Derek Chapman


Position:

Computer Programmer

Employer:

Consultec, LLC

Job description:

Developing mainframe, PC, and web applications.

Salary range:

mid 40s

Job satisfaction:

My job isn't too bad. Working with computers can get monotonous and tedious at times, but I always have the opportunity to learn new things and I get to work on several different platforms.

Employment history:

First job out of school.

Suggestions for students:

If you aren't interested in academics ---
Businesses have different opinions about math majors. Some are impressed that you chose a difficult course of study, but some don't seem to always want to give you a shot. My advice is to try to take some "applied" classes if possible. My computer science courses got me in the door at the company I work for now. The funny thing is that I think I was better prepared for a career programming as a math major than the MIS majors that were hired around me, even though most companies went after them. You just have to find a place that recognizes that if you have a logical brain and can learn, then you are a better bet than someone who took what seem to be the more applicable classes. Also, any work experience you can get in the field you are interested in will help you tremendously.

E-mail Derek

Date of last update: May 29, 2000

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