Computer Science Is Not Software Engineering

Summary

In this video, a former software engineer and career coach debunks the myth that a computer science degree is the same as software engineering. Drawing on personal experience and examples, he explains that while both fields involve coding, they are fundamentally different. The video emphasizes that a computer science degree alone is not enough to land a high-paying software engineering job. Instead, gaining hands-on experience through internships, hackathons, and research is essential. The speaker also touches on the college preparation fallacy and offers valuable advice for students to stand out in the competitive tech job market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Computer Science and Software Engineering are not the same field. While both involve coding, Computer Science focuses on theoretical concepts and computational systems, while Software Engineering applies those concepts to create software and applications.
• 😀 The 'College Preparation Fallacy' is a misconception that college alone guarantees a high-paying job. Real-world experience, like internships and hackathons, is crucial to success in the tech industry.
• 😀 The stereotype of a computer science student and a software engineer is misleading. While both may spend time coding, their roles and day-to-day responsibilities are distinct.
• 😀 Internships are essential for aspiring software engineers. They provide hands-on experience, teach critical workplace skills (like version control with Git), and can lead to job offers after graduation.
• 😀 Hackathons are a great way to gain practical experience and learn new technologies quickly. Participating in hackathons helps build teamwork skills and provides a chance to showcase your abilities.
• 😀 College is just one part of the equation. Success in tech is also about gaining relevant, real-world experience and skills outside the classroom.
• 😀 Many students make the mistake of choosing a computer science degree thinking it directly leads to software engineering jobs. In reality, you need additional practical experience to be competitive in the job market.
• 😀 Research experience, though more valuable for those pursuing academia, can also strengthen a software engineer’s resume. It can be a useful backup if you struggle to secure internships or job opportunities.
• 😀 Networking with professionals in the tech field is critical. Connections made through internships, hackathons, or research programs can open doors to job opportunities and mentorship.
• 😀 A computer science degree gives a strong foundation, but you must supplement it with internships, hackathons, and real-world coding experience to land a successful software engineering job.
• 😀 College may not be the ‘magic bullet’ for securing a high-paying job. It's essential to focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences, which can often be more beneficial than just obtaining a degree.

Q & A

Why do people often equate computer science with software engineering?

People often make the mistake of equating computer science with software engineering due to a cognitive bias known as the representative heuristic. This is where people judge things based on their resemblance to other concepts. Since both computer science students and software engineers spend a lot of time coding, it's easy to assume they are doing the same work, even though the fields are fundamentally different.

How does studying computer science differ from being a software engineer?

Studying computer science focuses on theoretical concepts like data structures, algorithms, and cryptography, which are about understanding how computers and computational systems work. On the other hand, software engineering is an applied discipline that focuses on developing software by using engineering principles to ensure the software is reliable, sustainable, and meets user needs.

What is the 'college preparation fallacy' mentioned in the script?

The college preparation fallacy is the mistaken belief that simply attending college and earning a degree directly leads to landing a high-paying job. It assumes that college is a guaranteed pathway to career success, which is no longer true, as the skills and real-world experience needed for jobs often aren't provided by college alone.

Why do many students pick computer science if they are interested in software engineering?

Many students choose computer science when pursuing software engineering because they assume that computer science is the closest major to software engineering. This is often due to a lack of understanding of the distinctions between the two fields and the mistaken belief that college automatically prepares them for the job they want.

Is a computer science degree enough to become a software engineer?

While a computer science degree provides a strong theoretical foundation, it is not enough on its own to guarantee success in software engineering. To become a software engineer, students must supplement their degree with practical experiences, such as internships, hackathons, and other hands-on projects.

How does the script describe Harvard’s brand and its value?

The script describes Harvard as a business with an incredibly strong brand, selling exclusivity rather than education itself. The high cost of attending Harvard is justified by the prestige of being accepted, not necessarily by the quality of education or the size of the classes. The script emphasizes that the value of a Harvard degree comes from being selected, not the education provided.

What are the three key actions a computer science student should take to succeed as a software engineer?

The three key actions are: 1) Completing internships, which provide hands-on experience and teach practical skills not covered in class; 2) Participating in hackathons, which help build teamwork and technical skills in a fast-paced environment; and 3) Engaging in research, especially if aiming for an academic or more specialized role.

What role do internships play in becoming a software engineer?

Internships provide real-world experience where students can learn and practice software engineering skills in a professional setting. They allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge, gain familiarity with tools like Git, and often lead to full-time job offers through return offers, which can be more reliable than cold applications.

How do hackathons contribute to a student's software engineering career?

Hackathons provide an opportunity to work on real projects in a time-constrained environment, helping students learn new technologies and frameworks quickly. They also offer teamwork experience and a chance to build something impressive that can be added to a resume.

Why is research considered valuable for computer science students aiming for software engineering roles?

While research is more closely associated with academia, it can be valuable for software engineering students by helping them build a strong academic resume, especially when software engineering internships are competitive and difficult to secure. Research projects can also demonstrate a student's ability to solve complex problems and contribute to their overall skill set.