What is the best route to go from IT to Science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition from a career in Information Technology (IT) to a career in science, particularly in the physical sciences and astronomy. Participants explore various pathways, including education and employment opportunities, while considering the financial implications of further schooling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to transition into science, highlighting their background in computer science and programming, and seeks advice on the best route to achieve this.
  • Another participant questions the goal of the transition, suggesting that working in research groups at universities could be a viable option for those with programming skills.
  • A participant clarifies their intent to be actively involved in scientific analysis and experimentation, rather than merely fulfilling a programming role.
  • It is noted that typically, individuals with physics or chemistry degrees transition into software roles, implying a common reverse pathway.
  • One participant mentions that financial concerns about returning to school may be alleviated by the availability of assistantships in graduate programs, although they caution that a background in research may be necessary for admission.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of formal education in developing a solid foundation in physics and suggests that it could be an enjoyable experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of formal education for transitioning into science, with some advocating for the importance of coursework and others suggesting alternative pathways through programming roles in research.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the financial implications of returning to school and the potential challenges of gaining admission to graduate programs without a research background. There is also a recognition of the value of open-source projects as a means of gaining exposure to scientific work.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals with a background in IT or computer science considering a career shift to the sciences, particularly those interested in physical sciences and astronomy.

stellar05
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What is the best route to go from IT to Science?

I have an undergrad in Computer Science completed in 1997 and have over 12 years experience in programing, software design, technical writing, telecom, & Point-of-Sale software. I am willing to go into any area of science, and I would like to spend the least amount of time in school as possible due to financial issues.

I am especially interested in the physical sciences & astronomy and have many skills in computation to offer the science world. I did well in math and science while in school.

I am grateful to hear anyone's suggestions or know-how in the matter?
 
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Hey! What is your goal in attending science? Do you want to be a researcher or just work on science software?

If you're good with computers, look for jobs at universities. Research groups often hire programmers on contract to work on various interesting problems, often with parallel supercomputing.

subSquall
Subversive Guide to Engineering
http://subversiveguidetoeng.blogspot.com
 
Hi subSquall,
My goal is to have a career involved in science whether it is in research or designing science software. I do not mind programming computers to get into science, but I want to get involved in the science and not just be a programmer taking orders from a scientists. I want to be involved in the scientific analysis/experimentation/theory and not be the "IT Guy" or "Code Monkey".
 
Usually it works the other way around. People get a physics or chem degree and end up writing software.
 
If your only objection to going back to school is financial, note that you very rarely have to pay for graduate school in physics - typically you'll get a teaching assistantship or research assistantship which covers tuition and living expenses (but little else). Of course, given that your experience seems to be entirely in software, I suspect it would be difficult to get into grad school - usually they want people with the experience to be good researchers. But don't let me stop you ;-)

For what it's worth, there are a number of open-source programs/libraries for scientists (Numpy/Scipy is a favorite of mine, but just one among many) that could always use good developers. That's something you might consider as a way to help the transition from software to science: it'll help you get exposure while still letting you apply the skills you have. (Also not a bad thing to put on a resume, if you're dedicated enough to it)
 
In that case there's no substitute for going to school ... you'll need the courses to have a good background and get trained in thinking like a physicist. It might be quite fun :-)
 

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