5 things I wish I knew before studying Computer Science 👩🏻‍💻

Summary

In this insightful video, Magdalen, a final year Computer Science and Entrepreneurship student at the University of Otago, shares five key takeaways she wishes she knew before her CS journey. She clarifies common misconceptions about the theoretical nature of a CS degree, emphasizes the importance of learning industry tools independently, and stresses the need for problem-solving, perseverance, and practice in programming. Magdalen also advises building a portfolio early and explores diverse career paths beyond software engineering, encouraging students to tailor their education to their interests and aspirations.

Takeaways

• 😊 Computer science degrees are mostly theoretical, focusing on core concepts like data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, networking, and databases.
• 🖥️ Practical skills like web and app development are often not covered in core computer science courses and may require additional elective papers or self-learning.
• 📚 University curriculums usually teach fundamental programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C), but industry tools and technologies (e.g., React, Express, Docker) often need to be learned independently.
• 🔍 Effective problem-solving in programming involves visualizing solutions, breaking down problems, and communicating ideas before coding.
• 🔧 Debugging is a significant part of programming and helps improve skills, with manual debugging (e.g., using print statements) being particularly beneficial.
• 💪 The three P's of programming for improvement are Problem Solving, Perseverance, and Practice.
• 📂 Building a portfolio from the first year is crucial, as it showcases initiative, passion, and practical skills to potential employers.
• 🌐 Online resources and free tools are invaluable for learning new technologies and applying them to personal projects.
• 🎨 A computer science degree opens up various career paths beyond software engineering, such as UX/UI design, product management, solutions architecture, and technical consulting.
• 📊 Researching different roles and gaining experience through internships or shadowing can help tailor your studies and career path to your interests.

Q & A

What is the common misconception about computer science degrees according to Magdalen?

The common misconception is that computer science degrees teach students how to make websites and apps, while in reality, most degrees are very theoretical and focus on the fundamentals of computer science such as data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, networking, and databases.

What does Magdalen suggest for students who want to learn web development if their computer science curriculum does not cover it?

Magdalen suggests that students should check if their university offers elective courses in web development or app development. If not, the best option is to learn through online resources.

What are some industry skills and tools that Magdalen found were not covered in her university's computer science curriculum?

Magdalen found that tools and technologies like React, Express, .NET Core, and Docker, which are commonly listed in job descriptions, were not covered in her university's curriculum.

What does Magdalen believe is the essence of learning industry skills on one's own?

The essence of learning industry skills on one's own, according to Magdalen, is to have a strong foundation in computer science and programming concepts, and to be able to effectively use Google and YouTube to solve problems and learn new tools.

What are the 'Three P's of Programming' that Magdalen suggests for improving programming skills?

The 'Three P's of Programming' suggested by Magdalen are Problem Solving, Perseverance, and Practice.

Why does Magdalen recommend starting to build a portfolio from the first year of studying computer science?

Magdalen recommends starting a portfolio from the first year because it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects, learn tools and technologies from free resources, and demonstrate passion and initiative to potential employers during internships.

What is one way Magdalen suggests to test and improve one's computer science fundamentals?

Magdalen suggests using platforms like Hacker Rank and LeetCode to test and improve one's computer science fundamentals through problem-solving exercises.

What are some alternative career paths to being a software engineer that Magdalen mentions for computer science graduates?

Some alternative career paths mentioned by Magdalen include UX/UI designer, product manager, solutions architect, and technical consultant.

How does Magdalen suggest researching different career paths in the tech industry?

Magdalen suggests researching different career paths by shadowing people in those fields, talking to professionals, or even better, by doing internships to gain hands-on experience.

What advice does Magdalen give for computer science students regarding their choice of elective courses based on their career interests?

Magdalen advises computer science students to choose elective courses that align with their career interests, such as design courses for those interested in UX/UI design or business courses for those interested in product management.

What is the main takeaway from Magdalen's video for students considering studying computer science?

The main takeaway is that computer science degrees are theoretical and provide a strong foundation in fundamentals, but students should be proactive in learning practical skills, building a portfolio, and exploring various career paths beyond software engineering.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Introduction and Key Insights for CS Students

Magdalen, a final-year student at the University of Otago, shares her excitement about her upcoming graduation in December. She reflects on her computer science and entrepreneurship journey, offering five key insights she wishes she had known before studying computer science. Her first insight is the misconception about learning practical skills like website and app development, which are often not part of the core curriculum. Instead, computer science degrees focus on theoretical fundamentals such as data structures, algorithms, and computer architecture. She advises prospective students to check their university's core papers and seek additional courses or online resources for practical skills.

05:02

📚 Industry Skills vs. Academic Learning

Magdalen discusses her second realization: the gap between academic learning and industry skills. She was surprised to find that tools and technologies used in the industry, such as React, Express, and Docker, were not covered in her university curriculum. Instead, she learned programming fundamentals in Python, Java, and C, with some exposure to AWS in an elective course. She emphasizes that a strong foundation in computer science concepts enables students to learn industry-relevant skills independently through projects and online resources like YouTube and Google. Effective problem-solving and self-learning are crucial for bridging this gap.

