hedgehawk

I feel like I have the necessary foundations of CS so I think it is a good starting point for me but the main goal is to maximize my time to get the necessary foundation in CS to do well at my job as well as open up my possibilities such that recruiters don't throw away my resume once they see "Biology with CS coursework".

In terms of networking and job placement, I am thinking of applying to in-person masters programs (USC, UCLA, Stanford, and Cornell) but that would put be in some debt (40-50k). After reading this article, I am utterly lost.

Would you recommend OMSCS for someone trying to switch into tech but has some only some CS coursework in undergrad (OOP, discrete, DS&A, an unrelated major like Biology) ?

Yeah the main thing with OMSCS is that it's part-time and apparently some companies require you to be a full-time student in order to intern. I'm scared I'd be limited if I do OMSCS.

In terms of the bootcamp pathway, I feel like I have the foundation to teach myself the skills I need but it seems like the one positive thing that can come out of the bootcamp for me are the potential connections and job placement I would be able to get.

Let me know if I am wrong about it though!

I'm not sure how to take this article considering that I am trying to switch into tech with a Biology undergrad with some CS coursework.

I'm already been admitted to OMSCS but I've been thinking of applying to on-campus masters programs at Cornell, USC, and Stanford but the >$50k price tag is making me resist.

Are these on-campus programs at prestigious universities worth it to get access to high-growth startups and big tech companies as well as more face-to-face time with instructors and other classmates as opposed to a part-time online masters?

never actually thought about this perspective when shaving it off..

I appreciate your comment and I agree with what you are proposing with your hypotheses. But what caused my loss in confidence? -> my hair loss.

I know you're trying to come at this from a "things could be worse" perspective but at 23 years old, losing your hair has been traumatic and is pretty much social suicide lol. Life is unfair and I get that but my hair loss will get to a point where I'm going to have to try 10x as hard in terms of making new relationship, progressing in my career, and just making a good overall impression. Pretty privilege is a thing and I'm about to start experience not having it anymore.

And while it is only one factor, it's a big factor when you are 23 years old considering a majority of the men my age have a full head of hair. I credit my obsession over this superficial disease to my perfectionism and the idea that I simply don't want to be the bald guy. I just don't. I'm not ready for it now and I'm not sure if I'll ever be ready for it.

I'm done with posting about my hair loss for now because while it feels good to know that I'm alone, it's not going to change the fact that my life is about to get more difficult.

Yeah, I mean I just graduated and I went to school in the bay area. Dating was much more difficult for me during my senior year but maybe I just need to go for older women now lol.

I appreciate your story but you're pretty much telling me that my dating life is going to suck for a couple of more years but it'll eventually get better, lol.

But I do understand where you are coming from. I'm hoping better treatments come out soon..

I don't think my loss of confidence is the cause.. I was more than confident (if anything overly confident) before I was losing my hair. I'm not sure if you are also dealing with hair loss but it's hard for me to converse with people who simply aren't going through what I am experiencing. And I'm able to shield my emotional strife and lack of confidence for the time being with hair fibers so it hasn't affected my body language (I know it's not healthy to bottle my bitterness inside).

The general consensus of people who try to "fix" my issue is that I need to go to the gym and become Dwayne Johnson lol. It's not that simple. I'm already a gymrat and I would say I have a great wardrobe and style (thanks to my brother).

But more to the point, I don't think my hair determines my overall attractiveness. BUT, I do think it plays a big part. There are not many bald 23 year olds that attract women who are also 20-25 years old. That's the hard truth I'm trying to deal with.

I appreciate the story and the kind advice, definitely helps to know I'm not alone. Regardless, my hair has been part of my identity and is something I take pride in. When I envision myself in the future with something I no longer have, it can be traumatic because I always assumed my hair wouldn't fall out until maybe my late 20s.

Maybe its my excuse but I haven't reached the stage where I need to completely shave it off (diffuse thinning) but I pray and hope that better treatments are available when the time comes. Or maybe i'll get a hair system lol..

I'm sorry but I completely disagree with the folks that are saying to just shave it off and that the "only person worrying about your hair is you". That is completely untrue, especially in our society today. I just turned 23 and have been dealing with this issue since I was 20 years old. It's an absolute nightmare. Even on hair-loss medications, there is no maintaining.

Being a relatively above-average individual in terms of my looks, losing my hair has definitely made me lose alot more attention from women. Not to mention my confidence has gone straight down the strain and I find it hard to focus on other aspects of my life like my work and hobbies.

Many of you will reply with seeing a therapist or getting help but you need to understand that most people in their early 20s have a full head of hair. I am honestly not trying to be pessimistic but chances are you are an outlier if you were dealt a garbage genetic hand like me. I also understand that it's not like I have this debilitating disease but this should be considered a more serious issue that should be getting more funding.