Im currently in University 1st year and just ending the first semester. I have learned alot about myself in terms of my personality (very much leaning towards MGTOW, very driven in my personal projects, lifting and guitar).
My parents are helping me pay school and at the end I estimate this degree will cost me and my parents 50-60k and its at a mediocre university. Due to my projects, I already have the money to pay this off in one go, but I havent learned alot here so far since I am an experienced developer that has made some sites already. The reason I feel like leaving is the bullshit of sitting in 500 person psychology classes and electives I hate because they are required. I want to learn to code by experts and make amazing things, not study bullshit topics for electives I hate.
Many parents believe that university is required for a job, but I feel that I belong somewhere else that will teach me skills that are actually more applicable to the modern day workforce. How should I approach this?
Whisper Moderator 9y ago
Heh. You're cute.
No, you are not an experienced developer.
Do you need a diploma to be one? No. But you do need a sound education in theoretical comp sci.
I try to avoid hiring programmers without degrees. A fresh graduate with no practical experience is a temporary liability. A self-taught programmer with no theoretical education is a permanent liability.
Bibabidu 9y ago
This. Also it is not only about becoming a programmer. Especially theoretical computer science like problem modeling, logic and other topics like this. It's knowledge which will come in handy in all kind of jobs and further develop your analytical skills.
PhluxCapacitor 9y ago
Senior in Computer Science here. Would highly recommend it if you are wanting job security. I have received many offers from different companies and my GPA is nothing to be proud of.
Of course you can go online and become an expert in specific languages. However, going to school for CS (at least where I go to school) they teach a lot of the theory behind it. Including computer hardware (using low level languages such as C and Assembly), data structures, software development/testing methodology, computer security, operating systems, network protocols, and algorithms. Having all this knowledge allows you to become a better programmer than just knowing the language.
Rougepellet 9y ago
Hmm, so even without a decent GPA there is still a lot of job security? I'm currently in computer engineering, might switch to software eng or switch to finance though.
Rougepellet 9y ago
I'm in a similar position. First year, finishing first semester. I'm currently doing computer engineering but I'm thinking of switching to finance bcomm. I know engineering is a very good degree. Good job opportunities and good pay. If I switched to finance how badly would that impact my future success? Or is it all the same?
Edit: I'm considering switching because i believe i can get a higher GPA in finance
50pluspiller 9y ago
Bachelor's degree today is equal to a high school diploma back 40 years ago. Unless you are already making boat loads of money on a super idea then getting a STEM degree is the way to go. Also get certified in security +, Cisco, cissp,if computers will be your gig.
throwitafterthis 9y ago
Be aware that age discrimination is common in the industry.
AllOrDeath 9y ago
Could you expand on this?
livelearndiee 9y ago
"He's only 19 throw that resume out, damn kids these days"
AllOrDeath 9y ago
So you think the age bias only disfavors the young?
alisonstone 9y ago
Tech is known to discriminate heavily against the old, probably more so than any other white collar industry. In fields like law, business, or medicine, people see an older guy and think he has a lot of experience. In tech, people suspect that he might not know the new programming languages or technologies and that if he has a family he is not willing to grind.
livelearndiee 9y ago
Honestly, I'm contributing to a topic I don't know much about, and just elaborating on what I assumed he was talking about.
I'm gonna downvote myself and think about my life in the corner.
GC0W30 9y ago
With lots of companies you cannot get a programming job without a degree.
Most CS programs don't teach programming well.
The piece of paper is important, the schooling isn't.
If you've got $60K in the bank from programming work you've already done at your age, I'd say it's 50/50.
You clearly know what you're doing, and you'll be successful either way.
Personally, I'd finish in your shoes; it's always better to have more options down the road.
The most important thing to do, if you do stay, is to focus on networking as much as possible.
Rid_Pell 9y ago
Apply for a real job, lying if you have to. If you get the job, and keep it, then you don't need uni anymore, do you?
Also,the only reason you want to quit is because you hate your electives. Do you quit lifting because you hate legs day? Just as you don't want massive biceps and Barbiedoll calves, you don't want to be all CS and nothing else. The electives are there so you can be well rounded, or at the very least, flirt with cuties.
Icanus 9y ago
Get a degree, don't be lazy, don't make up exit excuses, those are for women.
A degree is your entrance ticket to good life.
DrXaos 9y ago
The problem is the mediocre in the mediocre university business. If you're not learning much, then take more challenging courses or transfer elsewhere.
If you can actually sling code already then you might be useful to a prof for some research project. You'll learn more as he would treat you like a beginning grad student.
narazz 9y ago
i dropped out from washing out in calc about 3 years ago. rough stuff + i couldnt hack the 8 am classes lol. on my useless art degree i really liked html from that progra. im thinking of getting a book and maybe try to get good at it down the road
i got to do something though because im 34 and krogar still passes me up lol