9 answers
wolf
Student
1
Question
Updated
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Switching Major from SWE to cyber Security ?
I completed an associates in computer programming, but taking intro to software engineering in my first semester of university I realized I actually hate coding and dread doing it. I thought of switching to cyber security instead cause its less coding. I honestly hate coding at this point or at least that's how university makes me feel. Everywhere says don't switch stick with SWE (software engineering), but I literally have started dreading going to class. It doesn't help that everywhere on the internet says everyone can code now and unless you're real passionate you won't ever make it. I'm scared to switch to cyber security cause everyone says it too is a over saturated market ,but at least maybe I won't dread it like I do SWE? When I was in community college I was so happy to learn coding, but now I never want to look at it again, but I need to finish a bachelor's degree in something. Any advice is appreciated ,Seriously please help! I feel really lost ....
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9 answers
Steve Sterner
IT Management
66
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Steve’s Answer
First stop and take a breath. Anything you dread doing is not something you are going to be able to do well or be happy doing long term so my advice is don't.
I have been in Technology for almost 40 years now but my first degree is in Accounting and Specialized Management. Out of college I was running a small accounting floor and on the fast track to becoming an officer in the company and hated every minute so I went back to school while working various jobs and got my degree in Information Systems and have never looked back. Many times I have been able to apply what I learned in getting my Accounting degree to give a differing perspective to problems, challenges and assignments in technology. Your not moving out of technology just into a different discipline.
Honestly I prefer to hire people with technology or technology adjacent backgrounds because I always find any team or group attacking a problem gets much richer answers and more complete discussions if they have varying backgrounds and starting perspectives.
I do a lot of talking to young people either in early career programs, college or high school and I am going to give you the advice I give to all of them: Do not think of your skills in what you do day to day or paint yourself into that I am a ___! Instead think of yourself as a technologist. learn all you can, when something is exciting (even if it is not directly related to something you are doing) explore it. The best technologist are those that love to be excited by technology but you can only be excited by exploration. If you don't enjoy exploration and learning then technology may not be for you but if you do think of yourself as a technologist fist capable of learning anything in technology and moving into that realm or discipline. In my career I have been a technologist who worked in multi-platform programming, a technologist who worked in Windows based Operations, A technologist who led a Citrix Project team....Currently I am a technologist that work in the Configuration Management space overhauling our CMDB and enabling technology discovery. Tomorrow I will be a technologist working in ???
Just because you change majors doesn't mean you are starting over it means you are putting more and tools into you tool box. I hope you can embrace the chaos that is the technology landscape and instead of dreading it or being scared by it can embrace it for the exciting opportunities it will afford you! Good Luck and I know you will kill it!
I have been in Technology for almost 40 years now but my first degree is in Accounting and Specialized Management. Out of college I was running a small accounting floor and on the fast track to becoming an officer in the company and hated every minute so I went back to school while working various jobs and got my degree in Information Systems and have never looked back. Many times I have been able to apply what I learned in getting my Accounting degree to give a differing perspective to problems, challenges and assignments in technology. Your not moving out of technology just into a different discipline.
Honestly I prefer to hire people with technology or technology adjacent backgrounds because I always find any team or group attacking a problem gets much richer answers and more complete discussions if they have varying backgrounds and starting perspectives.
I do a lot of talking to young people either in early career programs, college or high school and I am going to give you the advice I give to all of them: Do not think of your skills in what you do day to day or paint yourself into that I am a ___! Instead think of yourself as a technologist. learn all you can, when something is exciting (even if it is not directly related to something you are doing) explore it. The best technologist are those that love to be excited by technology but you can only be excited by exploration. If you don't enjoy exploration and learning then technology may not be for you but if you do think of yourself as a technologist fist capable of learning anything in technology and moving into that realm or discipline. In my career I have been a technologist who worked in multi-platform programming, a technologist who worked in Windows based Operations, A technologist who led a Citrix Project team....Currently I am a technologist that work in the Configuration Management space overhauling our CMDB and enabling technology discovery. Tomorrow I will be a technologist working in ???
