Alex D.

Targonski, Tony. "6 Degrees of Computer Science." CompSci.ca. April 22, 2007. Accessed November 23, 2015. http://compsci.ca/blog/6-degrees-of-computer-science/.

Tony Targonski compares and contrasts the various degrees related to the field of computer science offered at most post-secondary institutions, providing formal outlines of each degree’s specific foci and its unique aspects. Presented alongside are personal experiences and opinions in each field, each describing the relevant types of personal interest that may complement the degree.

This article holds much relevance to my topic of research, on the selection of computer science-like degrees, as it precisely addresses the very same topic from the perspective of an industry professional with relevant university experiences.

Skinner, Brandon. "Computer Engineering and You." CompSci.ca. September 19, 2007. Accessed November 25, 2015. http://compsci.ca/blog/computer-engineering-and-you/.

Brandon outlines what the field of computer engineering involves, in terms of a brief outline of fields covered, and a curriculum of practical concepts that will be taught within a computer engineering program. Of particular note is a comparison between computer engineering and computer science, bringing to light the particular difference in any applied and theoretical science.

This article provides a well-researched and well-worded view of a common question for students deciding on a computer-related major. The choice between CE and CS is a decision that has a large impact in the education and career of a student, and this article provides valuable insight into what each path leads to.

"Should You Double Up?" American Statistical Association. . April 1, 2015. Accessed November 25, 2015. http://stattrak.amstat.org/2015/04/01/double-majors/.

Seven members of the American Statistical Association are interviewed about their choices in double majors, with topics such as their reasons for choosing a double major, applicable skills that they have learned that relate to the field of statistics, and advice on choosing a double major.

As statistics and the handling of data are more or less a child field of computer sciences and mathematics, it is interesting to see that all fields mentioned benefitted from the coding discipline gained from statistics. A second major is an important choice to make in any program, and the relative utility of each major taken by the professionals interviewed are of most value to evaluate.

Newport, Cal " How Double Majors Can Ruin Your Life: Two Arguments for Doing Less" http://calnewport.com/. September 27, 2010. Accessed November 25, 2015. http://calnewport.com/blog/2010/09/27/how-double-majors-can-ruin-your-life-two-arguments-for-doing-less/.

Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University, makes two compelling points against time-consuming double majors, and the general mindset present within a university population that the complexity of one’s schedule correlates directly to the impressiveness of one’s academic profile. Furthermore, he notes that the general mindset related to this idea, that happiness should come later in life post-graduation, is not necessarily a beneficial point for one’s success.

I believe that this article brings nothing but good advice to the table, regardless of one’s major, and brings some fair counterpoints to mainstream beliefs. A counterpoint is always relevant in any argument, and this article is an apt piece to consider when selecting one’s potential future.

"Bachelor of Science (BS / BSc), Computer Science (CS) Degree Average Salary." http://www.payscale.com/research/. 2015. Accessed November 25, 2015. http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_(BS_%2F_BSc),_Computer_Science_(CS)/Salary.

A report detailing the income of various computer science employment opportunities within Canada, with additional detail of income by city, school, and popular employers.

Location is important in choosing employment, especially when one considers the monetary aspects involved with choosing somewhere to settle down for one’s career. This report holds detailed information especially in starting salaries for computer science jobs.

"Cost of Living in Canada” http://www.numbeo.com/. 2015. Accessed November 25 2015. http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Canada.

A database holding detailed information on the cost of living in Canada, with the option to view statistics on individual cities in Canada. Costs covered include food, transportation, utility, rent, and leisure.

I believe that this database complements the previously cited report nicely, as a high salaries for starting positions often correlate to high living costs in most cities. This likewise aids in choosing where to live long-term for one’s career, and allows one to be more educated in that very important choice.

Spolsky, Joel. "Advice for Computer Science College Students." http://www.joelonsoftware.com/. January 02, 2005. Accessed November 23, 2015. http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/CollegeAdvice.html.

Joel Spolsky provides essential advice for current computer science students on maintaining employability. He recommends the acquisition of several important skills for a computer science student, and highlights several potential potholes a current computer science student might trip over. He points out particular concerns that a computer science student might have, and suggests that they be placed behind more particular concerns one should be dealing with.

Apart from the fact that this is the Joel Spolsky, the CEO of Stack Exchange, this article is a down-to-earth packet of wisdom from someone with decades in the business, and has both gone through all the mistakes one could make in the industry and obtained an authoritative idea of what the field should encompass.

"Why your computer science degree won't get you an IT job." https://targetjobs.co.uk/. Accessed November 23, 2015. https://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/it-and-technology/323039-why-your-computer-science-degree-wont-get-you-an-it-job.

An outline to how a computer science degree is not enough alone to net one a profitable employment opportunity, and how one should focus on attaining all the factors that make one a desirable hire.

Points emphasized include the broadness of the field of computer science, on acquiring experience while in school, and to have proper communication skills in order to be a competent team player.