🧩 The Three P's of Programming

Magdalen introduces her personal framework for improving programming skills, which she calls the 'Three P's': Problem Solving, Perseverance, and Practice. She explains that problem-solving involves visualizing and planning solutions before coding. Perseverance is essential because programming often involves extensive debugging, which can be frustrating but is a valuable learning process. Practice, she says, is key to becoming proficient in programming. She recommends using platforms like HackerRank and LeetCode to strengthen computer science fundamentals and gain experience in tackling various coding challenges.

📁 Building a Portfolio Early On

Magdalen reflects on her fourth insight: the importance of building a portfolio from the first year of university. She regrets not starting personal projects earlier, as she initially felt inexperienced. She advises students to leverage online resources to learn new tools and technologies and apply them to projects. A strong portfolio demonstrates passion and initiative to potential employers and can be a significant advantage when applying for internships and jobs. She stresses that theoretical knowledge from university should be complemented with practical experience gained through self-directed projects.

🔍 Exploring Diverse Career Paths in CS

Magdalen's final insight is that a computer science degree opens up diverse career opportunities beyond software engineering. She highlights alternative roles such as UX/UI design, product management, solutions architecture, and technical consulting. She encourages students to research and explore different career paths by shadowing professionals, networking, and pursuing internships in various fields. Additionally, she suggests tailoring university coursework to align with specific career interests, such as taking design classes for UX/UI or business classes for product management. Magdalen concludes by inviting viewers to share their own experiences and suggestions for future video topics.

Keywords

💡Computer Science Degree

A Computer Science degree involves studying the theoretical foundations of information and computation. It covers core areas such as data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, and networking. In the video, Magdalen emphasizes that the degree is more theoretical and does not primarily focus on hands-on skills like web development.

💡Theoretical vs. Practical Learning

Theoretical learning focuses on concepts and principles, whereas practical learning involves hands-on skills and applications. Magdalen notes that her Computer Science degree was heavy on theory, covering fundamentals like algorithms and data structures, rather than practical skills like app or web development.

💡Core Papers

Core papers are the mandatory courses that form the foundation of a degree program. Magdalen mentions that the core papers in her Computer Science degree at the University of Otago included subjects like data structures, algorithms, and computer architecture, which are more theoretical in nature.

💡Industry Skills

Industry skills refer to the tools and technologies commonly used in the job market, such as React, Docker, and AWS. Magdalen points out that these are often not covered in depth in university courses, requiring students to learn them independently to be job-ready.

💡Problem Solving

Problem solving in programming involves identifying and implementing solutions to computational problems. Magdalen highlights it as one of the three P's of programming (Problem solving, Perseverance, and Practice), essential for becoming proficient in coding.

💡Perseverance

Perseverance is the persistence in solving problems and debugging code despite challenges. Magdalen emphasizes that debugging is a significant part of programming and often requires sustained effort to resolve issues, making perseverance crucial.

💡Practice

Practice refers to the regular and consistent application of coding skills to improve proficiency. Magdalen suggests that continual practice helps students become familiar with common bugs and problems, ultimately improving their coding abilities.

💡Portfolio

A portfolio showcases a collection of projects and skills. Magdalen advises building a portfolio early in one's academic career to demonstrate practical abilities and passion to potential employers, highlighting the importance of hands-on projects.

💡Career Paths

Career paths are various professional trajectories one can pursue with a degree. Magdalen mentions alternatives to software engineering, such as UX/UI design, product management, and technical consulting, encouraging students to explore different options.

💡Internships

Internships are short-term work experiences that provide practical industry exposure. Magdalen suggests internships as a way to gain hands-on experience and explore different career paths, such as shadowing professionals or working in diverse roles.

Highlights

Magdalen introduces herself as a final year computer science and entrepreneurship student at the University of Otago.

She recently completed her last exam and is looking forward to her graduation in December.

Magdalen shares five things she wishes she knew before studying computer science.

First point: Computer science degrees are very theoretical and don't typically cover hands-on skills like web and app development.

Magdalen advises checking the core papers of your computer science degree and supplementing with web development or app development papers if needed.

Second point: University does not teach the specific tools and technologies used in the industry.

She learned programming languages like Python, Java, and C in university but had to learn industry tools like React, Docker, and AWS on her own.

Magdalen emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals to learn industry skills independently.

Third point: The three P's of programming – Problem solving, Perseverance, and Practice – are essential for improving programming skills.

She suggests visualizing solutions, communicating them to friends, and using manual debugging methods like print statements.

Fourth point: Building a portfolio from the first year is crucial to show initiative and passion to potential employers.

She recommends utilizing free online resources to learn tools and technologies and applying them to personal projects.

Fifth point: Being a software engineer is not the only career path for computer science graduates.

Magdalen highlights other career options such as UX/UI design, product management, solutions architecture, and technical consulting.

She advises researching different roles, shadowing professionals, and considering internships to find the right career path.