Just because you change majors doesn't mean you are starting over it means you are putting more and tools into you tool box. I hope you can embrace the chaos that is the technology landscape and instead of dreading it or being scared by it can embrace it for the exciting opportunities it will afford you! Good Luck and I know you will kill it!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
674
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Take a moment to think about what you really feel about coding and your career goals. If you're worried about job security or competition, trust your instincts and focus on what truly motivates you. Cybersecurity does require some programming, especially in languages like Python, Bash, and PowerShell for tasks like automation and scripting. But don't worry, coding is just one part of it.
Focus on learning important skills like understanding networks (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, firewalls), getting comfortable with Linux and Windows, and knowing security basics like vulnerabilities, malware, and cryptography. Try your hand at penetration testing, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
Get practical experience with free resources like TryHackMe, OverTheWire, VulnHub, and more. Set up a home lab with VirtualBox and Kali Linux. Join college clubs and connect with professionals on LinkedIn, GitHub, and Stack Overflow. Once you have a good base, start working on projects, add them to a repository, and share your work to highlight your skills.
Explore various cybersecurity roles like penetration testing, SOC analyst, threat hunting, and incident response. Don't forget to build soft skills like communication and teamwork. Look for free internships or volunteer opportunities to gain real-world experience. Keep learning about industry trends and consider diving into AI, which is becoming more important in cybersecurity. Certifications like Security+, CEH, or OSCP can also help prove your skills. With regular practice, networking, and continuous learning, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in cybersecurity.
Focus on learning important skills like understanding networks (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, firewalls), getting comfortable with Linux and Windows, and knowing security basics like vulnerabilities, malware, and cryptography. Try your hand at penetration testing, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
Get practical experience with free resources like TryHackMe, OverTheWire, VulnHub, and more. Set up a home lab with VirtualBox and Kali Linux. Join college clubs and connect with professionals on LinkedIn, GitHub, and Stack Overflow. Once you have a good base, start working on projects, add them to a repository, and share your work to highlight your skills.
Explore various cybersecurity roles like penetration testing, SOC analyst, threat hunting, and incident response. Don't forget to build soft skills like communication and teamwork. Look for free internships or volunteer opportunities to gain real-world experience. Keep learning about industry trends and consider diving into AI, which is becoming more important in cybersecurity. Certifications like Security+, CEH, or OSCP can also help prove your skills. With regular practice, networking, and continuous learning, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in cybersecurity.
Thank you so much for answering ! I have setup virtual box before on my own,didn’t know what I was doing,but I was trying to bypass not having a mac at the time for developing a xcode mobile app.I will try hack me and the other resources over the summer.Seriously thank you you so much,I was so lost and afraid I was going to spend the rest of my life miserable.Thank you for showing me theres a way and a path to do something that won’t slowly drain me alive.Thank you so so much <3
wolf
It was meant to be a heart at the end Mr. Tesfay but I guess I can’t <3 ? But seriously I think you just saved my life …if I’m being honest
wolf
You’re welcome!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
138
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello,
I totally get how you feel and this happens to a lot of students when they move from community college to university. The workload and pressure can make something you once enjoyed feel exhausting.
Before switching, try to figure out if you actually hate coding, or just the way it’s being taught right now. University SWE can be very different from real-world work.
Also, just a heads up that cybersecurity isn’t “no coding.” It usually involves some scripting and understanding code, just less than pure software engineering.
My suggestion: don’t rush the decision. Try an intro cybersecurity or networking class first, and maybe explore some hands-on labs (like TryHackMe). If that feels more interesting and less stressful, then switching could make sense.
I totally get how you feel and this happens to a lot of students when they move from community college to university. The workload and pressure can make something you once enjoyed feel exhausting.
Before switching, try to figure out if you actually hate coding, or just the way it’s being taught right now. University SWE can be very different from real-world work.
