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As a 12th grader, am I destined to work as a coffee shop barista if I major in Computer Science ?
Baristas are great, but I don’t want to go to school for 4+ years to be one. Is the job market for CS fields really that bad? I've seen so many horror stories of individuals who seem qualified but can't find a job, and if they do, the work-life balance isn't favorable. This worries me because I'm really interested/passionate, but I'm not sure whether I should invest in a more "practical" field.
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8 answers
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Kent’s Answer
Hi Dora. You have received some REALLY good input from the others that have responded so far. Dig in and see what you can take away from these responses. Another idea...copy/paste these responses into a chatbot and enter a prompt to summarize them, or to pull the key points from them, or to draft a plan of action from them. Experiment with this and see where it goes.
There are a couple of "plus one" items that you might want to think about as you go through college. I think this sync's with what Kirthi said, but I'm going to use different words. Here goes....
Learn all you can about secure coding practices and Cybersecurity fundamentals as you work on your programming projects and assignments. Dig up everything you can about secure software development (find the ISO and NIST standards for secure development; get to know the OWASP Top 10 forward and backward) and learn to apply that during your education even if the school you are in does not include secure coding in their curriculum. If you can talk about secure coding practices during the interviews that your BSCS help get you into, you will be miles ahead of the barista squad.
In tandem to secure coding and Cybersecurity, learn all you can about AI. As you probably already realize, a chatbot just represents a very small tip of a very large iceberg. Dig into AI, the history, the data science, the architecture. Again, prepare yourself to be able to talk about something more than just BSCS fundamentals when you sit down for the first series of interviews that you will have after graduation.
Lastly, never stop learning. If your CS degree teaches you Python, put a plan together to get a Python certification as soon as you can after you graduate. Note: This applies to whatever programming language(s) might end up being your fav or your target for employment. Always keep learning, because technology doesn't stop advancing. As I said in my response to another student, when I first started in Cybersecurity there weren't any Clouds unless you went outside and looked up at the sky.
Best of luck and blessings to you, Dora.
There are a couple of "plus one" items that you might want to think about as you go through college. I think this sync's with what Kirthi said, but I'm going to use different words. Here goes....
Learn all you can about secure coding practices and Cybersecurity fundamentals as you work on your programming projects and assignments. Dig up everything you can about secure software development (find the ISO and NIST standards for secure development; get to know the OWASP Top 10 forward and backward) and learn to apply that during your education even if the school you are in does not include secure coding in their curriculum. If you can talk about secure coding practices during the interviews that your BSCS help get you into, you will be miles ahead of the barista squad.
In tandem to secure coding and Cybersecurity, learn all you can about AI. As you probably already realize, a chatbot just represents a very small tip of a very large iceberg. Dig into AI, the history, the data science, the architecture. Again, prepare yourself to be able to talk about something more than just BSCS fundamentals when you sit down for the first series of interviews that you will have after graduation.
Lastly, never stop learning. If your CS degree teaches you Python, put a plan together to get a Python certification as soon as you can after you graduate. Note: This applies to whatever programming language(s) might end up being your fav or your target for employment. Always keep learning, because technology doesn't stop advancing. As I said in my response to another student, when I first started in Cybersecurity there weren't any Clouds unless you went outside and looked up at the sky.
Best of luck and blessings to you, Dora.
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
53
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Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Dora!
There are so many things to unpack in your question so let's take them in turn...
1. There are lots of jobs in IT-related fields and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Just about every aspect of our lives is impacted by IT or IT is required to allow us to do things. This ISN'T going to change. There is a lot of coverage in the media about how AI is going to change things. That's true, but it will change HOW you do things rather than replacing you. I seriously wouldn't worry about there being no jobs.
2. Finding a job. Coming back to my previous point about the massive range of places that IT is used. So many of those will have roles. What I see a lot of is people thinking that there are a handful of IT companies (you know who they are!) and that everything else doesn't 'count'. Clearly not true. I know so many people who work in IT roles with lots of different companies at lots of different scales. There ARE jobs out there if you look beyond "the usual suspects". I looked on our website (and yes, I work for an IT company) and we have over 2000 vacancies right now, today.
