#GoBackToSchool
#CSdegree
#CareerPath
Considering Going Back to School for a CS Degree? Here’s What You Need to Know! 🧑💻
Why You Might Be Thinking About a Career Shift 🧭
So, you earned a mechanical engineering degree but haven’t found a job yet. 🤔 You thought it equaled prestige, job security, and money, but it hasn’t panned out. Now, you’re considering a shift to computer science (CS), a field that’s always intrigued you. Plus, the applicability of CS skills seems promising, doesn’t it? 🌐
Why Switch from Mechanical Engineering to Computer Science? 🔄
Switching careers can be daunting, but there are some compelling reasons why a CS degree might be a good fit:
- Job Market Opportunities: While the job market in CS can be competitive, there are still plenty of opportunities if you have the right skills.
- Interest in Coding: You find coding intriguing and like the idea of creating something tangible.
- Versatility of Skills: CS skills can be applied across various industries, unlike specialized ME skills.
- Project-Based Learning: CS involves a lot of hands-on projects that could make learning more engaging for you.
Assessing Your Current Situation 🔍
Before making a big decision, ask yourself the following:
- Passion vs. Grind: Can you see yourself passionate about coding, or will it be another grind?
- Job Prospects: Are you prepared for the equally fierce competition in the CS job market?
- Overlap of Credits: Would your ME credits overlap with CS, potentially reducing the time to complete the degree?
How to Evaluate Your Next Steps 📝
Here’s a step-by-step plan:
- Research CS Programs: Look for programs that offer credit for prior coursework.
- Online Courses: Start with some coding courses online. Sites like Coursera, edX, or Codecademy offer free resources.
- Consult Advisors: Check with academic advisors about credit transfers and program length.
- Networking: Join CS forums and communities to get a real-world sense of the field.
Pathways to a CS Degree 📚
You don’t necessarily need to jump into another four-year program. Here are some alternatives:
- Master’s Programs: If your ME credits meet prerequisites, you could go straight for a Master’s in CS.
- Bootcamps: Coding bootcamps like General Assembly can be a quicker route to acquiring the skills you need.
- Certifications: Earning certifications in specific coding languages or tools can also boost your credibility.
Making the Decision 🧠
Reflect on these points:
- Financial Considerations: Can you afford another degree or are there scholarships available?
- Time Commitment: Are you willing to invest 2-4 more years in education?
- Career Outlook: Research the demand for skills you would learn in a CS program.
Final Thoughts 💭
Whether you stick with your mechanical engineering degree or pivot to computer science, understanding your motivations and the practical aspects of each path is crucial. Take the time to explore online courses and speak to advisors to make the most informed decision.
Remember, every career journey is unique and it’s never too late to pivot towards something you’re truly passionate about. Good luck! 🌟
If you want to pivot, why a degree over a conversion masters in CS?
I suggest trying a small course or tutorial first to see what you think. You wont need anymore of a degree than the mechanical engineering degree you already have. CS degrees come packed with a lot more than just coding, but I’m sure your engineering degree required a great deal of math if not more.
If you decide you like coding and want to go that route, start learning it seriously by studying and building projects (however you decide to learn it). Once you start applying for jobs, your current degree will look great with good coding skills and projects to serve as your experience
Try it out before you fully commit to a degree or master or whatever. Programming takes roughly the same kind of thinking as engineering…. As in solving a problem in an effective and efficient way.
But…. As with engineering, it’s not for everybody. I’m an electrical engineer with a programming (aimed at robots) speacialization. Out of my class of around 150 electrical engineers, only 15 of us landed that programming speacialization since programming was like 90% of it and a lot of people hated programming and about 100 of those 150 went to telecom speacialization instead. The rest dropped out actually, since they couldn’t do engineering altogether.