1. You could do it self taught too, especially since you already have most of the math background, but it will take a lot of discipline. This question pops up a lot in both this sub and r/learnprogramming. 9 Common careers for Computer Science graduates 1. Computer science encompasses science, engineering, mathematics and disciplines that rely upon modeling and problem solving via the use of hardware and software. The 3 Main Ways To Decide Between Computer Science and Cybersecurity is: The kind of undergraduate cybersecurity programs surrounding your area. I can't go back to school since I am working full-time. Age is not a factor. Start here if you're looking for a new career. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the cscareerquestions community. Teams at Reddit prioritize communication and collaboration with genuine care for the platform and communities. Close. I was living in Silicon Valley but got MSCS online from Georgia Southern. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the cscareerquestions community. In the US, computer science is still mostly considered an add-on. A computer science degree is now a bonus rather than a requirement. Career change to Computer science. I joined a computer company doing basic IT work out of college, but only make about $35,000 a year. Archived. You'll be fine, I did it a couple years later than you with a Mech Eng background. I'll be 36 when I graduate with my BaS in CS in spring. Some schools offer degrees in data science, but degrees in related, quantitative fields, such as computer science, prepare students for data science careers, as well. Tech companies treat their software engineers like KINGS To test the application for any hardware or software issue. You will likely want to get a bachelors, and maybe even a masters in CS to get up to speed. Data Engineer. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Being a newbie to CS is going to be an extreme struggle to work on machine learning and AI. That's why I wanna go for an MS. Data Scientist. Aaron Saunders, chief executive of Clearly Innovative, took a traditional route to a tech career: He earned a computer science degree at Ohio … Interpreter or Translator. 33 going on 34, have some offers in the pipeline. Your computer science cover letter needs to reflect your individual academic and professional achievements. Hi everyone, I m a newbie in CS. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Are there any colleges which offer online degrees which are recognized? Was your undergrad background and subsequent work experience in CS? Other Perks of Majoring in Computer Science 1. I love working for Reddit because I know that my opinion and expertise is valued and respected. The problem is, mid-career … Small exercises to help you learn a programming language and trains you to solve computer science related problems in those languages. I am a 28 year old located in the US with a previous bachelor's degree in psychology. I took my first programming class @ 29 at the local community college. These students learn to modify and maintain database structures which collect, organize, and store data. Good luck brother. I have done 3 semesters of undergrad CS and Math courses, and have found that I really enjoy the world of Computer Science. This is great news for people interested in a computer science career, and even more so for those considering earning … We use cookies on our websites for a number of purposes, including analytics and performance, functionality and advertising. I am admittedly not too experienced in this industry, but I have lived a little bit of life. Press J to jump to the feed. As cell phone innovation keeps on advancing, the requirement for … So, will I be too old for most tech/software companies? But I want to get an official certification such as a diploma online. Information Security Analyst. At 30, I'll be a candidate looking for his first CS job, tbh. If you're fluent in more than one language, it's always worth looking into … Since I don't have a background in CS, I am taking online courses on deep learning and machine learning concepts. Among the list of best jobs in America 2014 according to the Wall Street Journal, two out of the top ten are computer science related jobs. You already have a degree in a technical field. Use our computer science cover letter sample below for suggested phrasing, structure, and content when you apply to an internship or entry-level role. Hi everyone, I m a newbie in CS. Knock it off with the pity parties and the humblebrags. But I have been working in an absolutely unrelated field (Civil Engineering) for quite some time. Here is the problem: I'm 27 now and by the time I start the MS, I'll be almost 28, and by the time I finish I'll be 30, at least. All of the schools I have mailed said they'll give me quite a few undergrad CS courses as extra "foundation courses", which was expected anyway. Congratulations on getting an admission in a CSE major which is pretty much a big thing today. Oftentimes, successful hires aren't even college graduates. There are 436 colleges and universities providing various kinds of online learning programs in computer science - link. choose desired major in the filter to narrow the list down. Got my first job as a web developer at 31. As a career switching, bootcamping, life-experienced older person. No. Responsibilities. Resources on Computer Science for a Career Change. Just be willing to work hard, that's all. I majored in Civil Engineering for undergrad and have been working as an engineer at a construction company for the last three years. The median salary for a computer programmer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is around $80,000 per year, and computer-related occupations are poised to grow by 12 percent by 2024. I want to change careers to CS/Software Development and am now looking at MS in CS programs, mostly on the West Coast. I want to change careers to CS/Software Development and am now looking at MS in CS programs, mostly on the West Coast. By their own admission they spent many hours focusing on their skills, … Career change to Computer science. For the last 4 years I have been working in education, but I have started to make a transition away from that and towards CS. So the MS in CS will take me around 2.5 - 3 years to complete. Could not give a better input that this and I wish to give you guys all the advises I wish I was given when I joined. All of the schools I have mailed said they'll give me quite a few undergrad CS courses as extra "foundation courses", which was expected anyway. 