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Database
Manager Mary M. Annie What advise would you give someone who was working toward a degree in Computer Science? Someone working toward a degree in Computer Science should look at the curriculum of the college they are attending to ensure that the school is teaching the latest software. If it is not an up-to-date program, you'll be ten steps behind. Computer magazines are a good reference as to what is the latest in computer software, etc. How did you become interested in the field of Computer Science? I became interested in this field by working here at Union Carbide. I came here with a Marketing degree and soon I was working closely with programmers on distribution projects. They "spooned" my interest and I went back to school to get a degree in Computer Science. Describe a typical day in your current position? Currently I work with the Distribution Equipment module of the SAP system, which is a large database. From this SAP system I download data and develop reports. Daily I work with Microsoft Internet, Word, Excel, where I work on projects developing macros. With Union Carbide/DOW merger taking place, I've been assigned to a team of training and placing workstations for the new DOW. What type of position should someone entering the field expect to obtain? A new hire coming to work for Union Carbide/DOW with a degree in Computer Science should immediately start working with a SAP module, learning it inside and out. Union Carbide/DOW is SAP, and this is a must for technical growth and aptitude in this field. How would you suggest a person considering the Computer Science field become more familiar with this field? They should definitely have a personal computer at home and use the internet and microsoft products continuously to make sure they have a love for it. If they don't love it, they should choose another field. In your opinion what will the job market be like for future Computer Science majors? The job market will continue to grow because we (Carbide/DOW) are one of the leaders in this technological nation. Not only are we known in the USA, but also in foreign countries. What are the drawbacks to working in this field? There are a few drawbacks. Today big companies continuously outsource the computer area so your job might not be so secure. Also, if you work for a company that has only one system/one computer language, you must keep your skills up-to-date and be able to work with various systems/languages. For a person majoring in Computer Science, what areas do you recommend they minor in? Computer Science majors definitely need to minor in Business. Large companies are looking for business management skills in all their employees. In what geographical area do you see a demand for Computer Science majors? Currently there is a large demand for these majors in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland area. Federal jobs in these area are very computerized. I visited this area in August 2000 and I was amazed at the number of job opportunities. Interviewed by Diana Taylor for a College 101 assignment on 12/00. |
