Beyond Computer Science

Diving into Tech? Know Your Options Beyond Computer Science

As the new academic year is starting, especially at my alma mater, I can't help but notice the excitement of incoming freshmen. "Pack with Me" videos and other preparation clips fill my IG timeline, painting a rosy picture of anticipation. I rejoice with them but one thought continually plagues my mind: How many will be blindsided once they delve into the coursework?

Now, before you argue that course descriptions are readily available on department websites, reflect on this: Did you truly delve into every course description before embarking on your academic journey?

I often hear that I was fortunate because I loved my time at university. Maybe, maybe not. The truth is, my passion stemmed from the alignment between my interests and my studies. Sadly, not everyone finds this harmony. This post is an attempt to ensure more people do.

I won’t pretend to be able to guide every incoming student, but here's a crucial clarification for the uninitiated: Computer Science is NOT equivalent to Software Engineering. As a Computer Science student, I also got to learn about the fabrication of integrated circuits and assembly language programming.

Photo by Chris Ried on Unsplash

I mentored a brilliant young individual once who started programming in his early teens. Given his prowess, especially in designing and building animated frontends (a skill I never quite mastered, given my lack of affinity for frontend programming), Computer Science seemed the evident choice. But I now realise a deeper, more detailed conversation was needed, particularly around his affinity for mathematics.

A Computer Science curriculum demands fluency in multiple programming languages. You'll be expected not just to familiarise yourself with a few but to dive into various programming paradigms. You should be ready to become language-agnostic.

You'll soon realise that this field is so much more than just coding and math. It spans a vast territory, covering courses like computational theory, computer networks, security, compiler construction, algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, and even the intricate world of artificial intelligence (I remember my lecturer emphasizing “think like a robot”). It's essential to remember: software engineering is just a tiny slice in this extensive academic pie. So, for those with a keen interest in a domain like Artificial Intelligence, why settle for just one slice in a broad Computer Science programme? Why not immerse yourself completely and consider taking it as a standalone programme? Go for the full pie.

Reflecting on my own journey, I was like a kid in a candy store at first (still am a lot of times), eager to try everything. I dabbled in ethical hacking, played around with data science and machine learning, and yes, even ventured into software engineering. And while I'm currently deep into the realm of software engineering, it wasn't my top pick back in school. My favourites? Courses like Introduction to Problem Solving, Algorithms and Complexity Analysis, Numerical Methods, Linear Algebra (1 and 2 ), and Concepts of Programming Languages.

If you're just embarking on your tech journey, here's a golden nugget from my own experience:

An “Introduction to Problem Solving“ course can be a game-changer. It conditions your mind and prepares you to be a problem-solver. A good programmer understands the problem better than others; this is the crux of programming.

The world of Computer and Information Sciences is vast. Instead of the default choice of Computer Science for every tech enthusiast, consider the vast array of alternatives like Information Systems, Software Engineering, Data Science and Analytics, Computer Science and Economics, Management & Information Technology, Bioinformatics, Games Engineering, and more. You can get a more streamlined path to your career, especially if you don’t want to venture into academia after your undergraduate studies.

Reflecting on my experiences with the young programmer, our frequent collaborative sessions during his freshman year come to mind. Those interactions have since been reduced, but not due to diminished interest. Instead, he discovered a better fit in Information Systems and doesn’t need as much support to get through. A shift that I fully supported.

Every student’s journey is unique, but it's crucial to ensure that the path taken aligns with one's true passions and interests. It's my hope that this post helps in making that journey a little clearer for someone out there.

Thank you for taking the time to journey through this piece with me. Your thoughts, experiences, and insights matter immensely, and I'd love to hear them. Whether you agree, disagree, or have a story of your own to share, drop a comment below. Let's cultivate a space where we learn from one another, challenge each other, and grow together in this ever-evolving tech landscape.

Until next time, stay curious, and let's keep the conversation alive.

Elizabeth