3. Work-life balance? I think a lot of that comes down to the company culture. There are a lot of companies out there who will expect you to be at their beck and call 24 hours per day. They do have a tendency to pay well, but they expect a lot in return. Are you really willing to make that sort of sacrifice? If not, there are plenty of other companies who make work-life balance a key part of their value proposition to their employees. That I think is more a choice for you as to whether you are prepared to put up with that lifestyle to get the larger salary? It will also change over your career. What you might accept now is not always going to be the case, which brings us back to 1 and 2 above. You can always change. The other point I would make is to go back to the comment about doing something you enjoy and you'll never work a day in your life. I REALLY enjoy what I do. I work with great people. I do interesting things with cool technologies. Oh... and I get paid to do it! :-)
There are so many things to unpack in your question so let's take them in turn...
1. There are lots of jobs in IT-related fields and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Just about every aspect of our lives is impacted by IT or IT is required to allow us to do things. This ISN'T going to change. There is a lot of coverage in the media about how AI is going to change things. That's true, but it will change HOW you do things rather than replacing you. I seriously wouldn't worry about there being no jobs.
2. Finding a job. Coming back to my previous point about the massive range of places that IT is used. So many of those will have roles. What I see a lot of is people thinking that there are a handful of IT companies (you know who they are!) and that everything else doesn't 'count'. Clearly not true. I know so many people who work in IT roles with lots of different companies at lots of different scales. There ARE jobs out there if you look beyond "the usual suspects". I looked on our website (and yes, I work for an IT company) and we have over 2000 vacancies right now, today.
3. Work-life balance? I think a lot of that comes down to the company culture. There are a lot of companies out there who will expect you to be at their beck and call 24 hours per day. They do have a tendency to pay well, but they expect a lot in return. Are you really willing to make that sort of sacrifice? If not, there are plenty of other companies who make work-life balance a key part of their value proposition to their employees. That I think is more a choice for you as to whether you are prepared to put up with that lifestyle to get the larger salary? It will also change over your career. What you might accept now is not always going to be the case, which brings us back to 1 and 2 above. You can always change. The other point I would make is to go back to the comment about doing something you enjoy and you'll never work a day in your life. I REALLY enjoy what I do. I work with great people. I do interesting things with cool technologies. Oh... and I get paid to do it! :-)
Thank you!! This was very insightful and I definitely will take this into consideration. If you don't mind, I would love to know a little bit more about your company/work-life in general, if you have a LinkedIn, portfolio, website or any helpful media please feel free to share! :))
Dora
Updated
Kirthi’s Answer
Hi Dora,
The other answers here are excellent. I just want to address the "horror stories" you're seeing, because your fear is valid.
The job market is tough at the entry-level, but the people who are struggling often have the same two things in common:
They have only a CS degree and nothing else.
They are only applying to a handful of famous "Big Tech" companies and ignoring everyone else.
As someone who works in the tech side of a large corporation, here is my genuine advice for you.
1. The "Barista" Myth vs. Reality
The horror stories are from people who thought the degree was a golden ticket. It's not. A CS degree is the price of admission to the interview.
What gets you the job is proof you can do the work. The successful graduates are the ones who also have internships, a portfolio of projects, or open-source contributions.
Your passion is your secret weapon. You'll be the one who enjoys building projects, while others see it as a chore. That's the advantage you can't teach.
2. My Main Advice: Don't Just be "CS." Be "CS + X."
This is the most "practical" advice anyone can give you. Don't just be a CS major. Be a "CS + Something Else" major.
Love gaming? CS + Digital Media
Love finance? CS + FinTech
Love art? CS + UI/UX Design
Love security and rules (like me)? CS + Cybersecurity
That "X" is what makes you 100x more valuable than a generic developer. A "practical" field isn't an alternative to CS; it's the field you apply your CS skills to.
3. Work-Life Balance is a Choice, Not a Field
You are 100% right to worry about this. But this isn't a "tech industry" problem; it's a company culture problem.
A "grind-culture" startup will expect 24/7 availability for high pay.
A stable software developer job at a bank, an insurance company, a retailer, or a hospital will have a fantastic 9-to-5 balance and great benefits.
I work in tech, and I have a great work-life balance. You get to choose. A CS degree gives you more choices than almost any other field.
