The Polynomial Ham Sandwich Theorem! The ham sandwich theorem, states that given n measurable "objects" in n-dimensional space, it is possible to divide all of them in half (according to volume) with a single (n - 1)-dimensional hyperplane.
The ham sandwich theorem takes its name from the case when n = 3 and the three objects of any shape are a chunk of ham, a hunk of cheese, and a piece of bread -- notionally, a sandwich -- which can then each be bisected with a single cut (i.e., a plane). The theorem then states that it is possible to slice the sandwich in half such that each half contains the same amount of bread, cheese, and ham.
-- paraphrased from Wikipedia -----
Basically, given a bunch of objects (N) in an N-dimensional space, you can divide it into two halves both containing the same amount of stuff in both halves using a single cut (an N-1object).
Definitely beyond my mathematics skills nowadays to use it, but I hope the explanation helps.
I'm not a PhD, but I did get the opportunity to help recruit for a Fortune 500 company for several years. We had a number of PhD grads talk to us, and not one made it past the screening interview, because their interests didn't match our needs. PhD's gave the impression of desire in research and more esoteric computing activities - very valid, but not what most companies need. Combine that with the fact that most wanted more money than their backgrounds appeared to merit, and it was no-go. Most companies need someone who have a good understanding of the basics, an area or two of focused knowledge, and the ability to execute, all at a reasonable price. PhD's often don't fit that bill.
That said, I have to agree with a few posts above - you should go with what you love. If you want to do the research and high end computing - do it. But do it because you love it, not as a career advancing step, because it may not help.
Ok, for all you guys who have spare gmail invites, I've found this link:
isnoop.net's gmail invite spooler
Seems like a decent way to share the wealth - has to be more efficient than trying to do it by slashdot post.
Ok, I'm probably a day late and a dollar short, but I figure if I drop my name on here, one of the kind souls with a gmail invite will help me out. Thanks in advance.
Seriously, make it a point to periodically get up from your desk, for whatever reason - get something to drink, hit the restroom, actually talk to a co-worker (as opposed to email/phone/IM). Just the act of getting out of your cube for 3-5 minutes can do wonders for you.
View from the recently graduated
on
CS vs CIS
·
· Score: 1
I looked at the same decision when I was in school (I've been out a year and a half). Here's what I've noticed, having had friends in both areas, and having helped recruit for a large company. The CS department was definitely the tougher school, and the students learned *a lot* more, but when it came to the jobs, the companies wanted people with business skills as much (if not more) than technical skills. (Note - this isn't sour grapes - I got a business minor and got the best of both worlds). Also, it seems that managers (the people that hire) are more comfortable with business students, since they have similar backgrounds and experiences. My company recruits 3-4x as many CIS students as CS students every year.
The argument I would make is that, even though I could have gone CIS, and it would have been easier, I'm much happier and better prepared having had the CS degree. It helps to know why things work, and not just what the tools are.
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The Polynomial Ham Sandwich Theorem!
The ham sandwich theorem, states that given n measurable "objects" in n-dimensional space, it is possible to divide all of them in half (according to volume) with a single (n - 1)-dimensional hyperplane.
The ham sandwich theorem takes its name from the case when n = 3 and the three objects of any shape are a chunk of ham, a hunk of cheese, and a piece of bread -- notionally, a sandwich -- which can then each be bisected with a single cut (i.e., a plane). The theorem then states that it is possible to slice the sandwich in half such that each half contains the same amount of bread, cheese, and ham.
-- paraphrased from Wikipedia
-----
Basically, given a bunch of objects (N) in an N-dimensional space, you can divide it into two halves both containing the same amount of stuff in both halves using a single cut (an N-1object).
Definitely beyond my mathematics skills nowadays to use it, but I hope the explanation helps.
I'm not a PhD, but I did get the opportunity to help recruit for a Fortune 500 company for several years. We had a number of PhD grads talk to us, and not one made it past the screening interview, because their interests didn't match our needs. PhD's gave the impression of desire in research and more esoteric computing activities - very valid, but not what most companies need. Combine that with the fact that most wanted more money than their backgrounds appeared to merit, and it was no-go. Most companies need someone who have a good understanding of the basics, an area or two of focused knowledge, and the ability to execute, all at a reasonable price. PhD's often don't fit that bill.
That said, I have to agree with a few posts above - you should go with what you love. If you want to do the research and high end computing - do it. But do it because you love it, not as a career advancing step, because it may not help.
Ok, I'm probably a day late and a dollar short, but I figure if I drop my name on here, one of the kind souls with a gmail invite will help me out. Thanks in advance.
keneipp (underscore) mj (at) yahoo (dot) com
Seriously, make it a point to periodically get up from your desk, for whatever reason - get something to drink, hit the restroom, actually talk to a co-worker (as opposed to email/phone/IM). Just the act of getting out of your cube for 3-5 minutes can do wonders for you.
I looked at the same decision when I was in school (I've been out a year and a half). Here's what I've noticed, having had friends in both areas, and having helped recruit for a large company. The CS department was definitely the tougher school, and the students learned *a lot* more, but when it came to the jobs, the companies wanted people with business skills as much (if not more) than technical skills. (Note - this isn't sour grapes - I got a business minor and got the best of both worlds). Also, it seems that managers (the people that hire) are more comfortable with business students, since they have similar backgrounds and experiences. My company recruits 3-4x as many CIS students as CS students every year.
The argument I would make is that, even though I could have gone CIS, and it would have been easier, I'm much happier and better prepared having had the CS degree. It helps to know why things work, and not just what the tools are.