Also, just a heads up that cybersecurity isn’t “no coding.” It usually involves some scripting and understanding code, just less than pure software engineering.
My suggestion: don’t rush the decision. Try an intro cybersecurity or networking class first, and maybe explore some hands-on labs (like TryHackMe). If that feels more interesting and less stressful, then switching could make sense.
Thank you Mr. Khandelwal I’ll truly think about it,in full and yes university has been a hard adjustment especially moving out for the first time.I can only hope cyber security is the right direction hopefully it is
wolf
Harsha Priya Ganapathy
Independent AI, ML, DL Researcher at AWS Cloud
27
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Harsha Priya’s Answer
Hi, I'm Harsha Priya Ganapathy. I've worked in software engineering, AI/ML, and cybersecurity mentoring. Many students I've helped have felt like you do now, so take a deep breath:
Feeling this way is normal. It's not failure.
Let's clear up a big myth:
Cybersecurity has less coding. Not entirely true. While some roles like GRC and SOC analyst involve less coding, many high-paying jobs still need skills like Python scripting, automation, and system knowledge. Switching to avoid coding might not solve the problem.
Here's what's really happening:
You liked coding before but hate it now in university. This often means you don't hate coding; you dislike how it's taught or the pressure and environment. I've seen this often. Real-world projects can be exciting, but academic coding can feel dry.
Should you switch to cybersecurity?
Yes, but only if you enjoy problem-solving, security concepts, systems thinking, and investigating how things break—not just to escape coding.
The reality of cybersecurity:
It's not easy or coding-free. Entry-level jobs are competitive and require networking basics, Linux, security tools, and sometimes scripting. It's a great field if you prefer analysis over building apps.
What I recommend:
Don't rush into a full switch. Test it first.
Step 1: Try cybersecurity hands-on for two weeks with TryHackMe or picoCTF challenges. If it's interesting, that's a good sign. If it feels painful, it might be burnout, not software engineering.
Step 2: Identify what you actually enjoy. Do you like debugging, breaking systems, data/AI, or designing UI? Your answer will guide your path.
Most important advice from mentoring students:
Don't switch quickly just because you hate something. Test and understand what you enjoy.
About your mental state:
If you dread going to class, that's serious. This isn't just about your career; it's about burnout and pressure. Before switching majors, fix your learning environment, reduce overload, and talk to advisors if needed.
Final honest advice:
You don't need to love coding, but you shouldn't hate your life because of your major. Explore cybersecurity hands-on, don't switch blindly, and follow what keeps you curious, not exhausted.
One line to remember: Move towards something you genuinely enjoy, not away from something you don't.
Feeling this way is normal. It's not failure.
Let's clear up a big myth:
Cybersecurity has less coding. Not entirely true. While some roles like GRC and SOC analyst involve less coding, many high-paying jobs still need skills like Python scripting, automation, and system knowledge. Switching to avoid coding might not solve the problem.
Here's what's really happening:
You liked coding before but hate it now in university. This often means you don't hate coding; you dislike how it's taught or the pressure and environment. I've seen this often. Real-world projects can be exciting, but academic coding can feel dry.
Should you switch to cybersecurity?
Yes, but only if you enjoy problem-solving, security concepts, systems thinking, and investigating how things break—not just to escape coding.
The reality of cybersecurity:
It's not easy or coding-free. Entry-level jobs are competitive and require networking basics, Linux, security tools, and sometimes scripting. It's a great field if you prefer analysis over building apps.
What I recommend:
Don't rush into a full switch. Test it first.
Step 1: Try cybersecurity hands-on for two weeks with TryHackMe or picoCTF challenges. If it's interesting, that's a good sign. If it feels painful, it might be burnout, not software engineering.
Step 2: Identify what you actually enjoy. Do you like debugging, breaking systems, data/AI, or designing UI? Your answer will guide your path.
Most important advice from mentoring students:
Don't switch quickly just because you hate something. Test and understand what you enjoy.
