How much does your degree subject matter?

10

Hey guys,
I am currently in y12 doing math, fm, physics, chemistry and I am probably thinking of doing somekind of STEM related degree at uni. But my dad is adamant that I do a CS or math and CS degree so I can work in the tech field (and he thinks you can only become rich in the tech field - as a software engineer or data scientist). Its not that I probably wouldn't enjoy a CS or Math and CS degree (in fact I really enjoy maths), but I feel like I would enjoy other areas more like some areas of mechanical and aerospace engineering (or physics) as I am very interested in motorsport and automotive engineering. Additionally I don't think I would get much job satisfaction after a long period of time doing a job behind a screen on a desk every day even if it means I would be earning a lot. So my question is:
Does the subject of degree you get really matter / correlate to how successful you could be or which areas you can delve into (like can you still delve into a specific field doing a completely unrelated degree)?

Thanks

Reply 1

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Show your dad the high unemployment rates for CS degrees (the highest of any subject) and then study what you want.

Any engineering degree will include opportunities to develop coding skills.

Reply 2

Smack

20

Original post

by akashDTV

Hey guys,
I am currently in y12 doing math, fm, physics, chemistry and I am probably thinking of doing somekind of STEM related degree at uni. But my dad is adamant that I do a CS or math and CS degree so I can work in the tech field (and he thinks you can only become rich in the tech field - as a software engineer or data scientist). Its not that I probably wouldn't enjoy a CS or Math and CS degree (in fact I really enjoy maths), but I feel like I would enjoy other areas more like some areas of mechanical and aerospace engineering (or physics) as I am very interested in motorsport and automotive engineering. Additionally I don't think I would get much job satisfaction after a long period of time doing a job behind a screen on a desk every day even if it means I would be earning a lot. So my question is:
Does the subject of degree you get really matter / correlate to how successful you could be or which areas you can delve into (like can you still delve into a specific field doing a completely unrelated degree)?

Thanks

Degree subject matters quite a lot in technical fields in terms of the work you can enter after graduation. One of the main reason for these degrees is to equip you with the knowledge and skills with which to begin a career in the respective field, and as such it does tend to matter which one you choose. It may be possible to pivot, so choosing the wrong degree doesn't consign you into the wrong career for your whole life, but it'll be harder and your career may start more slowly.

Tech does pay better than engineering, particularly at the higher end where salaries can equal that if finance. However, if you're not into coding then you're less likely to succeed in that field. But most jobs involving maths, tech and engineering are going to be pretty much exclusively at a desk, working on a computer, and looking at a screen.

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by Smack

But most jobs involving maths, tech and engineering are going to be pretty much exclusively at a desk, working on a computer, and looking at a screen.

Honestly I think most graduate jobs, whether or not they involve those areas, fundamentally boil down to being office jobs in that manner.

How much does your degree subject matter?

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