The TRUTH About Computer Science Degrees in 2025

Summary

In this video, a Cloud engineer with a Computer Science degree shares four reasons why pursuing a CS degree might not be the best choice today. The speaker highlights the disconnect between theoretical learning and real-world applications, the high cost versus low return on investment, the slow pace of learning, and the false sense of security the degree provides. Instead, he suggests a five-step roadmap: learn high-demand skills, build practical projects, develop a personal brand, attract job opportunities, and eventually move towards freelancing or entrepreneurship. The emphasis is on hands-on experience, learning online, and growing a professional network.

Takeaways

• 😀 Traditional computer science degrees focus too much on theory, leaving students unprepared for the fast-moving tech industry.
• 📉 The ROI of a computer science degree doesn't add up anymore, with expensive tuition costs and a highly competitive job market.
• 🔄 Real-world experience, not degrees, is what tech employers are looking for when hiring candidates.
• 🧑‍💻 You can learn everything you need online for free or at a low cost, making a computer science degree less necessary.
• ⚡ The tech industry moves at lightning speed, and by the time universities update their curriculum, new technologies may already be outdated.
• 💡 A computer science degree creates a false sense of security, as it no longer guarantees job placement in a saturated job market.
• 📊 Many tech companies now prioritize practical skills, portfolios, and personal brands over educational qualifications.
• 📈 Building a personal brand online, by sharing your insights and projects, can help you land job opportunities directly from recruiters.
• 🚀 Focusing on building real-world projects, rather than just learning theory, is the key to developing the skills that employers want.
• 💼 After gaining a few years of industry experience, you can start working for yourself, offering freelance or consultancy services.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe a computer science degree is disconnected from reality?

The speaker argues that a computer science degree focuses too much on theory and abstract concepts, such as compiler design and theoretical algorithms, which aren't directly applicable to real-world tech jobs. By the time you graduate, the tech industry may have evolved, making some of what you learned outdated.

How does the rapid pace of technological advancement impact the value of a computer science degree?

The tech industry evolves quickly, with new tools and technologies emerging frequently. By the time a degree curriculum includes these technologies, they may already be outdated. This rapid development makes traditional education, which updates slowly, less relevant in today's fast-paced tech world.

What is the issue with the return on investment (ROI) of a computer science degree?

The cost of a computer science degree, ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, doesn't always lead to a high-paying job. Graduates often face fierce competition for roles, and the speaker points out that you can learn the necessary skills online for much cheaper or even for free, making the ROI of a degree questionable.

Why does the speaker prefer hiring self-taught candidates over those with a computer science degree?

The speaker values practical experience over academic credentials. Self-taught candidates often have hands-on skills and a portfolio of real-world projects, which makes them more appealing than those with only a theoretical education from a degree.

What frustration does the speaker mention regarding the pace of learning in traditional education?

The speaker expresses frustration with the slow pace of learning in traditional computer science programs. He feels that many concepts could be learned in a much shorter time frame, but universities drag out the process, which slows down students who are capable of learning faster.

What false sense of security does a computer science degree create, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that a computer science degree creates a false sense of security because it leads people to believe they are guaranteed high-paying tech jobs upon graduation. However, with increased competition and tech layoffs, the reality is that practical experience and a strong portfolio are more important for landing a job.

What does the speaker suggest is more important than having a degree when applying for tech jobs?

The speaker believes that experience, practical skills, and a strong personal brand are more important than a degree. He emphasizes the need for real-world problem-solving abilities and the ability to build a portfolio that demonstrates those skills.

What are the five steps in the speaker's roadmap for success in tech?

1) Choose a high-demand skill that interests you, such as cloud engineering or AI. 2) Learn and build by leveraging online resources and hands-on projects. 3) Build your personal brand by sharing insights and projects on platforms like LinkedIn. 4) Attract job opportunities through your personal brand and network. 5) After gaining experience, consider working for yourself through freelancing or starting your own business.

How does building a personal brand help in the tech industry?

Building a personal brand helps to establish trust and credibility with potential employers and clients. By consistently sharing insights and projects, you create a 24/7 resume that works for you. A strong personal brand can lead to job opportunities and help you land roles faster, even during economic downturns.

Why does the speaker recommend starting a freelance career after gaining some industry experience?

Once you’ve built industry experience, freelancing allows you to leverage your expertise and network to offer specialized services. By starting small and gradually building a client base, you can eventually transition out of a traditional job and run your own business, offering real value to clients based on years of practical experience.