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Computer programmer or software engineer degree

Hello,

I have recently discovered what I want to do with my life.,But I can't decide which one would best help me. I want to be a developer for a company like Microsoft, Apple, or IBM, working on operating systems and such, so I began looking around online and I cannot figure out which degree will better help me. I have heard that they are both practically the same position except that programmers write the code and engineers fix the mistakes programmers make or something like that. I also need insight on requirements for this type of work and what it involves.

I hope someone can help me,

Titus

#computer-programming #software-engineering #career-details

computer-programming software-engineering career-details
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Daniel’s Answer

Well there isn't really such a thing as a "computer programmer" degree, just computer science. Most universities won't have degrees in straight software engineering, so companies will hire candidates with computer science degrees. For what degree to get, look for a school with a good comp sci program.


Now after you graduate, there definitely is a difference between a programming job and an engineering job (not that software engineering is "real" engineering, but that's a different discussion). And in that respect, the other replies here are spot on - software engineer or developer jobs tend to pay more than ones that are just rote programming.
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Will’s Answer

If I am being honest: in Toronto, programmers make about $25 an hour and engineers make upwards of $50. Programmers use scripting languages to build websites, quality control, and automate work, while engineers design algorithms in type safe languages. It depends on your ambition. If you want to learn as much as you can about your work and your craft, aim for being a software engineer, and then either a manager or an architect. If you just want a relatively easy life, then become a programmer, but understand that, ultimately, you are disposable either way.
Thank you comment icon I thank you for your answer, I am going to try to become a software engineer! Titus
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Isabelle’s Answer

Hi Titus,
I would not focus on the definition of the roles, or the current scope of these roles. The world is changing fast and technologies also. Targeting a role in particular now may limit you tomorrow. What I would recommend instead is to follow your interests, develop expertise in the various tech areas you are interested in and that are contributing to tech (data, machine-learning, AI...), keep learning, develop your understanding of the problems people have today and will have tomorrow, and look for creative solutions. The future belongs to those who understand the world needs and are able to create the best solutions to solve them. Technology is a mean to solve a problem. The best in the software industry are creative, customer-focused, constantly learning and adapting.
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Stephanie’s Answer

Awesome choice! I would look for Universities or Colleges with solid Computer Science programs. Specifically ones that have a solid network of alumni that are actively involved in the companies you are interested in and the tech industry as a whole. A good relationship with their alma mater will result in them being more willing to help new graduates and perhaps even internship roles while you're still in school. I am a UI/UX designer but took a few computing courses in graduate school and have worked with a wide variety of engineers while running my startup company. I would say that the best ones to work with were the ones that had a bit of business savvy and creative edge in addition to awesome engineering skills. While pursuing a CS degree, I'd urge you to try and seek out at least one UI/UX course to help you stand out. A couple engineers I work with also pursued a minor in Business or Entrepreneurship along with their CS degree. If you're interested in one day starting a company of your own, this can be a great advantage. As a previous answer stated, your main objective should be a continuous thirst for knowledge. Find various areas of tech you are interested in and go after it. Don't be afraid to learn new languages down the road and learn from other engineers :)
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Elizabeth’s Answer

either one, this is a great choice, dont worry about titles all will fall into place later on in your career
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