So, no, you're not destined to be a barista. The data proves it's one of the highest-demand and highest-paid fields you can enter. You just have to be proactive.
Optional next steps:
First optional step: In your first year of college, find your "CS + X" pairing. Take an elective in a field that interests you (finance, biology, psychology) and see how software could apply to it.
Second optional step: Your goal before you graduate is to get two internships. This is more important than a 4.0 GPA. Start looking for your first one the day you start college.
Third optional step: Build a portfolio, even if it's small. Your "horror story" competition will be the students who show up to an interview with nothing but a diploma.
The other answers here are excellent. I just want to address the "horror stories" you're seeing, because your fear is valid.
The job market is tough at the entry-level, but the people who are struggling often have the same two things in common:
They have only a CS degree and nothing else.
They are only applying to a handful of famous "Big Tech" companies and ignoring everyone else.
As someone who works in the tech side of a large corporation, here is my genuine advice for you.
1. The "Barista" Myth vs. Reality
The horror stories are from people who thought the degree was a golden ticket. It's not. A CS degree is the price of admission to the interview.
What gets you the job is proof you can do the work. The successful graduates are the ones who also have internships, a portfolio of projects, or open-source contributions.
Your passion is your secret weapon. You'll be the one who enjoys building projects, while others see it as a chore. That's the advantage you can't teach.
2. My Main Advice: Don't Just be "CS." Be "CS + X."
This is the most "practical" advice anyone can give you. Don't just be a CS major. Be a "CS + Something Else" major.
Love gaming? CS + Digital Media
Love finance? CS + FinTech
Love art? CS + UI/UX Design
Love security and rules (like me)? CS + Cybersecurity
That "X" is what makes you 100x more valuable than a generic developer. A "practical" field isn't an alternative to CS; it's the field you apply your CS skills to.
3. Work-Life Balance is a Choice, Not a Field
You are 100% right to worry about this. But this isn't a "tech industry" problem; it's a company culture problem.
A "grind-culture" startup will expect 24/7 availability for high pay.
A stable software developer job at a bank, an insurance company, a retailer, or a hospital will have a fantastic 9-to-5 balance and great benefits.
I work in tech, and I have a great work-life balance. You get to choose. A CS degree gives you more choices than almost any other field.
So, no, you're not destined to be a barista. The data proves it's one of the highest-demand and highest-paid fields you can enter. You just have to be proactive.
Optional next steps:
First optional step: In your first year of college, find your "CS + X" pairing. Take an elective in a field that interests you (finance, biology, psychology) and see how software could apply to it.
Second optional step: Your goal before you graduate is to get two internships. This is more important than a 4.0 GPA. Start looking for your first one the day you start college.
Third optional step: Build a portfolio, even if it's small. Your "horror story" competition will be the students who show up to an interview with nothing but a diploma.
Thank you!! this was very insightful and I will take this into consideration. I'm working on getting an internship this summer to be "ahead of the curve", and I'll definitely find that other pairing to specialize in something.
Dora
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Computer Science graduates are in high demand and can secure well-paying jobs. The field offers a wide range of opportunities, including software and hardware engineering, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, game and app development, and robotics. You can choose what to focus on based on your strengths, interests, and career goals. While some graduates find it challenging to get jobs, this often happens when they lack practical experience or haven't actively used their skills. Work-life balance can vary, so picking the right company and role is important.
If you love Computer Science, pursue it wholeheartedly. Focus on learning, building projects, and getting involved in open-source work. Internships, volunteer roles, and hackathons are great ways to gain experience and improve your job prospects. Networking with professionals through LinkedIn, workshops, conferences, meetups, and competitions, along with gaining practical experience, can help you secure a high-paying position. Don't worry about AI; it's designed to make tasks easier, not to replace skilled workers. Having a Computer Science degree and staying updated with industry trends and AI expertise will make you a standout candidate and increase your chances of landing a great job. Although four years for a degree might seem long, it’s a valuable investment in your future. If you're unsure, a two-year associate degree or a short bootcamp can help you explore the field. With dedication, curiosity, and practical experience, a career in Computer Science can be both rewarding and aligned with your interests and financial goals.
