Ask HN: Thinking of going back to uni for a M.Sc. in CS, looking for feedback | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Thinking of going back to uni for a M.Sc. in CS, looking for feedback

1 pointKarsteski2 comments

So I'm currently a chemist with a B.Sc. in Chemistry. I've been programming as a hobby for ~2 years now. I started off with Arduino, realized I knew absolutely nothing, then went down the rabbit hole by learning how to code in C++, followed by Python with some SQL. I've written some hobby projects for my portfolio but nothing too special or difficult.

I've gotten a few software developer interviews through networking, but ultimately nothing has come of it. I still feel like I know nothing. I am very much interested in software engineering, focusing on the Virtual Reality field. I'm only now looking to start learning about GPU programming, and graphics in general. Hopefully in a few years I'll be able to start my own business related to this field, but that's an aside.

Given that background and my goals, does it make sense for me to do my M.Sc. in CS? I recognize that there are other options but bootcamps seem to mainly focus on web development, which I have zero interest in. Similarly there are college programs that I can take, but I'm not too sure about those... It would be nice to hear from someone that has attended a CS/SE program in Ontario. The M.Sc. would probably take ~3 years as I'd have to take some undergraduate CS courses as well.

Note that I live in Ontario, Canada. I'm currently on a work permit but I've applied for PR which will come sometime in the next 12-18 months. I was an international student and I'd rather not pay international fees again, so I would wait until I actually got PR to attend university.

Any feedback welcome, thanks in advance :)

3 years is a long time for another piece of paper!

In my country (Ireland), we have courses called 'conversions courses'. These are year-long courses designed to 'convert' your career path into a new industry. The year-long course is about equivalent to a BSc (minus a couple of credits).

I took a conversion course in computer programming and secured a job ~6 months after graduating. I've been in the industry since and have recommended it to a couple of friends who have done the same.

I recommend checking out postgrad courses in your country. I would be very surprised if there was not something similar. There should be no need to spend another 3 years in university just to go into the software industry!

The first question I’d ask is what we’re the results of the interviews? Are you applying for experienced jobs, internships, or entry level (0-1 year experience) positions?

Also, you enjoy this as a hobby, but how do you know you’d enjoy it as work? I enjoy writing code but find it difficult at times to do it as an employee, especially when I’m unmotivated by a very boring task. I still get it done and to the same standards, but it’s a lot less easier than more interesting tasks.

The master’s degree in general can help, but I’d evaluate why you didn’t get the jobs you interviewed for and think about how those jobs may aid your goals or hobbies.

The other thing I’d say is that in my experience, boot camps are great - but you described that they are geared toward web development and that being an issue. Many jobs are going to be in web and app development (if you’re lucky) or gigantic corporate enterprise boring work. Thats the reality of the vast majority of software engineering roles (oh and also backend, distributed systems, databases, etc.).

If you’re applying for level virtual reality jobs - my guess is the hiring bar for those is both more difficult and more idiosyncratic than other jobs given the youth of the industry. You’d really have to wow someone with 0-1 years of resume experience.

Also, if it makes you feel any better this is a struggle for many people, myself included. I’ve been trying to find a job in product or program management for years and for the life of me just can’t do it, especially where I live (open to remote which expands the pool somewhat). I’ve interviewed at companies ranging from Google down to startups and just can’t make it happen, and that’s if I’m lucky enough to get the interview... so know you’re not alone in this endeavor and keep trying and working toward your goals!

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