AdviceFilter: Help me fine-tune my 2+ year plan

BearPaws — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:17:53 -0800

Many questions, covering life goals, academics, internships/co-ops, and a big move to the Southwestern U.S. With the number of questions, there must be something for everyone to answer. Scroll down if you want to skip straight to the questions.

Background information/Context

I am a 20-year-old college student (in Junior standing) at a university in Maryland who has recently changed major from Biological Sciences, B.S., to Information Systems, B.S., after realizing the following things:

- I never want to work in a wet lab ever again
- I have a BIO minor completed already
- I do not want to matriculate into graduate or professional school immediately after graduation, but am leaving the graduate school option open for 5+ years after reaching employment
- Like many college graduates, I want to find employment after graduation. Thankfully, my department has reported excellent job-finding, salary, and benefits statistics for IS graduates of my university, which is not a surprise considering it is well known in the area.
- I have a talent for making best use of computer technologies to fit the needs of myself and clubs that I am involved with and also bringing others up to speed with new technologies.

My goals, in order, along with a tentative timeline:

The items beneath each goal indicate my current plans to reach them. Since theoretically I should not put the cart before the horse, goals towards the top have more priority now than ones towards the bottom.

- Graduate in May 2011
Taking multiple summer and winter courses along with full time semester schedules to progress through my new major's requirements

- Find employment, locally or not(currently needs refining)
Other than applying for internships for when I have time available, I have no definite plans since I am 2 years from graduating. I do not know if it is realistic for me to juggle an internship with summer courses and full time semesters, especially considering that I am in a new major.

- Move to a location in the Southwestern United States, either before or after the above employment
Over my limited experience, I've noticed a few things: I prefer warm to hot weather during the day and cold temperatures at night for optimal sleeping patterns. I enjoy playing poker, but, although I consistently do well, have no plans to play professionally. Locations less than a three hour drive from casinos hosting poker tournaments would be preferred, so that I can occasionally drive out for entertainment without working up a gambling addiction.

Now for the questions!
Answer any questions, but don't feel forced to respond to every one, since there are many to go around. I am specifically looking for replies from those with the life experience that I do not have. Some questions may appear similar, but are targeted to different demographics, although any advice is appreciated.

For those who have ever changed major in college:
- How did you successfully handle this transition?
- What tactics did you use to adapt to a new course program?
- What problems, doubts, and concerns did you face during this time?
- From your experience, what particular advice would you give to me?

For those working in the information systems, information technology, and general computer industries:
- Besides Silicon Valley, what are the "hotspot" regions for computer-related employment? I realize that this may not be applicable considering computer use is so widespread.
- Are there certain specialties that are in more demand than others? Which ones?
- What advice do you have for a person just entering the field?

For those graduates who have found employment in areas far away from their university of choice, within less than 2 years after graduation
- What method did you use to find the job?
- How did you handle job interviews far away from your current location?
- What problems, doubts, and concerns did you encounter through the process?

And lastly, for those who have either made a big move in their life, moved to a different state, or moved to the Southwestern US:
- What factors did you consider when choosing your moving destination? How big of a role did employment play?
- What advice would you give to a person who has never made a major move before?
- What problems, doubts, and concerns did you encounter?

Thanks for reading and I commend you for letting me hold your attention for this long.

Smarter than your professor?

blueplasticfish — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 11:26:30 -0800

How do you handle a college professor that you're smarter than? I have an instructor for an "Information Systems" class that seems to lack a certain amount of expertise in the industry. I am not a know it all, but I do have a certain amount of experience in this field.

I have received low grades on assignments because he's never heard of the technology I write about (Ruby on Rails, Digg, SugarCRM).

What is the best way to still get a good grade, and get him to at least research a little before giving me a low grade?

Finance or Information Systems as a major?

blueplasticfish — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 13:49:34 -0800

Between Finance and Information Systems, which would be the more productive, proactive, desired, and usable degree? Keep in mind I have lots of programming and database experience, this is how I have paid my way through college. I am thinking that majoring in Finance would round me off, and give me a change to work in Finance, while majoring in I.S. might paint me as uni-dimensional.

However, I think I would probably enjoy a job in IS more than a job in finance. Although, I have never had a job in the finance arena I have had many in IS and enjoy them.

Which degree would pay better? Which is better in the long run? Which would look better on an application to MBA school?

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AdviceFilter: Help me fine-tune my 2+ year plan

Smarter than your professor?

Finance or Information Systems as a major?