Transcripts

hi friends i hope you're doing well my

name is magdalen and i'm a final year

student at the university of otago

studying computer science and

entrepreneurship i actually just had my

last exam last week so if everything

goes well i'll be having my graduation

in december so i'm really excited for

that

so seeing as i'm practically done with

my degree i thought why not share five

things that i wish i knew before

studying computer science so the first

thing that i wish i knew was that i

wouldn't be learning how to make

websites and apps as part of my computer

science degree i feel like it's very

common for people to assume that you'll

be learning how to do all these hands-on

things as part of a cs degree but in

reality

most computer science degrees are very

theoretical the core papers that make up

a computer science degree are usually

things like data structures and

algorithms computer architecture

networking databases all those kinds of

things so it's very very much the

fundamentals of computer science they're

very theoretical they're very conceptual

but this being said it definitely varies

between universities and for my

university otago university at least

they did offer some web development

papers but they weren't actually part of

the core cs papers so yeah if you want

to learn how to make websites and apps

definitely check out what are the actual

court papers that make up your computer

science degree and then if they don't

cover it then see if your uni offers

papers in web development or app

development and if they don't then your

best bet is to learn online the second

thing that i wish i knew was that i

wouldn't actually be learning or the

skills and tools used in the industry

so when i started applying for

internships my second year i would

always see the job descriptions list

tools and technologies that i wasn't

familiar with like react

express

dot net core docker

i was really really confused so when i

saw these i was like wait

how on earth am i supposed to know all

these because in uni what i learned was

python java and c and only in my final

year did i learn aws because i took an

elective cloud computing paper and so

here's what i learned in your cs degree

you learn the fundamentals of cs and

programming concepts and this should

then give you a strong enough foundation

to learn those industry skills on your

own by doing projects and when you get

stuck what you would do is to consult

youtube and google i do that a lot so

yeah the real essence of it is you need

to be able to know how to effectively

google and youtube your way out of

problems

drop a like or comment if you relay and

if you agree to this the third thing

that i wish i knew was to use the three

p's of programming to get better at it

so this is something that i came up with

and it's problem solving perseverance

and practice now at its core programming

requires good problem solving skills you

need to be able to visualize how to

solve the problem and then execute on it

now this is a skill that can definitely

be learnt so don't worry if you feel

like you're not that good at it because

personally i'm also still working on the

skill from my experience what really

helps is to first draw out a solution or

how i'm going to approach a problem or

try to communicate it to a friend and

then only i would go into my editor and

actually code out a solution

because i feel like at the end of the

day if you don't know what you're

actually trying to do and you just start

coding immediately you're not really

going to get anywhere because you don't

have a big picture in mind and at the

end of the day the programming language

is just a means to solve the problem the

next one is perseverance somebody once

said that programming is 90 debugging

and 10

writing bugs

i think it's very true because sometimes

when you try to fix a bug you get more

bugs and it just never ends and you can

find yourself just sitting there at your

computer for hours

that's me

but debugging can really help you to

improve your programming skills

especially if you do it manually like

using print statements because it forces

you to actually understand the behavior

of your code and finally practice as

with all things you'll naturally get

better at programming the more you do it

you start to become more familiar with

all the bugs and problems and you get

better at solving them some good sites

to really test your cs fundamentals are

hacker rank and leak code

the fourth thing is that i wish i built

up my portfolio from first year i only

started to learn how to code when i

started my cs degree at university so i

thought that i was such a move and i

didn't have any experience of my own to

actually do any projects i also thought

that i would wait until i was in second

year or third year when i had more

knowledge to actually do them but if i

could go back in time i would have

started doing projects from first year

because honestly as i mentioned

previously you learn very theoretical

and conceptual things in your cs classes

your best friend as a cs student is the

internet because you'll be learning all

these tools and technologies from all

these free resources and then you'll be

able to apply them to your projects and

also when you start applying for

internships it's always great to show

your interviewer that you have your own

portfolio of projects with different

skills it shows that you have true

passion and that you also have the

initiative to do work outside of uni

the last thing that i wish i knew was

that being a software engineer isn't the

only career path while being a software

engineer is the most common career path

that you could take with a cs degree

there are also a lot of other great

options that you could consider like

being a ux ui designer a product manager

a solutions architect technical

consultant

so yeah it really pays to do your

research and to see which one you like

the most

some ways that you can research them are

by shadowing people or talking to people

who are working in these fields or even

better by doing internships in them once

you have an idea of which role you're

more likely to be interested in it's

also a good idea to see if your

university offers any papers that are

more inclined towards that field for

example if you're into ux ui design you

could take some design papers if you're

into product management you could take

some business papers so it's really up

to you to carve out your own career path

so those are five things that i wish i

knew before studying computer science i

definitely have no regrets choosing this

as my major because it's very fulfilling

and also the opportunities after

graduation are endless if you're a cs

major then please comment down below

what you wish you knew before studying

cs or if you resonated with any of these

and if you're considering on studying cs

then let me know in the google form in

the descriptions what kinds of videos

you'd like to see from me my next video

will be on advice for cs students so

please stay tuned for that lastly don't

forget to subscribe to my channel if you

want to see more content like this and

don't forget to like comment and share

if you found this video helpful i'll see

you in the next one bye

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