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.