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Computer Science Degree_
7K views
Feb 7, 2024
"Computer Science Degree" is likely a video that explores the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with pursuing a degree in computer science. The creator may discuss various aspects of a computer science program, such as the curriculum, coursework, and practical skills gained. Additionally, they might touch upon career prospects, salary expectations, and the demand for computer science graduates in the tech industry. Viewers can expect to gain insights into the value of a computer science degree and how it can contribute to their career aspirations in technology.
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0:00
Is a computer science degree worth it
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Well, I've been taking some time off these last six months to really think and ponder, get some rest
0:08
And I've been thinking a lot about getting a computer science degree versus not
0:13
In several of my other videos, I've mentioned that if I could go back in time and pick a different
0:19
bachelor's degree, that I would totally do a computer science degree. And I stand by that
0:24
But what if you're not college age? Is it worth it to go back in computer science degree when you've already been in the workforce
0:30
Maybe you're like in my situation where you've become a self-taught software engineer and you've
0:36
been working for years and you already have a lot of experience. So it's getting a little bit easier to get interviews and things like that
0:43
Is it worth it for someone like me to go back and get a computer science degree
0:47
I recently hit my five-year mark at Adobe and decided to do some reflecting on
0:53
where I've been and where I want to go with my career. Prior to coming to Adobe, I'd actually considered maybe going back and getting a computer science degree
1:01
And at the time, it just didn't make a lot of financial sense and the time commitment
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But I've really been looking at some of the options that have come up and found a path that might actually be viable
1:12
So it's been on my mind, you know, to actually consider making that move
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For some context on myself, my background, like where I'm coming from, my perspectives on all of
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this, many years ago, I got a history degree in college and then I ended up kind of floundering
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trying to figure out what I was going to do. And I ended up working construction for several years
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Eventually, I went down the self-taught program route where I've now been in the industry for
1:38
many years. And it's been a very rewarding and enjoyable career. And there's been a lot of good things I've learned on this journey
1:44
But I look back at one of those college assessment tests that figure out your aptitude and areas of
1:50
interest and degrees that you should consider. And the number one recommendation at that time was computer science, and I ignored it
1:57
And I have regretted that now that I'm a programmer. I've wished that I could go back and it just hasn't been feasible
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Having a family that I have to provide for, and usually the degree programs have a large
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commitment of time, you know, and I just don't have that flexibility like I used to
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And so it's really made me hesitant to even consider going back and getting a degree
2:20
But that may be changing. I found a path to getting a computer science degree that is going to let me go more at
2:28
my own pace if I decide to do that. And before I fully commit to this path, I want to make sure that it's something that
2:34
I'm going to enjoy. So I've set a couple goals. The first is that I'm brushing up on college algebra, and then I want to complete a calculus class
2:43
I also want to take a couple classes from the computer science program, just to really
2:48
see how I feel about even going back to school at this point. The math is coming along pretty well
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But what actually really excites me is that I'm taking a computer architecture class
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And we've been doing stuff with binary and learning to do all the math, you know, addition
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subtraction, division of binary numbers, which is, you know, kind of cool
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Not something I'd be doing every day in my current job. But what I found really interesting is learning more about how you can take some of that stuff
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and you can create truth tables. And then you can use things called K-maps or Karnaugh maps to basically take Boolean
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expressions or like all the conditions you'd use in like if else conditions and reduce
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complex expressions into something that is simpler. And that has actually been really cool
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And I can see how that could definitely be beneficial. We're also learning about all the different logic gates on circuits and how to like compose
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circuits and and then take those and make larger circuits, building like arithmetic
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logic units and stuff like that. Now, I don't necessarily see myself designing circuits anytime in my future career, but
3:56
this has actually been super interesting. And this course is actually getting me pretty excited
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So if I can make this work, this could actually be a really good thing for me
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Now, is this an absolute must for me? I don't think so. I really believe that it is possible for people to have a really good career, even if they
4:13
don't have a computer science degree. And my current journey has been evidence of that
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That said, I do believe that having a computer science degree does open up more options
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but that isn't always possible for everyone. And so you got to choose what is like right for you
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I mean, if you're already later in your career, it might just be really hard to go back to school
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If you're just starting out in your college age and you're considering, hey, do I invest
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the time to get a college degree and get the computer science degree or do I just learn
4:44
how to program? I mean, I'd say, well, you could kind of do both if you want to, you know, maybe pick
4:50
up some of the skills that could get you a job and work while you're going through college
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or focus on computer science. But if you're really looking to get into computer programming, I definitely think there'll
5:00
be a huge value of having a computer science degree, especially going forward as the world
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moves more into machine learning and AI and stuff and being able to get more education
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and experience focused on that kind of research could become super valuable for you in the future
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And that's one of the things that I'm looking forward to is plugging in some of those gaps
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that maybe I wouldn't be using every day, but that could help me get more insights into
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things as well as to explore some other areas, take some classes on AI, learn a little bit
5:32
more about that, see if that's someplace that I want to pivot. So if you're on the fence, I think it's definitely worth considering if your situation allows
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for it. Now, if you want to know more about those options that are available that I've found
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out that's going to enable me to go back and put together a plan to actually work on
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the computer science degree around my super busy schedule, then let me know in the comments
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below and maybe I'll make a video about that. Thanks for watching. It's been a while
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Look forward to making some more videos. I'll see you in the next one. Lates
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