About your mental state:
If you dread going to class, that's serious. This isn't just about your career; it's about burnout and pressure. Before switching majors, fix your learning environment, reduce overload, and talk to advisors if needed.
Final honest advice:
You don't need to love coding, but you shouldn't hate your life because of your major. Explore cybersecurity hands-on, don't switch blindly, and follow what keeps you curious, not exhausted.
One line to remember: Move towards something you genuinely enjoy, not away from something you don't.
Jim Gmeinder
Enterprise Account Manager
4
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hi Wolf. I think all of us (certainly myself and people I know), would say passion for what you're doing day-to-day is one of the most important factors in career choices. So yes, follow your passion into cybersecurity, which may lead to another passion adjacent to cybersecurity, and so on, and so on. Passionate people are the key to any business. Those merely in it for cashing a paycheck are a drag on the business. Said another way, if you are a passionate contributor, your value to your organization is significantly greater than those who are not. So leave the coding to the AI bots (and others passionate about it), and follow your heart and soul.
Thank you Mr. Gmeinder yes I don’t want to be miserable for the rest of life i’m glad I questioned things early on
wolf
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1386
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Wolf,
First of all, your emotions are real. You shouldn't ignore or "push through" your fear of your classes because it's a warning sign. It doesn't mean that you've failed; but instead, it shows you've discovered something significant about what doesn't suit you.
You don't necessarily have to dislike technology or code in general if you dislike the way it feels in your current situation. SWE at universities can be intense, abstract, and heavily theoretical. Even if the field itself isn't the issue, that experience can sap your initial enthusiasm.
Now, moving to cybersecurity is by no means a "poor" decision. It may actually be a strategic turnabout, particularly if:
- You still like tech but don’t want to code all day
- You prefer problem-solving, analysis, or systems thinking
-You want a more applied, real-world focus
Cybersecurity does involve some coding or scripting, but generally far less than software engineering, and often in a more practical context.
Here’s the key question to guide your decision:
- Do I dislike coding itself, or do I dislike the way I’m currently experiencing it?
If it is the first, you will probably continue to be exhausted if you stay in SWE for an extended period of time. You might still desire a tech path if it's the second, but it would be different. Concerning the danger of "oversaturation," practically every online field seems to be saturated. What's really important is:
- Your skill depth
- Your practical experience
- Your ability to solve real problems
Demand for cybersecurity experts is still high, particularly for those with real-world experience (labs, certifications, projects). Here are some things you can do to help you avoid feeling stuck:
- Take an intro cybersecurity course or lab (even online) and see how it feels
- Explore areas like network security, ethical hacking, or system defense
- Talk to students or professionals in that track
If possible, try a small hands-on project (this gives you clarity fast)
Another important lesson is that you shouldn't continue down a road you dislike just because other people think it's "better." A job in which you are able to maintain consistency will always be superior to one in which you are pushing yourself. You're making adjustments, not falling behind. In all honesty, this kind of clarity, despite the discomfort, is what eventually results in better choices. Take this as a pivot point, not a failure.
Best wishes!
First of all, your emotions are real. You shouldn't ignore or "push through" your fear of your classes because it's a warning sign. It doesn't mean that you've failed; but instead, it shows you've discovered something significant about what doesn't suit you.
You don't necessarily have to dislike technology or code in general if you dislike the way it feels in your current situation. SWE at universities can be intense, abstract, and heavily theoretical. Even if the field itself isn't the issue, that experience can sap your initial enthusiasm.
Now, moving to cybersecurity is by no means a "poor" decision. It may actually be a strategic turnabout, particularly if:
- You still like tech but don’t want to code all day
- You prefer problem-solving, analysis, or systems thinking
-You want a more applied, real-world focus
Cybersecurity does involve some coding or scripting, but generally far less than software engineering, and often in a more practical context.
Here’s the key question to guide your decision:
- Do I dislike coding itself, or do I dislike the way I’m currently experiencing it?