If you love Computer Science, pursue it wholeheartedly. Focus on learning, building projects, and getting involved in open-source work. Internships, volunteer roles, and hackathons are great ways to gain experience and improve your job prospects. Networking with professionals through LinkedIn, workshops, conferences, meetups, and competitions, along with gaining practical experience, can help you secure a high-paying position. Don't worry about AI; it's designed to make tasks easier, not to replace skilled workers. Having a Computer Science degree and staying updated with industry trends and AI expertise will make you a standout candidate and increase your chances of landing a great job. Although four years for a degree might seem long, it’s a valuable investment in your future. If you're unsure, a two-year associate degree or a short bootcamp can help you explore the field. With dedication, curiosity, and practical experience, a career in Computer Science can be both rewarding and aligned with your interests and financial goals.
Thank you, this was very reassuring. I will take this into consideration in my career life.
Dora
You’re welcome!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Consider a State government job. There is lots of interesting and meaningful technology projects going on in States across the country all the time. The pay isn't as good, but the work/life balance and benefits can more than make up for that depending on how you want your lifestyle to be.
Thank you for your response! I've heard of this a little bit from family but I'm also hearing that it's a little unstable because of the political climate and government workers getting laid off a lot, but I will consider this.
Dora
You bet. Best of luck!
Ryan Chambers
Updated
David’s Answer
Being a CS major doesn't mean you're stuck working as a barista. The job market is a bit tougher now because of AI, but you'll learn how to work with AI, which will really help your career. Since the job market is competitive, it's important to get hands-on experience early. Look for internships and ask your professors about real-life project opportunities.
Thank you! I'll work on finding more resources.
Dora
Updated
Allan’s Answer
Good answers above. Also, think about how you can build your confidence in your own goals and aspirations and talk to your teachers and others about this. To be successful, in computer science or anything else, you need to believe in yourself and what you are doing. I can't imagine anything that is more practical than computer science.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Dora
Updated
Pat’s Answer
No, I don't think a CS degree does destines you to be a barista. The job market is strong long-term, with high demand and salaries. However, the entry-level market is currently competitive, leading to the horror stories you may have seen.
This means would mean that success in a career now requires more than just a degree. To ensure a great career
Build a portfolio of real projects. As a starting pointyou can try finding open source projects that intersection you and contribute with smaller issues and working your way up to bigger tasks.
Gain experience through internships. Find mentors to help guide you on your path.
Specialize in high demand areas like Al or cybersecurity. High demand also means there's high competition. Look for opportunities to network and stand out from the rest of the crowd
If you are genuinely passionate and willing to be proactive, a CS major remains an excellent and practical investment. I think the barista narrative is an overstatement. Data shows CS graduates have significantly higher earning potential and career growth.
The bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Projects employment for software developers to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for most occupations. They also report a median annual wage of $132,270 for this role (as of 2023).
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that their Winter 2024 report listed Computer Science as the top bachelor's degree for in demand hires.
A degree is not a guarantee, but a starting point in the path you choose in terms of a careers. What you ultimately do with it will determine that path you take.
Build a portfolio of real projects
Gain experience through internships
Network with professionals and specialize in high-demand areas like Al or cybersecurity
This means would mean that success in a career now requires more than just a degree. To ensure a great career
Build a portfolio of real projects. As a starting pointyou can try finding open source projects that intersection you and contribute with smaller issues and working your way up to bigger tasks.
Gain experience through internships. Find mentors to help guide you on your path.
Specialize in high demand areas like Al or cybersecurity. High demand also means there's high competition. Look for opportunities to network and stand out from the rest of the crowd
If you are genuinely passionate and willing to be proactive, a CS major remains an excellent and practical investment. I think the barista narrative is an overstatement. Data shows CS graduates have significantly higher earning potential and career growth.
The bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Projects employment for software developers to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for most occupations. They also report a median annual wage of $132,270 for this role (as of 2023).
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that their Winter 2024 report listed Computer Science as the top bachelor's degree for in demand hires.
A degree is not a guarantee, but a starting point in the path you choose in terms of a careers. What you ultimately do with it will determine that path you take.
Pat recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!! This was very insightful and I definitely will take this into consideration. I see that you work in UX/UI design (this is one of the fields I'm most interested in), if you don't mind, it would be great if you could share a portfolio or LinkedIn to get a better grasp of the work you do. Again, Thank you so much! :)
Dora