Do You Need A Computer Science Degree To Get A Software Engineer Job?
No, you don’t! But it will make it easier
Hi everyone, today I want to discuss a very popular topic: Do you need a degree to land a tech job? Is a specific computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering degree required to break into the tech industry? In this article, I’ll share my opinion on this topic and briefly explore the benefits of having a degree in computer science or a related field.
Nowadays, software engineering has become an increasingly popular field and many people are trying to break into it. There are various reasons why this is the case. Some people find coding to be a cool skill and are drawn to the idea of being like the hackers they see in movies. Others are looking for the opportunity to work remotely, while some want to get a well-paid job.
In this article, I will focus on a situation, when you are looking for your first coding job and have no commercial experience with it. I have categorized people looking for their first coding job into three categories: those who have completed or are currently pursuing a degree in computer science, those who have completed or are currently pursuing a degree in a different field, and those who do not have a degree at all.
Advantages of having CS degree
When you don’t have a CS degree, you learn how to code using some online/offline courses or by joining bootcamps. When you have a degree, you are doing exactly the same thing, because in many cases knowledges gained from university may not be sufficient. For sure, it depends on university, but in my case I had to learn many things myself.
I was leading lots of internships in my company and interviewing lots of interns myself. And here is one issue with many people who finished some courses or bootcamps: they have knowledges only about a specific technology. However, this may not be sufficient to land their first job or internship, as interviewers may ask general programming questions that require a broader understanding of computer science concepts. For example, interviewers may ask questions related to networking protocols such as TCP/IP and UDP, as well as the OSI model and its layers.
In my opinion, this kind of knowledges are not required for junior/intern positions. But most probably you are not the only one who want to get this position. And if another candidate knows some additional stuff like this, most probably the company will choose him.
Universities typically offer a range of subjects for computer science majors, including networking, cybersecurity, algorithms, and more. In 4 years you can learn a lot about coding and programming, and these knowledges may help you, when you are landing your first job.
Another benefit is that you can more easily switch between different technologies on your job. In university, students have the opportunity to learn a range of programming languages and technologies. This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to adapting to new technologies on the job or switching between different technologies altogether. By having a strong foundation in computer science principles, students can more easily pick up new programming languages or technologies as needed, which can be a valuable asset in the rapidly evolving tech industry. Additionally, exposure to different technologies in university can help students identify their strengths and interests, which can guide them as they begin their career in tech.
Statistics
According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2022, 75% of developers have completed some form of higher education, with a bachelor’s degree being the most common.
I also wanted to find some data that would show how many of those with a degree have a degree in computer science or some other related field. I was able to find such data in the Stack Overflow 2020 Developer Survey. It shows that over 62% of developers, who have a degree, have a degree in computer science.
As you can see, only 50% of developers have a degree in computer since or some other related field.
Do I need a CS degree?
No, you don’t. While having a computer science degree can be beneficial in the tech industry, it is not always necessary. What is most important is your motivation, learning style, and dedication to learning and developing your skills. Regardless of whether you have a degree, you need to be willing to put in the work to learn new technologies, work on pet projects to gain practical experience, and study theory and algorithms as needed. Additionally, networking and building connections in the industry can also be an important factor in landing your first job in tech. Ultimately, what matters most is your passion for technology, your willingness to learn and adapt, and your ability to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
I hope you enjoyed and found this article useful. Feel free to share your opinion on this topic in comments.
Check out my other articles about Programming iOS Development
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