If it is the first, you will probably continue to be exhausted if you stay in SWE for an extended period of time. You might still desire a tech path if it's the second, but it would be different. Concerning the danger of "oversaturation," practically every online field seems to be saturated. What's really important is:
- Your skill depth
- Your practical experience
- Your ability to solve real problems
Demand for cybersecurity experts is still high, particularly for those with real-world experience (labs, certifications, projects). Here are some things you can do to help you avoid feeling stuck:
- Take an intro cybersecurity course or lab (even online) and see how it feels
- Explore areas like network security, ethical hacking, or system defense
- Talk to students or professionals in that track
If possible, try a small hands-on project (this gives you clarity fast)
Another important lesson is that you shouldn't continue down a road you dislike just because other people think it's "better." A job in which you are able to maintain consistency will always be superior to one in which you are pushing yourself. You're making adjustments, not falling behind. In all honesty, this kind of clarity, despite the discomfort, is what eventually results in better choices. Take this as a pivot point, not a failure.
Best wishes!
Randall Chains
Associate Director Cybersecurity Operations
2
Answers
Millsboro, Delaware
Updated
Randall’s Answer
Coding is done easily by AI these days, but cybersecurity is always needed, go for cybersecurity and Learn to use AI tools, you will be golden.
Thank you Mr. Chains Solid advice Hopefully over the summer I can learn new skills and figure some things out
wolf
David Allen
Consultant
124
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
It is completely normal to feel burnt out when the academic grind turns a hobby into a chore. If you genuinely dread your classes, forcing yourself to stay in Software Engineering (SWE) often leads to a miserable career, as that field requires constant, lifelong coding to stay relevant. Cyber Security is a fantastic pivot because it values systems thinking, networking, and risk management over pure software construction. While you will still need to understand script-reading or basic automation (like Python or Bash), you won't be building complex applications from scratch every day. Your Associates in Programming actually gives you a massive "leg up" in security, as knowing how attackers think is a superpower in that field.
Regarding the "oversaturated" market: every entry-level tech role is competitive right now, but the saturation is mostly at the bottom with people who have zero technical background. With an Associates already under your belt and a Bachelor’s on the way, you are far ahead of those coming from six-week bootcamps. Don't let "passion" gatekeeping scare you; you don't need to love coding to be a high-earning, successful professional. If switching to Cyber Security makes you feel like you can breathe again, do it. Finishing a degree you enjoy—even in a tough market—is infinitely better than dropping out or graduating into a career you already hate.
Regarding the "oversaturated" market: every entry-level tech role is competitive right now, but the saturation is mostly at the bottom with people who have zero technical background. With an Associates already under your belt and a Bachelor’s on the way, you are far ahead of those coming from six-week bootcamps. Don't let "passion" gatekeeping scare you; you don't need to love coding to be a high-earning, successful professional. If switching to Cyber Security makes you feel like you can breathe again, do it. Finishing a degree you enjoy—even in a tough market—is infinitely better than dropping out or graduating into a career you already hate.
David Gnau
IT, Enterprise Architecture, Sales Consulting, Management
10
Answers
Medina, Ohio
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Wolf, Everyone has great points! How you feel is important and should not be discounted. I would write down the things you don't like about coding and write down the things you are passionate about. What area's intersect ? What areas dont? I switched from engineering to a business degree and minored in MIS. Turns out I like people more than heads down design work. What do you like? What makes you happy ? AI is changing the game for a lot of fields. Coding is done with models then supplemented with real developer skills. Cyber is already feeling the effects of AI.
The most important things are - what makes you happy, realize any job in IT will change/evolve many times over your career and change is a given. Finally you have to be a life long learner, IT is a special field where you are at the tip of the spear of change. Before you switch - do some inner reflection. If you are struggling, Im sure anyone who has answered your question would be happy to give you advice.
The most important things are - what makes you happy, realize any job in IT will change/evolve many times over your career and change is a given. Finally you have to be a life long learner, IT is a special field where you are at the tip of the spear of change. Before you switch - do some inner reflection. If you are struggling, Im sure anyone who has answered your question would be happy to give you advice.