Having doubts about my course

12

So I recently firmed University of Sheffield for computer science after thinking about doing economics a few months before applying. I'm seeing a lot of talk about how the job market for cs is horrible right now and how I'm pretty much gonna end up being 'homeless'. I'm sort of stressing right now and was wondering if this is the case and if it was better I pursued economics or another field in stem. The main reason I chose cs was because of its versatility over studying an economics degree, but now seeing all of these talks about cs online has me contemplating if I made the right decision or not. Am I really in trouble? Should I try and change course?

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post

by Y12EC

So I recently firmed University of Sheffield for computer science after thinking about doing economics a few months before applying. I'm seeing a lot of talk about how the job market for cs is horrible right now and how I'm pretty much gonna end up being 'homeless'. I'm sort of stressing right now and was wondering if this is the case and if it was better I pursued economics or another field in stem. The main reason I chose cs was because of its versatility over studying an economics degree, but now seeing all of these talks about cs online has me contemplating if I made the right decision or not. Am I really in trouble? Should I try and change course?

Whilst there's some element of truth about graduate employability (hence the homeless memes), as shown with this government commissioned report, it's not all doom and gloom. CS is broad, so ideally you need to find your specialism over the run of the course and get good at it. Also, make sure you get as much experience as possible: Spring Weeks/Insight days, Placements and Summer Internships are perfect to adding heaps to your CV.

Work on projects as well - they can be software based or hardware based (if you're into robotics etc).

So no, you're not in trouble.

What I would say is make sure you're passionate about CS. If you're not, there are many more people who are, and they'll be much more driven than you.

Reply 2

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Y12EC

So I recently firmed University of Sheffield for computer science after thinking about doing economics a few months before applying. I'm seeing a lot of talk about how the job market for cs is horrible right now and how I'm pretty much gonna end up being 'homeless'. I'm sort of stressing right now and was wondering if this is the case and if it was better I pursued economics or another field in stem. The main reason I chose cs was because of its versatility over studying an economics degree, but now seeing all of these talks about cs online has me contemplating if I made the right decision or not. Am I really in trouble? Should I try and change course?

Hiya,

I am currently a 3rd Year Comp Sci and AI student at the University of Sheffield. While I have seen the recent influx of memes describing the job market, I will say that there are still plenty of opportunities available. The most important thing is having a passion for computer science and the specific sector you like, ie. cyber security, software engineering, robotics or AI. There will always be pros and cons taking any degree, so you should follow what you believe to be most appropriate to your skills.

The University also has a supportive Careers Service that help you refine your CV, top tips on writing cover letters and even hold mock assessment centres to practice behavioural tests. There is always a weekly mailing list that posts recent job opportunities and a careers portal that advertise jobs too. Sheffield is committed to ensuring that graduates are able to find a job post-leaving.

Personally, I undertook a research experience at the University with a professor which allowed me to explore my area of interest further and gave me appropriate research. So, all I would like to say is do not be worried and everything will work out!

Let me know if you have anymore questions :smile:

Jivanthika

Reply 3

uniofleicSTEM

Official Rep

4

Hi @Y12EC

As mentioned above, the career landscape for Computer Science is diverse and still very much in demand despite the memes going around. Your degree equips you with a range of soft and hard skills, which you can also develop further through choosing to do a Year in Industry or Study Abroad. 🏢🌍️

Graduates of Computer Science at The University of Leicester have gone on to many different careers and have gone on to work for companies such as:

•

Accenture

•

BAE systems

•

Bloomberg

•

LogicaCMG

Your skills are valuable in so many industries! So you may go on to apply your knowledge directly as a software engineer or systems analyst 📈🖥️ or you may apply your IT skills and problem-solving abilities in a related field such as finance, marketing or general business.🏦

Reply 4

Shaan101r

6

Original post

by Y12EC

So I recently firmed University of Sheffield for computer science after thinking about doing economics a few months before applying. I'm seeing a lot of talk about how the job market for cs is horrible right now and how I'm pretty much gonna end up being 'homeless'. I'm sort of stressing right now and was wondering if this is the case and if it was better I pursued economics or another field in stem. The main reason I chose cs was because of its versatility over studying an economics degree, but now seeing all of these talks about cs online has me contemplating if I made the right decision or not. Am I really in trouble? Should I try and change course?

So here's my view on it as someone who graduated last year, but also has 6 years of experience. I had to apply for over 900 places for a software role, i barely heard back from most, i got interviews for 6 places, and i only got an offer for 1 grad place in the end.

I ended up changing that in the end, as i applied for a further 100 non grad roles, which i ended up going for a mid level position but even then out of just over 1000 applications, i got including the grad role, 3 offers.

This is with my experience, i know many people out of my intake that didn't get jobs, and even the ones that did most are on very average salaries or quite low for the work given, even ones that are experienced.

It's insanely competitive, passion doesn't mean it'll be enough either.

Reply 5

Y12EC

OP

12

Original post

by Shaan101r

So here's my view on it as someone who graduated last year, but also has 6 years of experience. I had to apply for over 900 places for a software role, i barely heard back from most, i got interviews for 6 places, and i only got an offer for 1 grad place in the end.
I ended up changing that in the end, as i applied for a further 100 non grad roles, which i ended up going for a mid level position but even then out of just over 1000 applications, i got including the grad role, 3 offers.
This is with my experience, i know many people out of my intake that didn't get jobs, and even the ones that did most are on very average salaries or quite low for the work given, even ones that are experienced.
It's insanely competitive, passion doesn't mean it'll be enough either.

Oh wow okay, that’s quite frightening. Where did you graduate from? Also, If you had the chance to go back, what course would you do instead or what would you differently ?

Reply 6

Shaan101r

6

Original post

by Y12EC

Oh wow okay, that’s quite frightening. Where did you graduate from? Also, If you had the chance to go back, what course would you do instead or what would you differently ?

I graduated from Derby, but know similar issues over at Notts and other Russell Group unis from mates over there. It's UK wide.

That's not to say there aren't opportunities but you need to work extremely hard, and would need to get experience whilst at uni, also lots of passion, even then that might not be enough.

If I could go back I'd likely have gone down the medical route, that i initially looked at or did a degree apprenticeship within software.

I do feel if you could, doing a degree apprenticeship whether economics or comp sci would be more beneficial.

Reply 7

Shaan101r

6

Original post

by Y12EC

Oh wow okay, that’s quite frightening. Where did you graduate from? Also, If you had the chance to go back, what course would you do instead or what would you differently ?

I should say as well my experience includes the likes of Morgan Stanley, as well as Rolls Royce so I had pretty comprehensive companies as well as smaller ones so it's not like my experience wasn't practical.

(edited 11 months ago)

Having doubts about my course

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