4. Here's a story on Reddit from a user who went from knowing nothing about development to being employed in one year. Yes wasn't the nob market really different back then? Price. Most recently this: I finished a computer science degree last year, worked about a year in the Java EE stack. It's only been 2 years, but it's gone fine so far. Seconded. Here we discuss careers in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and related fields. People can break into this career at any age, but I recognize a certain difficulty in doing so given other life obligations past a certain age. Do a search for more info. Unless you want to go into IT, certifications are mostly useless. Computer science is notorious on campus for many reasons: the endless memes on Reddit and Facebook torrenting Gary Gillespie, the distinctive scent of the revered “basement” of the CS building or the constant complaining over extensive programming assignments that mark the degree’s lower division courses. Information security analysts create systems to protect information … I really want to have some academic credentials in the field and work towards building them, as per a proper plan. I'm 38 and finally finishing school now. Civil liberty protection. SO MANY PEOPLE in this sub need to chill out. I've met dozens of people in 30's/40's going back to school to get a BS/MS/PHD in CS, one of my classmates is 26 and he's getting his BS with me. Mine isn't, that's the issue :(. She has a B.S. Will I have a hard time finding a software developer job? In this domain, you can make your career as a Manual Tester, Quality Analyst, etc. Because systems analysts work where business and technology converge, an MBA degree in computer science is an ideal fit for the job. Mobile Application Development. Some things to keep in mind: Every job sucks at some point. ** Take a look and see who is working with a degree in the field. Nah dude. Computer Science employment trends: Computer Science related jobs are among the best paid and highest satisfaction jobs of the projected high growth jobs. As the internet grows, privacy will come at a premium. Has anyone here had a complete industry change this late in their life? Develop a portfolio to show off your projects 3. What are the options that I could go for? I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and got hired as a systems developer working on machine learning and AI models. I'm really not sure I want to be in the industry I'm … reddit: the front page of the internet Practice by building your own things, like simple one page apps to show that you've mastered a specific skill 2. Still doubt that you can change careers and move into programming? Summary: If you are mid-career and thinking about switching into data science here are some things to think about in planning your journey. I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and got hired as a systems developer working on machine learning and AI models. At the same time, remember that the example below is meant as a guide only. Testing is one of the most recommended career domains in Computer Science. To check product quality whether it is up to standard and following the standard premises. Whereas a computer science degree is considered universally accepted and scalable in applying for jobs representing many types of roles in I.T. Enormous quantities … Some people have told me that age would be less relevant if my work experience was in a CS related field but in my case, it's totally unrelated. Computer Science is an outstanding career path right now, and if you’re going to a decent school in terms of the Computer Science program, you will have companies chasing you after graduation if you’re in a mid-sized or large city. What major are you opting for? Comparing Cybersecurity vs. Computer Science Curriculum You might be wondering which careers are really worth going back to school for at this stage in your career and if the time (and money) spent seeking a degree or certification is worth the payoff. What advice do you have for someone considering a career change into the tech industry, specifically for those considering computer programming/coding? We identified some common job titles in tech that accept candidates with a Computer Science degree. A commitment to learning, self-growth and finding a job that lets you capitalize on your innate strengths are some of the most important factors involved in switching careers into IT. Please keep the conversation professional, adhere to the reddiquette, and remember to READ OUR RULES. Is there a specific reason why you want to do a Master's. Posted by. Any response will be greatly appreciated. Was it difficult without much prior experience and less famous MS program? CSCQ regular u/Kevincav runs a discord called CS Career Hub. Are there specific pre-requisite courses for masters in computer science? You could try and go for a masters in CS otherwise no other options really. Equipped with a deep understanding of an organization’s computer systems and procedures, systems analysts are tasked with devising technology-based solutions to boost productivity and maximize technology ROI. I've done fairly well in school, making the jump to employment is giving me anxiety. When considering price, you should compare total cost as well as available financial aid and scholarships. I finished mine at 33. The computer scientist assists consumers and professionals in their quest to synthesize, collect and track data in precise, creative and rational ways that can be verified and proven.. Job Description I liked requirements engineering My undergrad included three courses on programming. I'm way behind the curve, but I'm confident I'll be able to find work when I'm ready. Okay. Reddit and its Leadership demonstrate personal investment in my individual career growth, and value me as a contributor. I have a BA and MA in literature; have never taken a CS class or any STEM class beyond the basic reqs for an aspiring poet at a state school. There’s no single path forged for students of Computer Science; it’s a degree that opens many doors to a variety of positions. I get a surprising number of emails from career programmers who have spent some time in the profession and eventually decided it just isn't for them. No, you'll be fine. Compare that to the UK, where coding is now required in all primary and secondary schools. My undergrad included three courses on programming. The barriers to entry in IT are lower than most people think. I've been working as a dev for 20 years now. Discord. 1. A subreddit for those with questions about working in the tech industry or in a computer-science-related job. Just make sure you have the financial capability to follow through and that you work on getting experience you can show off to employers. I have heard a few things regarding ageism in the tech industry, and how new "startup culture" oriented companies prefer younger candidates, and feel really worried. ... and I know reddit is a good place to start. My passion is still in technology, but without an IT degree, I find it hard to advance and get a high paying job in the field without a computer science/engineering degree. No. Teaching myself won't prove to be very fruitful imo as I'd easily lose focus. Computer science is one of the hottest fields today. 3 years ago. Only one in four high schools offers computer science , and only 5% of high schools are certified to teach AP Computer Science. Switching Careers into IT: A How-To Guide. A subreddit for those with questions about working in the tech industry or in a computer-science-related job. CS is the thinking man's game. Not a stellar program, but I had a degree in hand 25 months after the first email I sent them, and it cost around 12k. Its growth exceeds the average for all other occupations in the United States by more than double, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and by 2028, more than 540,000 new jobs in the field will be added. If you want to jump into the field faster it's entirely possible to teach yourself in a shorter time frame depending on what you want your focus to be. Work hard, build a portfolio of projects, learn how to talk shop, and you'll be in for a rewarding career! We get lots of inquiries from readers asking for career advice and many of these identify as mid-career looking to switch into data science. Press J to jump to the feed. So will that work against me?? Computer Systems Analyst. If somebody like me can get a job just by studying nights and weekends and building up a portfolio, then somebody with your background should have little trouble. Making a career switch is no easy decision, especially when considering the change at 40 or older. How did the job hunting process go for you?