9 answers
Elias
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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Would collage be needed in the computer tech industry ?
I decided I wanted to study computer technician over at this program I'm in and I was wondering afterwards if it's recommended to consider a collage for more studies on either software development or anything like that as I would like to be a programmer.
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9 answers
Madhumita Chatterjee
Business Value Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madhumita’s Answer
The insights provided by others are indeed valuable. While a college degree isn't a necessity for a career in technology, it can certainly be beneficial. However, you have other alternatives to prepare for a tech career beyond college. You can consider enrolling in classes offered by platforms such as Code Academy, Udemy.com, and Udacity.com. These resources can equip you with the necessary skills for a successful career in the tech industry.
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
114
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
A formal college degree can certainly open doors in the tech world, but it's not the only key to success, particularly in areas like computer programming and software development. Countless successful programmers and software developers have carved their paths through self-education, obtaining certifications, and gaining hands-on experience.
If you're aspiring to be a programmer, here's a potential roadmap you can follow without necessarily stepping foot in a traditional college:
1. Certifications and Bootcamps: A number of employers in the tech sector value certifications such as CompTIA, Google IT Support, or coding bootcamps from providers like General Assembly or Codecademy. These offer concentrated, targeted programs on software development.
2. Portfolio: Crafting a robust portfolio that displays your coding projects is vital. GitHub is an excellent platform to host and share your work, catching the eye of potential employers.
3. Self-learning: The internet is brimming with free or inexpensive online resources like Coursera, edX, and Udemy where you can master programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++.
However, if you're seeking a deeper understanding or a more structured learning environment, college can offer a wider comprehension of computer science fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques that can propel your career in the long run.
To sum up, while college can be beneficial, it’s not the only route. Reflect on whether a combination of self-study, certifications, and practical experience might be the perfect blend to achieve your career aspirations!
If you're aspiring to be a programmer, here's a potential roadmap you can follow without necessarily stepping foot in a traditional college:
1. Certifications and Bootcamps: A number of employers in the tech sector value certifications such as CompTIA, Google IT Support, or coding bootcamps from providers like General Assembly or Codecademy. These offer concentrated, targeted programs on software development.
2. Portfolio: Crafting a robust portfolio that displays your coding projects is vital. GitHub is an excellent platform to host and share your work, catching the eye of potential employers.
3. Self-learning: The internet is brimming with free or inexpensive online resources like Coursera, edX, and Udemy where you can master programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++.
However, if you're seeking a deeper understanding or a more structured learning environment, college can offer a wider comprehension of computer science fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques that can propel your career in the long run.
To sum up, while college can be beneficial, it’s not the only route. Reflect on whether a combination of self-study, certifications, and practical experience might be the perfect blend to achieve your career aspirations!
Leon Qi
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
Leon’s Answer
That's a great career path!
Studying computer technology and programming can lead to many exciting opportunities. Considering further education in software development or related fields can definitely enhance your skills and prospects. Here are some potential next steps:
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related fields: This can provide a solid foundation in programming principles, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering.
Online courses and certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of courses and certifications in specific programming languages or technologies.
Specialize in a domain: Consider focusing on areas like mobile app development, web development, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity to increase your marketability.
Build a portfolio: Develop personal projects or contribute to open-source projects to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Remember to research and weighs the pros and cons of each option, considering factors like cost, time commitment, and career goals.
Good luck!
Studying computer technology and programming can lead to many exciting opportunities. Considering further education in software development or related fields can definitely enhance your skills and prospects. Here are some potential next steps:
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related fields: This can provide a solid foundation in programming principles, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering.
Online courses and certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of courses and certifications in specific programming languages or technologies.
Specialize in a domain: Consider focusing on areas like mobile app development, web development, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity to increase your marketability.
Build a portfolio: Develop personal projects or contribute to open-source projects to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Remember to research and weighs the pros and cons of each option, considering factors like cost, time commitment, and career goals.
Good luck!
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Elias,
In the computer tech industry, having a college degree can be beneficial but is not always strictly necessary. Many successful professionals have entered the field through alternative routes such as coding bootcamps, certifications, and self-study.
For a career in programming, a combination of formal education, certifications, and hands-on experience can be a strong approach. If you have the opportunity, pursuing a college degree in software development or computer science could provide a comprehensive understanding and more career options.
I am currently a computer science major in college and though I do a decent bit of self studying, I feel as if a formal education from college has definitely aided me in impactful ways and provided me with tons of opportunities.
In the computer tech industry, having a college degree can be beneficial but is not always strictly necessary. Many successful professionals have entered the field through alternative routes such as coding bootcamps, certifications, and self-study.
For a career in programming, a combination of formal education, certifications, and hands-on experience can be a strong approach. If you have the opportunity, pursuing a college degree in software development or computer science could provide a comprehensive understanding and more career options.
I am currently a computer science major in college and though I do a decent bit of self studying, I feel as if a formal education from college has definitely aided me in impactful ways and provided me with tons of opportunities.
