Go with the science or go with the Technology

[Amgad Muhammad]

Hi Guys,

There is something troubles me alot which is, I had my BS in computer science and now I have the chance to get the Master of science degree in computer science ..should i do that? would it help me to improve my career or i should let go and start studing certificates (SCWCD,..)?..i really need your help I'm very confused....Go with the science or go with the Technology?

what brought this up is that I had an interview in a very big IT company and we all know it and i found out that what they care about along with other huge IT companies is the science--- (Technologies you could learn later)

so what shall i do...please help

FYI the Master of Science will coast me alot of money and it will take minimum 2 years.
[ May 25, 2008: Message edited by: Amgad Muhammad ]

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

It depends on the company. Some value certs, some value a Masters degree and some value hands on knowledge.

For more specific advice, can you share a bit more background? In particular, whether you are currently working (vs just graduating with a BS) and if you have any work experience. I know I would recommend different things depending on the answer to this.

Also, note that you can often do two things simultaneously. Many people get a Masters degree while working. And the employer pays for/subsidizes it to book!

[Amgad Muhammad]

I'm a Software Engineer with almost three years experience, I graduated with BS. in CS in 2006. currently am working and i'll keep working while studing for the MS.

MR.Jeanne i wanna do something big and i'm tired of using what others create to create my applications..i wanna add something.

so i thought that if i continue studing the science that will help me more and add more to my career ..

so what do you think Sir?

i got the potentials i know i do (positive thinking not ego ) .. but i need someone to put me on the right track coz am kinda lost.

i would really appreciate your help

and here are the courses i'm gonna study if i decided to take the MS

CSCE 525 - Algorithms and Complexity Theory (3 cr.)
CSCE 530 - Advanced Processor Architecture (3 cr.)
CSCE 545 - Distributed Systems (3 cr.)
CSCE 565 - Advanced Artificial Intelligence (3 cr.)

and at least four of the following

CSCE 527 - Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms (3 cr.)
CSCE 529 - Design and Analysis of Parallel Algorithms (3 cr.)
CSCE 532 - Parallel Computer Architecture (3 cr.)
CSCE 535 - High Speed Networks (3 cr.)
CSCE 541 - Advanced Software Engineering (3 cr.)
CSCE 555 - Computer Graphics and Animation (3 cr.)
CSCE 563 - Digital Image Processing and Pattern Recognition (3 cr.)
CSCE 567 - Robotics and Computer Vision (3 cr.)
CSCE 585 - Selected Topics in Computer Science (3 cr.)

[Pat Farrell]

Originally posted by Amgad Muhammad:
i wanna do something big and i'm tired of using what others create to create my applications..

Sound to me that you want to work at a startup.

[Henry Wong]

Originally posted by Pat Farrell:

Sound to me that you want to work at a startup.

I agree with Pat here. The original poster is having problems deciding which academic path to take, for fear that the wrong path may lead to learning soemthing differently, which may lead to failure. Generally, to "do something big", you need to take a big risk.

If the OP isn't willing to take a minor risk on deciding between two perfectly valid educational paths, how is this OP going to take the big risk to the "do something big"?

Henry

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Amgad,
First of all I'm female. Let's not assume everyone online is male and address them as "Mr" and "sir".

Having experience, you need to think about your goal in either of these options. Is it to get a job with a specific company?

[arulk pillai]

In my view if you are a binginner level then certification can be handy. If you are an intermediate to experienced level then more hands on experience will be advisable. Also determine how well post graduate qualifications are received in your location/country. Check your local job ads to determine what technologies are in demand e.g. Spring, Hibernate, JSF and try to get some hands-on experience........
[ May 26, 2008: Message edited by: arulk pillai ]

[Amgad Muhammad]

Originally posted by Jeanne Boyarsky:
Amgad,
First of all I'm female. Let's not assume everyone online is male and address them as "Mr" and "sir".

Having experience, you need to think about your goal in either of these options. Is it to get a job with a specific company?

Sorry Jeanne My bad

about getting a job in a specific company? Maybe. i donno really. but i know one thing i wanna know more ..but in what direction thats what confuses me

why you decided to take your Master Degree?what made you take the decision

[Amgad Muhammad]

Originally posted by Henry Wong:



I agree with Pat here. The original poster is having problems deciding which academic path to take, for fear that the wrong path may lead to learning soemthing differently, which may lead to failure. Generally, to "do something big", you need to take a big risk.

If the OP isn't willing to take a minor risk on deciding between two perfectly valid educational paths, how is this OP going to take the big risk to the "do something big"?

Henry

for me it's a big risk coz it will coast me alot of money and minimum two years of my life if i decided to go with the Master Degree

[Tim Holloway]

If you're looking for maximum employability in Asia, I'd recommend the degree. In the US, for the most part, academic credentials carry less weight and experience is preferable except in academically-oriented organizations such as educational insitutions, research laboratories and many engineering businesses. It's also useful in a start-up environment, since the founders can use it to show how well-trained their resources are (a PhD's even better).

I would suspect that as an H1-B, academic credentials help as well, but I've neither formal statistics nor direct observations on that.

Ultimately, however, this isn't a "right/wrong" choice. The future is unpredictable. What skills you develop and how are less important than how you apply whatever skills and experience you have.

Admittedly when you're dealing with mindless recruiter-droids, if you match their stereotype, you've better odds of getting interviewed. But one really good job is better than having your pick of a hundred mediocre ones.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Originally posted by Amgad Muhammad:
why you decided to take your Master Degree?what made you take the decision

When I was in college, I realized I wanted to get a Masters degree in case it becomes required at some point it the future. If you go back a generation or two (in the US), a college degree was a differentiator. Now it is almost required for most jobs in business. Fast forward a generation - what if a Masters becomes like that. I don't want to be in a situation where I have to look for job and everyone has a Masters but me.

There was certainly a learning aspect too. But I learn on my own whether I am enrolled in a formal program or not. The actual Masters degree was more of an insurance thing.

Once I decided to get a Masters, I went with the most interesting program I could find. I did it while working though (mainly on weekends) so I didn't feel like I lost two years of my life. Also, my employer paid for the whole thing so it wasn't a cost issue.

Note that I'm not Java certified. I find learning to be more important than the test part.

[Amgad Muhammad]

I think am more comfortable with the Master Degree

I have 3 Masters Program

1- the one i mentioned above
2- European Masters Course in Software EngineeringOverview
3-EMARO, European Master on Advanced RObotics Overview

These are the most intersting Masters Program i could fit in.

which one do you recommend?

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Originally posted by Amgad Muhammad:
which one do you recommend?

They are completely different - computer science, software engineering and robotics. Nobody can recommend one for you because it depends on what you are most interested in pursing career wise.