Computer Science or Finance in British Columbia?

[Elisa.woods]

I am relocating to BC. I have a Bachelor's degree from UofT (Physics) and I have been taking actuarial exam for a career change to insurance/financial industry. I have passed one so far.

I did some searching and can't find a single actuary job in the whole province of BC. While SFU are bumping out 30 or so Actuarial science degree every year. It looks like a pretty big red flag to me.

I like Math/finance but I like warm winter more, I am not coming back to Toronto.

The IT industry seems to be doing well in BC. I don't have programming background so I don't know if I will like it or not. It will require a new degree though.

How is the IT/Finace job market in BC? Do you think it is worth the try?

[resu]

If you want to work in finance, I don't think investing X years in passing all the exams is worth your time. And you're right, the supply of act sci grads and the very limited demand for them is just scary. It doesn't help that you're in BC, since act sci seems to be a favourite among international students...

A physics degree from UofT puts you in a very good position for both finance and software/IT roles. You don't need a degree in CS or ECE, as long as you have the skillsets required, so taking some fundamental CS theory courses at UBC is a great idea, along with learning some languages on your own.

[Mark77]

How is the IT/Finace job market in BC? Do you think it is worth the try?

IT job market is absolutely terrible in BC/Alberta. Stay well away. Firms receive dozens, sometimes hundreds of resumes for each advertised position. Even high end talent (ie: those with CS, ECE, EE, IT degrees) can find themselves unemployed for years after graduation, if they find jobs at all.

[gnuman]

resu is re-affirming what you want someone to tell you. If you like math/finance, why the heck you want to do CS?

Do what you like and not what the market is. Why did you do Physics? Because you liked it. IT isn't really all the fun stuff it becomes the same thing different day after a few months at it.

[sirex]

Alot of money in underwriting.

[NorthYorker]

Generally I would say that return on sweat equity is much better in finance, but I have no clue about BC market situation.

[tylaw83]

Generally I would say that return on sweat equity is much better in finance, but I have no clue about BC market situation.

This is a very big mis-conception. The only commonly taken finance paths that regularly outpaces the careers of other professionals is investment banking and management consulting

-only about 5% of finance grads will make it in
-60-70% will leave within two years and never return to an investment bank/firm

[NorthYorker]

this is a very big mis-conception.

ymmv.

[Dilton]

IT job market is absolutely terrible in BC/Alberta. Stay well away. Firms receive dozens, sometimes hundreds of resumes for each advertised position. Even high end talent (ie: those with CS, ECE, EE, IT degrees) can find themselves unemployed for years after graduation, if they find jobs at all.

Which part of Canada has a better IT job market than BC/Alberta?

[SnoopDop]

Which part of Canada has a better IT job market than BC/Alberta?

Quebec

[Elisa.woods]

If you want to work in finance, I don't think investing X years in passing all the exams is worth your time. And you're right, the supply of act sci grads and the very limited demand for them is just scary. It doesn't help that you're in BC, since act sci seems to be a favourite among international students...

A physics degree from UofT puts you in a very good position for both finance and software/IT roles. You don't need a degree in CS or ECE, as long as you have the skillsets required, so taking some fundamental CS theory courses at UBC is a great idea, along with learning some languages on your own.

I can't get a entry level job without a related degree and job experience. I tried, it doesn't work.

A CS degree with transfer credits will take about 2.5 years, and I have access to school networking, internship/co-op. I think it is well worth it.

The biggest question is if I like CS...There is only one way to find out.

[Jaytogo]

How is the finance job market in BC?

[dealguy2]

You will know after your first programming course whether it's for you or not. Since you took physics I would say chances are good you'll like it. Right now it looks like the market is heating up again here but it's always been decent even during the height of the recession guys that were dumped got picked up in a few weeks.

BTW you do not need a comp sci degree to get into the industry especially since you already have an undergrad degree! Just go to a college and do a two year program instead. BCIT is probably the best choice but the others are good too.

[dealguy2]

it job market is absolutely terrible in bc/alberta. Stay well away. Firms receive dozens, sometimes hundreds of resumes for each advertised position. Even high end talent (ie: Those with cs, ece, ee, it degrees) can find themselves unemployed for years after graduation, if they find jobs at all.

100% bs. My company finds it hard to even get good people and yes they pay market wages.

[noreason]

100% bs. My company finds it hard to even get good people and yes they pay market wages.

+1

CS is in hot demand right now if you have experience and are GOOD. My company is struggling with recruiting as well, the problem is everyone wants an experienced developer/tester/architect/BA/PM etc so rates are going through the roof.

There is no demand for fresh CS grads unfortunately.