Re: Career Question: Self Study vs MS w/Thesis vs PhD

From: Anil Punjabi ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
 
> Hi Sam, I have the exact same concern. I live in San Jose, CA and would 
> like to pursue further education in Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Data 
> Mining, etc. but don't even know of any courses around that would offer >that.
 
In these days of college web sites, that shouldn't be a problem.

> My suggestion for you would be to take courses instead of doing a full > degree.

You need to plan further ahead than that.

What kind of company do you want to work for?

Name three examples and explain what they could offer you.

You seem to be especially $-constrained; therefore be more directed.

Not that taking courses for the pure joy of learning something you
are interested in pursuing wouldn't be nice. However, you seem
to indicate that it would be a step to a goal.

Therefore, start from the goal and work backward.

>I say that because I think there are many opportunites out there that
>would provide you the opportunity to learn the technology without a 
>full time commitment. It is 
>always a good idea to be cost conscious. Let me know if you find out
about
>any interesting programs -- perhaps there would be a distant learning
program >program that I can pursue.

Have you ever thought about doing your own searching?

Hope this helps.

Greg

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