patrick.net

mostly reader says

gabbar says

What are the steps necessary to reach the level of CTO?

I edited my prior post, removed that edit and now posting it here because it sorta gives a direction to answering your question (admittedly without answering it).

-- start
Apart from focusing on technical side (in general) and on communication (in general), I'd keep it open and not split hairs. Birds eye point of view is good enough. Changing tack is normal, some lucrative corporate careers aren't even taught in colleges. Product Management is one example. College can teach CS (as a general concept) or Math (as a general concept), or Biology (same). But Product Management requires little reusable skill, yet a lot of industry-specific knowledge, so how do you teach that? Product Managers, BusDev, HiTech Sales - these kinds may emerge from other specialties. You kid may surprise you.
-- end

As for your specific ques...

A cousin is an engineer and sells for Cisco, I never thought that she had that in her. And you are right, a birds eye view is good enough, at 17 years. Thanks for the very helpful comments. I appreciate it.

Seems like a relevant read:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jj+luna+success+without+college&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/372/6544/874

The problem with ‘follow your dream’

Finally, I went to my adviser for help. We hadn't talked much about my career plans over the years, but I felt I needed a new perspective from someone who knew me well. When he offered his advice, I was taken aback at first. What happened to “if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life”? My adviser assured me there is seldom such a job. Every job has its ugly bits. But as long as you're happy most of the time, you can struggle through the parts you don't like. He also said it was important to find a job I was good at, especially because my visa applications required me to make the case that I would benefit the country.

Just as a FYI... my apprentice is a 21 year old, went to community college to learn welding and electronic control and PLCs (and a few other classes), then got a job doing relevant work. Finally he was ready to apply to be an apprentice. He’s making $32/hour and in four years he will be skilled and knowledgeable in a very lucrative and in-demand trade that makes minimum $150k/year with benefits most people never see. The job is difficult and dangerous and often dirty, but he has zero college debt and he will be making more than most engineers when he’s a journeyman.

Patrick says

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/372/6544/874

The problem with ‘follow your dream’

Finally, I went to my adviser for help. We hadn't talked much about my career plans over the years, but I felt I needed a new perspective from someone who knew me well. When he offered his advice, I was taken aback at first. What happened to “if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life”? My adviser assured me there is seldom such a job. Every job has its ugly bits. But as long as you're happy most of the time, you can struggle through the parts you don't like. He also said it was important to find a job I was good at, especially because my visa applications required me to make the case that I would benefit the country.

I hope that the student will choose a major that will lead to a high paying job and develop the higher threshold of pain to handle it. The local school has prepared the student quite well and we are grateful for this.

gabbar says

1. Perfect ACT score
2. Excellent GPA
3. Likes STEM, loves math, chemistry, programming.
4. Has 9 months of research work experience at a university. Volunteer experience
5. One technical publication in a national journal
6. Hoping to keep undergraduate costs to 100k since student is likely to pursue graduate school.

It has probably changed somewhat, but a state school will probably offer a decent scholarship package. Apply to several places so you can negotiate the best package possible. Community College then transferring is more of an option now than it was 20 years ago. I know my local CC offers an associates in engineering. It's reasonably priced and the level of instruction is decent. Student could probably still work while going to school at least foe the first two years.

Have they considered Chemical Engineering? The world could use a few more good controls engineers who know both programming and process equipment.

GreaterNYCDude says

gabbar says

1. Perfect ACT score
2. Excellent GPA
3. Likes STEM, loves math, chemistry, programming.
4. Has 9 months of research work experience at a university. Volunteer experience
5. One technical publication in a national journal
6. Hoping to keep undergraduate costs to 100k since student is likely to pursue graduate school.

It has probably changed somewhat, but a state school will probably offer a decent scholarship package. Apply to several places so you can negotiate the best package possible. Community College then transferring is more of an option now than it was 20 years ago. I know my local CC offers an associates in engineering. It's reasonably priced and the level of instruction is decent. Student could probably still work while going to school at least foe the first two years.

Have they considered Chemical Engineering? The world could use a few more good controls engineers who know both ...

One or more decent scholarships at top state schools is likely. National Merit Scholarship is probable. Chemical Engineering is definitely an option. Chemistry teacher called the student a chemistry robot!

gabbar says

National Merit Scholarship is probable.

But only if your school does not hide the award from you in the name of "equity":

https://notthebee.com/article/one-of-the-uss-top-high-schools-hid-students-academic-awards-in-name-of-equity

Asra Nomani
@AsraNomani
·
EXCLUSIVE @IWN @CityJournal: @TJHSST_Official principal @TJAnnB has withheld news of @NationalMerit awards from TJ families, most of them Asian, denying students the right to use the award to boost their college-admission prospects and earn scholarships. ...

Why did the school withhold the news?

The director of student services at Thomas Jefferson said,

"We want to recognize students for who they are as individuals, not focus on their achievements," claiming that he and the principal didn't want to "hurt" the feelings of students who didn't get the award.

Patrick says

gabbar says

National Merit Scholarship is probable.

But only if your school does not hide the award from you in the name of "equity":

https://notthebee.com/article/one-of-the-uss-top-high-schools-hid-students-academic-awards-in-name-of-equity

Asra Nomani
AsraNomani
·
EXCLUSIVE IWN CityJournal: TJHSST_Official principal TJAnnB has withheld news of NationalMerit awards from TJ families, most of them Asian, denying students the right to use the award to boost their college-admission prospects and earn scholarships. ...

Why did the school withhold the news?

The director of student services at Thomas Jefferson said,

"We want to recognize students for who they are ...

More about this:

https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fairfax_county/fcps-withholds-awards-pays-455-000-for-equity-contractor/article_0bb6c642-86c9-11ed-abbf-cb802353dab6.html