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SMA_01
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I graduated in December 2013 with a BS in Mathematics (minor in Applied Statistics). I have taken this semester off to job search and think over things before pursuing a Master's degree.
Originally, I was planning on going for a Master's in Mathematics and try to get a job as an instructor at a college/university teaching lower level math courses (calculus, etc).
I talked to one of my professors a few weeks ago and he advised me to not go towards the academia route, because it's hard to get a job (I'm guessing this especially applies to me because I am not looking into a PhD at the moment). He told me to look into a related, applied field like statistics.
I'm not interested much in statistics, and considering I enjoy problem solving, I've decided to look into the engineering field, particularly software engineering.
I've looked into the program at the same school I completed my undergrad, they have a MS in Software Engineering program and I would be able to complete it in about 3 years.
The thing is, I feel like I'm at a major disadvantage because I don't know much programming.
I did take one course in C++ because it was required for my math degree, but we learned the basics, and although I have written like 3 programs, I have not had any exposure since then. I want to learn more about computers and how they work, and I want to get better at programming. I know I'll have to teach myself, of course, but I don't mind. I just want to know where to start as a beginner.
Mostly, I want to know if pursuing this degree is too farfetched? I am behind as is, and I'm worried I won't be able to handle the workload. I'm willing to work hard, but there remain insecurities in the back of my mind.
For the time being, I have purchased Code by Charles Petzold to understand coding and computers, to get more insight and see if this is something I'm interested in.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Originally, I was planning on going for a Master's in Mathematics and try to get a job as an instructor at a college/university teaching lower level math courses (calculus, etc).
I talked to one of my professors a few weeks ago and he advised me to not go towards the academia route, because it's hard to get a job (I'm guessing this especially applies to me because I am not looking into a PhD at the moment). He told me to look into a related, applied field like statistics.
I'm not interested much in statistics, and considering I enjoy problem solving, I've decided to look into the engineering field, particularly software engineering.
I've looked into the program at the same school I completed my undergrad, they have a MS in Software Engineering program and I would be able to complete it in about 3 years.
The thing is, I feel like I'm at a major disadvantage because I don't know much programming.
I did take one course in C++ because it was required for my math degree, but we learned the basics, and although I have written like 3 programs, I have not had any exposure since then. I want to learn more about computers and how they work, and I want to get better at programming. I know I'll have to teach myself, of course, but I don't mind. I just want to know where to start as a beginner.
Mostly, I want to know if pursuing this degree is too farfetched? I am behind as is, and I'm worried I won't be able to handle the workload. I'm willing to work hard, but there remain insecurities in the back of my mind.
For the time being, I have purchased Code by Charles Petzold to understand coding and computers, to get more insight and see if this is something I'm interested in.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.