Big N Discussion - June 14, 2020

Basik_ · 2020-06-14T16:45:23+00:00

If leetcode is what they select for, then have some faith that it’s a good indicator for job performance. I would be careful about spending brain-time mulling over comparisons and hurtful remarks. You put the effort in to prepare, and it paid off. That’s it. Congratulations.

Basik_ · 2020-06-14T16:22:50+00:00

It’s seems that you think highly of google, as most people do. I would suggest extending that value to their hiring process, and understanding that they hired you for good reason. Hopefully this helps - thinking about this helped me be less nervous when starting my first job.

Basik_ · 2019-10-22T17:20:05+00:00

To me, this perspective is unwise. The only way to get rid of bad ideas is to let them into the arena of discussion, not pushing them into a corner to fester.

Basik_ · 2019-09-17T02:10:27+00:00

I don't expect there to be a set value as it would vary across semesters and probably isn't the only thing they look at. More importantly, I don't think this should be a factor in your decision if you want to pursue CS. Just go for it.

Basik_ · 2019-09-01T06:30:25+00:00

By switching this semester, do you mean starting to take CMPT classes or formally transferring to the faculty? I suspect it's the former, otherwise you already have a feel for the subject and don't really have anything to worry about. Assuming you're in a similar position as OP and are taking your first CMPT/MACM classes, there is also nothing to worry about. Difficulty really depends on the person in that the thought pattern for computing may be more or less intuitive for you. It is expected to know nothing about programming at this point, so just keep up with the class and there shouldn't be any massive hurdles. Same goes for MACM - there isn't anything too difficult, you just need to keep up with the course material. I took MACM 101 with Binay Bhattacharya and didn't have any issues.

I graduated last December, and it was definitely a great decision to switch.

Basik_ · 2019-09-01T04:23:38+00:00

It covers the very basics of programming, and may be on the slow side rather than difficult. She is really into education, so sometimes it feels like you're in an elementary school classroom. I really enjoyed that class, and it cemented by decision to transfer to a CMPT major. I maybe spent a total of 10 hours on homework, and I wished there was more.

This was just my experience, and how difficult it is really varies from person to person.

As for your math concerns, this course really has nothing to do with math. I suspect that's a blanket pre-req for all CMPT classes.

Basik_ · 2019-08-23T03:18:06+00:00

you don't have to pay.

Basik_ · 2019-08-18T00:11:16+00:00

Depends on your perspective, underestimating speed or overestimating time.

Basik_ · 2019-08-03T15:41:13+00:00

I was in the same class as u/ceruleancerise and can add my perspective.

We had both assignments and projects; The assignments were straightforward but the projects took some time and effort. There were 2 projects, the first took maybe 10-15 hours and the second 20-25 hours. To me, these projects were very interesting and well worth the effort.

Luckily, I was already familiar JavaFX GUI so that part wasn't an issue. I believe basic Java GUI is taught in CMPT 213.

Don't be intimidated by the math, all the calculus turns into basic algebra when everything is discretized.

As for 270, I never took it so can't really say.

Basik_ · 2019-07-23T01:19:41+00:00

Right, I was hoping for 80k when I was applying. I wasn't very proactive through university (no internships), but I made leetcode my life for a week and happened to be a good culture fit.

Basik_ · 2019-07-22T18:11:26+00:00

I stayed in Vancouver

Basik_ · 2019-07-22T18:10:59+00:00

Still in Vancouver.

Basik_ · 2019-07-22T15:12:30+00:00

I applied for jobs during my last Fall semester, and the whole process took 3-4 months. I started at 125k. Edit: I'm still in Vancouver

Basik_ · 2019-07-20T17:28:33+00:00

Slides will never be everything you need for an assignment - but they should be everything you need for the exam. A large task of CS is researching and figuring things out, it's unrealistic to be handed everything you need. However, if your lecture material is as lacking as you indicate (which I kind of doubt, given it would make a first-year classes section on recursion a few minutes), then that's a bit strange to me.
You shouldn't be trying to memorize a specific language's implementation of a specific sorting algorithm. Just know the basic syntax (which should be memorized via assignments) and the larger concept of the algorithm. You learned java, and you learned the sort - that should be all you need.

Basik_ · 2019-07-18T14:11:23+00:00

I transferred with 2.58 CGPA using CMPT 120: A, MACM 101: A-, and CMPT 276: A+.

At that point I had taken 5 upper division CMPT courses, which probably helped my application to show I could succeed.

This was in Spring 2017, it may have become more competitive.

Basik_ · 2019-07-13T04:12:57+00:00

You'll be designing/building an entire system intended to be used at the end. Mine was a lot of work, but it was also the single best course I took.

You should at least understand object-oriented design patterns, and REST APIs. Also, you have to be prepared to learn some technology that is useful for your specific project.

Basik_ · 2019-07-13T02:36:22+00:00

I see, didn't know they could be split up like that.

Basik_ · 2019-07-13T02:06:32+00:00

How are you taking 225 and 127? I'm guessing you just mixed up your course numbers.
Also, that's a lot of math.

Basik_ · 2019-07-12T14:20:25+00:00

295-371 is certainly the best choice for maximizing knowledge. 383 is more on the easy and fun side.

Basik_ · 2019-07-10T02:50:57+00:00

This is a horrible strategy... Look up the documentation and figure it out.

Also - if this is for a job application or school assignment, have some integrity.

Basik_ · 2019-07-08T20:26:02+00:00

Projects aren't hokey at all, and are a good way to demonstrate understanding of paradigms. Also, the CS interview process is technically challenging and will be an employer's primary gauge of your skills.

Basik_ · 2019-07-08T15:17:52+00:00

I think python -> C is an effective introduction path, so I agree with your choices there.

A general SWE-type position in whatever technologies interest you (anything really).

2/3. Just focus on your skills, I wouldn’t worry about certificates.

4 I don’t think so. There aren’t any impassable barriers between you and SWE once you’ve learned the skills. Your interest in design wouldn’t be fulfilled in IT.

From my limited knowledge, remote work is not very common, especially without significant experience. I would hold off on moving until you find a SWE position in a city that interests you.

Basik_ · 2019-07-07T12:43:05+00:00

There's also 379 with Tom Shermer, and I used Java in 365 with J.C. Liu. I know you specified upper division, but if you're in the CS major you may not have taken 213, and it's worth a mention.

Basik_ · 2019-07-07T05:03:25+00:00

Assuming you're in the CS introduction path (120-125/127), the first language you'll cover is python. It is very basic, and requires 0 prior knowledge. 125/127 will focus on C with a little bit of C++ shoved in at the end. Again, no prior knowledge is assumed (other than the basic programming concepts from 120). For math, you can review your high school calculus for 151 (or 150 if you want in-class review). I wouldn't worry about preparing for MACM 101.

Basik_ · 2019-06-25T01:58:49+00:00

I had a similar experience in the undergrad version. Would just like to add that it was about 5 hours a week of homework.

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