Ask HN: Self-taught software engineer returning for a CS degree
I have a heavily time-constrained opportunity to study Computer Science, Bachelor's at ETH Zürich. To generalise by qualification, the school is one of the top ten schools in global university rankings.
Meanwhile, I have 4 years of experience as a SoftEng at a Swiss branch of a US-based industrial company, earning ~$120K. This I manage with a Mechatronics undergrad, whose curriculum was entirely removed from the world of CS. My work has seen me develop internal systems, frontend & backend, with emphasis on REST interfaces. Work is well-paid but not quite fulfilling. the rare bit of SE research is interesting, so is designing architecture; on the other hand, it's just gluing things together, no matter how well the glue is structured. (yes, that's SE in a nutshell)
I can't assess the worth of the degree. I will own the decision but I fear I am underqualified to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Conflicting opinions I have been given:
* experienced SoftEng, ex-SpaceX, EE degree: you're in the industry, stay in the game and just self-study to get a better job. (industry-driven)
* professor fluid mechs, doctorate at ETH: ETH is world-class. Dropping the uni name astonished new business associates and imprinted me in their minds favourably. (academia-driven)
My primary concerns are:
* does the degree devalue my prior four years of experience for a future employeer? As a competent SoftEng, I would hate to be disparaged just because university came after work.
* what career paths open that are difficult for a self-taught software engineer?
* expounding the above: at the end I will have a solid mathematical and CS foundation. What can I do with it?
* is it worth the >$200K investment (in opportunity cost, given foregiven earnings: assume that I can't work)
* bonus question: if looking for a career linked with China, how does that help?
I'm 26.
I would be grateful if you found the time to share your background and your thoughts.