HACKER Q&A
📣 backtoschool21

Going back to school when I already have solid CS career going on?


So, my situation is quite rare I think. I was doing a CS degree between ages 18 and 21, passed all the required courses, had a pretty decent grades, but then I dropped out right before the finish line because I picked the wrong bachelor thesis and couldn't force myself to finish it at the time.

Right now I am 23 and working in my 3rd job as software developer (previous two were part time jobs during university, right now I am doing full time). I never had trouble getting a SWE job (always got multiple offers I could pick from) and keeping it, as I am passionate about programming and always had side projects etc. going on.

Given this circumstances, I am confident that I can have pretty solid software engineer career on my own, without getting the degree. However, recently there is a voice in my brain saying I should consider getting back to school, mostly for 3 reasons:

    There might be a time in the future when I will hit glass ceiling and (CS) degree will be a hard requirement in order to advance my career further. Then it is better to do it now, while I am still relatively young without mortgage and children.

    I enjoy reading books and articles about programming and self-improve in my spare time and I am interested in some theoretical CS concepts I didn't pay much attention to, while I was studying for the first time.

    University is great for getting new friends and general networking. I did a poor job in this area during my first run as I was the typical socially awkward, self-conscious kid. I believe I grew a lot as a person during the last 2-3 years and would have much easier time socialising with others this time.
Is there anyone who did something similiar? How did it go? I know it will require dedication and discipline, but I am optimistic as my current job is very flexible and I can do it properly with just 3-4 hours of work (from home) every day. Also, the uni I would go to is decent, but it isn't MIT or anything, so it shouldn't be super stressful.

PS: I am located in Europe, so altough I would have to pay some fees for the second attempt at getting a degree, it is nowhere near what USA universities require and I won't have to take any loans for it or anything. It's like 60% of my one month salary per semester.

  👤 GianFabien Accepted Answer ✓
Once you have a strong CV, it won't make much difference whether you have a degree or not. Your experience and track record are far more relevant as far as career progression goes.

For personal satisfaction reasons, you may still want to finish your degree. Based on having already done 4 years, it appears that only your thesis is outstanding. So it wouldn't be a great deal of extra time. With your experience, you should be able to pick a more suitable thesis topic and supervisor. In my experience, choosing a compatible thesis supervisor is most critical to successful thesis completions. You will need to be candid as to why your previous attempt was "wrong". Good Luck!

👤 earpwald
In all honesty, a CV and a degree just get your foot in the door. When I do interviews, I want to know who you are and what you're capable off...the way to talk and explain yourself and what you know is far more important.

I rarely look at a CV in depth.

That said, thats my personal way, and if you feel like completing the degree for yourself then you should.

👤 PaulHoule
Go for it.