Newspapers, Google Pay-Per-Click, and Internet Advertising to create brand awareness within the region.
Proprietary Treasury and Corn Futures Trader [3 YEARS]
Performed in-depth trend analysis while monitoring multiple markets in real-time in order to develop and maintain a profitable strategy;
Analyzed daily trades to assess returns versus expected value;
Possessed sole responsibility and discretion regarding each trade;
Counseled and advised colleagues regarding market trends, research and risks and aided them in the development of trade strategy;
Utilized software including TT, CQG and Microsoft Excel in order to analyze trading statistics such as percent winners, percent losers, average winning trades and average losing trades.