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Emily
Student
Naperville, Illinois
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How is the symbolic systems major at Stanford?
I'm interested in applying as an undergraduate for the symbolic systems major and would love more insight into how it is and job prospects.
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1896
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Emily the Symbolic Systems (SymSys) major offered at Stanford University is only called Symbolic Systems because a philosophy professor at Stanford didn't like the term Cognitive Sciences. If your university offers Cognitive Science it's the same thing at half the cost of attending Stanford University. Cognitive Sciences is an interdisciplinary program focused on the relationship between natural and artificial systems, it's a popular choice for students interested in the aspects of cognitive science, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy, preparing students for careers and research in areas related to human and machines intellectual intersection of technology and human behavior. These roles involve pushing the boundaries of AI, developing new algorithms, and applying machine learning to solve real-world problems. Common career paths include AI research scientist, machine learning engineer, data scientist, and robotics engineer.
🌀 AI RESEARCH SCIENTIST — These individuals focus on advancing the field of AI by conducting research, developing new algorithms, and exploring cutting-edge technologies like neural networks. They often work in research labs, universities, or tech companies, publishing their findings and contributing to the broader AI community.
⚙️ MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER — These engineers are responsible for building, testing, and deploying machine learning models and systems. They work closely with data scientists to implement algorithms and ensure that machine learning solutions are scalable and efficient.
📊 DATA SCIENTIST — Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making. They use machine learning techniques to build predictive models and develop data-driven solutions for various industries.
👾 ROBOTICS ENGINEER — Robotics engineers design, build, and program robots and automated systems. They apply AI and machine learning to enhance robot intelligence and capabilities, with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors.
I hope this has been helpful Emily
🌀 AI RESEARCH SCIENTIST — These individuals focus on advancing the field of AI by conducting research, developing new algorithms, and exploring cutting-edge technologies like neural networks. They often work in research labs, universities, or tech companies, publishing their findings and contributing to the broader AI community.
⚙️ MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER — These engineers are responsible for building, testing, and deploying machine learning models and systems. They work closely with data scientists to implement algorithms and ensure that machine learning solutions are scalable and efficient.
📊 DATA SCIENTIST — Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making. They use machine learning techniques to build predictive models and develop data-driven solutions for various industries.
👾 ROBOTICS ENGINEER — Robotics engineers design, build, and program robots and automated systems. They apply AI and machine learning to enhance robot intelligence and capabilities, with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors.
I hope this has been helpful Emily
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
31
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Emily,
I reviewed all you questions on CareerVillage and it doesn't seem like you have identified your own strengths and career motivations. Without understanding primary goals in life (be happy, make money, have fun, etc.) and what is satisfying to you (solving a problem, building something big, seeing a child smile in understanding, or personal recognition) all that can be said is, "It's a great program with great prospects at a great institution."
Which brings us to the question - Why do you think this is a program you would want to pursue? What are your talents that match this study/career path? How does this education impact other life goals?
That being said, Symbolic Systems appears to be focused on the science of intelligence, independent of the core platform (i.e. biological v. mechanical v. electronic). Science study has two main outputs, Education/Research and Engineering; advancing knowledge and apply the knowledge. A very crude analogy is the employment of physicists in integrated circuit technology and mathematicians in financial firms where the ability to advance the technologies in real time gave a corporate competitive advantage in making money.
Artificial intelligence has two or three key paths forward from where it is today:
1) Removing language as the (sorry for the pun) lingua franca of intelligence. i.e. exploring and representing facts without interpreting through the cultural lens of human language.
2) Incorporating emotional, cultural, and motivational intelligence into the model of "Intelligence". This is the first step in understanding self-realization .
3) Understanding the "Creative" element of intelligence and how to verify a creative intellect. Then the engineers can build it with all the legal, moral, and cultural conflicts that will generate.
Some moderating observations if cognitive studies is indeed your "passion":
1) Can you achieve the same level of educational achievement without the expense and challenge of Stanford?
2) Is the expense of Stanford in some way rewarded by its brand when you enter the job market, if that is your goal?
3) If you are unable to excel at Stanford, will a less than stellar academic record be worth the cost?
I hope you find what your looking for.
Tony
I reviewed all you questions on CareerVillage and it doesn't seem like you have identified your own strengths and career motivations. Without understanding primary goals in life (be happy, make money, have fun, etc.) and what is satisfying to you (solving a problem, building something big, seeing a child smile in understanding, or personal recognition) all that can be said is, "It's a great program with great prospects at a great institution."
Which brings us to the question - Why do you think this is a program you would want to pursue? What are your talents that match this study/career path? How does this education impact other life goals?
That being said, Symbolic Systems appears to be focused on the science of intelligence, independent of the core platform (i.e. biological v. mechanical v. electronic). Science study has two main outputs, Education/Research and Engineering; advancing knowledge and apply the knowledge. A very crude analogy is the employment of physicists in integrated circuit technology and mathematicians in financial firms where the ability to advance the technologies in real time gave a corporate competitive advantage in making money.
Artificial intelligence has two or three key paths forward from where it is today:
1) Removing language as the (sorry for the pun) lingua franca of intelligence. i.e. exploring and representing facts without interpreting through the cultural lens of human language.
2) Incorporating emotional, cultural, and motivational intelligence into the model of "Intelligence". This is the first step in understanding self-realization .
3) Understanding the "Creative" element of intelligence and how to verify a creative intellect. Then the engineers can build it with all the legal, moral, and cultural conflicts that will generate.
Some moderating observations if cognitive studies is indeed your "passion":
1) Can you achieve the same level of educational achievement without the expense and challenge of Stanford?
2) Is the expense of Stanford in some way rewarded by its brand when you enter the job market, if that is your goal?
3) If you are unable to excel at Stanford, will a less than stellar academic record be worth the cost?
I hope you find what your looking for.
Tony
Joseph Ford
198
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Graduates of the Symbolic Systems program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in both the private and public sectors. The skills developed through the program are applicable in fields such as:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Understanding human cognition and machine intelligence.
User Experience and Human-Computer Interaction: Designing interfaces that improve user interaction with technology.
Research and Academia: Pursuing further studies in cognitive science, linguistics, or related fields.
The Symbolic Systems program, often referred to as SymSys, is a unique academic offering at Stanford University that combines insights from various disciplines to explore the relationship between human and artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Understanding human cognition and machine intelligence.
User Experience and Human-Computer Interaction: Designing interfaces that improve user interaction with technology.
Research and Academia: Pursuing further studies in cognitive science, linguistics, or related fields.
The Symbolic Systems program, often referred to as SymSys, is a unique academic offering at Stanford University that combines insights from various disciplines to explore the relationship between human and artificial intelligence.