Sivakumar Balasundaram
Architect
6
Answers
Canton, Massachusetts
Updated
Sivakumar’s Answer
Pursuing advanced studies before entering the job market is always a wise choice. In today's world, having at least a Master's degree in any field can significantly boost your future career prospects. Higher education not only gives you an edge when competing for promotions but also aids in honing your soft skills. So, keep striving for excellence in your education - it's an investment in your future that will surely pay off!
Frank Zamora
Senior IT Consultant
6
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hi Elias,
In short, a college degree is not strictly necessary to pursue a career in Information Technology and/or Software development, but it can be beneficial.
For the most part, getting a college degree will provide you with strong foundation in theorical and practical aspects of software development. College programs offer a structured curriculum that covers a wide range f topics, including algorithms, data structures, databases, etc... providing a well-rounded education.
Taking the alternative path, which is self-study has a few pros and cons...
Pros: Flexibility, cost-effective and focused learning.
Cons: High levels of Discipline are required, Lack of Formal Credential and networking challenges.
For the Information Technology world, having certifications seems to be a lot more beneficial than having a bachelor's degree. Also, keep in mind that having a college degree doesn't guarantee you will succeed in your career. In my 13 years of career, I've known very successful people that never finished college.
Hope this helps!
In short, a college degree is not strictly necessary to pursue a career in Information Technology and/or Software development, but it can be beneficial.
For the most part, getting a college degree will provide you with strong foundation in theorical and practical aspects of software development. College programs offer a structured curriculum that covers a wide range f topics, including algorithms, data structures, databases, etc... providing a well-rounded education.
Taking the alternative path, which is self-study has a few pros and cons...
Pros: Flexibility, cost-effective and focused learning.
Cons: High levels of Discipline are required, Lack of Formal Credential and networking challenges.
For the Information Technology world, having certifications seems to be a lot more beneficial than having a bachelor's degree. Also, keep in mind that having a college degree doesn't guarantee you will succeed in your career. In my 13 years of career, I've known very successful people that never finished college.
Hope this helps!
Sarah Halil
IT Quality Analyst
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hello Elias,
Just to clarify things for you - having an advanced degree isn't a necessity. Nevertheless, the doors it could open for you can be significant. If you're aiming to broaden your horizons and gain a competitive edge in the job market, an advanced degree can be very beneficial.
Wishing you all the best,
Sarah
Just to clarify things for you - having an advanced degree isn't a necessity. Nevertheless, the doors it could open for you can be significant. If you're aiming to broaden your horizons and gain a competitive edge in the job market, an advanced degree can be very beneficial.
Wishing you all the best,
Sarah
Can Qin
Research Scientist
2
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Can’s Answer
Hi Elias,
Collage is not necessarily needed to enter the computer industry. But it requires to learn huge amount of knowledge in maths, systems, programming etc. where the teachers/professors at colleges can teach. An alternative option is to learn by yourself via online courses such as Coursera.
Good luck!
Collage is not necessarily needed to enter the computer industry. But it requires to learn huge amount of knowledge in maths, systems, programming etc. where the teachers/professors at colleges can teach. An alternative option is to learn by yourself via online courses such as Coursera.
Good luck!
Xing Su
Software Engineer
11
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Xing’s Answer
It depends on your personal circumstances and goals.
One great advantage of learning programming is the abundance of resources available to you. You can learn a lot on your own!
Here's what a college degree can offer:
-- Structured Learning: College provides a systematic approach to learning software development. With so many online resources, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and how to progress effectively. College helps you build a solid foundation and learn concepts in a logical order.
-- A Degree: This can be especially helpful when landing your first job. While it's certainly possible to get a job without a degree, having one often opens more doors, especially for entry-level positions. Companies may use degrees as a way to filter applicants, and a degree can signal your commitment and foundational knowledge. Of course, once you're in the interview, your skills and personality will shine through, and once you have experience, your degree matters less and less.
Ultimately, if you:
- Are highly motivated: You're eager to learn and can create a structured learning plan for yourself.
- Are confident in your job search skills: You feel you can land a job without the extra help a degree provides.
Then, you might not need a college program. However, if either of those points is a concern for you, college can be a valuable investment in your future as a programmer.
One great advantage of learning programming is the abundance of resources available to you. You can learn a lot on your own!
Here's what a college degree can offer:
-- Structured Learning: College provides a systematic approach to learning software development. With so many online resources, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and how to progress effectively. College helps you build a solid foundation and learn concepts in a logical order.
-- A Degree: This can be especially helpful when landing your first job. While it's certainly possible to get a job without a degree, having one often opens more doors, especially for entry-level positions. Companies may use degrees as a way to filter applicants, and a degree can signal your commitment and foundational knowledge. Of course, once you're in the interview, your skills and personality will shine through, and once you have experience, your degree matters less and less.
Ultimately, if you:
- Are highly motivated: You're eager to learn and can create a structured learning plan for yourself.
- Are confident in your job search skills: You feel you can land a job without the extra help a degree provides.
Then, you might not need a college program. However, if either of those points is a concern for you, college can be a valuable investment in your future as a programmer.