6 answers
Ethan
Student
Bloomington, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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How do you pick exactly what part of computer science to go into?
For anyone going into computer science, how did you pick which part of computer science to go into? My current major is just computer science, but how did you decide exactly what part of computer science to go into? I have always enjoyed the problem-solving and programming aspects of computer science.
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6 answers
Rachana Gudivada
ServiceNow Consultant
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Rachana’s Answer
Hello Ethan,
Most people don’t choose their specialization in computer science right away. It usually becomes clear through classes, projects, and internships.
As you try different subjects from your semester and if have got any specific interest example on Artificial Intelligence then take that up and learn more on machine learning , Python coding using leet code for programming practice.
My advice is to experiment on the small topics and see on what you are interested in.
Most people don’t choose their specialization in computer science right away. It usually becomes clear through classes, projects, and internships.
As you try different subjects from your semester and if have got any specific interest example on Artificial Intelligence then take that up and learn more on machine learning , Python coding using leet code for programming practice.
My advice is to experiment on the small topics and see on what you are interested in.
Dima Vizelman
Software Engineer
27
Answers
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel
Updated
Dima’s Answer
If I were in your place, I wouldn’t try to “decide once and forever” what part of computer science to go into — that’s honestly not how it works for most people.
What I’d do instead is treat it like exploration, not a commitment. Computer science is huge: web development, data science, AI, cybersecurity, systems, game dev… and they feel very different in practice. The only real way to know what fits you is to try small pieces of each.
So I’d start by building a few tiny projects in different areas. Maybe a simple website, then a small data analysis project, then something like a basic game or automation script. Pay attention to one thing: which one makes you want to keep going even when it gets frustrating. That feeling is a much better signal than what sounds “cool” or “high paying”.
I’d also notice what kind of problems you enjoy. If you like visual results and quick feedback, you might lean toward frontend or product work. If you enjoy logic and deeper thinking, backend or algorithms might click more. If you like patterns and data, maybe AI or data science.
Another thing I’d do is talk to real people or watch “day in the life” content. The day-to-day work matters way more than the title. Two fields can sound similar but feel completely different when you actually do them.
And honestly, you don’t need to lock yourself in early. A lot of people change direction even after getting a job. The skills you’re building now — problem solving and programming — transfer across almost everything in CS.
So if I were you, I’d focus less on “choosing the perfect path” and more on getting exposure and noticing what pulls you in naturally. That’s usually how the right direction reveals itself.
What I’d do instead is treat it like exploration, not a commitment. Computer science is huge: web development, data science, AI, cybersecurity, systems, game dev… and they feel very different in practice. The only real way to know what fits you is to try small pieces of each.
So I’d start by building a few tiny projects in different areas. Maybe a simple website, then a small data analysis project, then something like a basic game or automation script. Pay attention to one thing: which one makes you want to keep going even when it gets frustrating. That feeling is a much better signal than what sounds “cool” or “high paying”.
I’d also notice what kind of problems you enjoy. If you like visual results and quick feedback, you might lean toward frontend or product work. If you enjoy logic and deeper thinking, backend or algorithms might click more. If you like patterns and data, maybe AI or data science.
Another thing I’d do is talk to real people or watch “day in the life” content. The day-to-day work matters way more than the title. Two fields can sound similar but feel completely different when you actually do them.
And honestly, you don’t need to lock yourself in early. A lot of people change direction even after getting a job. The skills you’re building now — problem solving and programming — transfer across almost everything in CS.
So if I were you, I’d focus less on “choosing the perfect path” and more on getting exposure and noticing what pulls you in naturally. That’s usually how the right direction reveals itself.
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
119
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Ethan,
Great question!
The key is to learn the basics: program constructs, a couple of languages, problem solving techniques, software design and development. Those skills allow you to learn and adapt. When I started my career back in the stone age I was hired as a PL/1 PL/S programmer. I had never seen either language but since I coded in 20 languages in college, they knew I could learn them quickly.
A couple of other things to keep in mind. During your college career, you will take a lot of different CS classes. Some particular aspect of those classes may really interest you. You have time to see what you like. And, lastly, you will have the opportunity to switch your job and focus throughout your career. You are not locked in as long as you know the fundamentals and keep learning. Stay up to date on new technologies that interest you. You will probably change career directions multiple times!
Enjoy your college career and everything will fall into place!
Best of luck!
Great question!
The key is to learn the basics: program constructs, a couple of languages, problem solving techniques, software design and development. Those skills allow you to learn and adapt. When I started my career back in the stone age I was hired as a PL/1 PL/S programmer. I had never seen either language but since I coded in 20 languages in college, they knew I could learn them quickly.
A couple of other things to keep in mind. During your college career, you will take a lot of different CS classes. Some particular aspect of those classes may really interest you. You have time to see what you like. And, lastly, you will have the opportunity to switch your job and focus throughout your career. You are not locked in as long as you know the fundamentals and keep learning. Stay up to date on new technologies that interest you. You will probably change career directions multiple times!
Enjoy your college career and everything will fall into place!
Best of luck!
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
145
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Ethan,
Most people don’t choose their specialization in computer science right away. It usually becomes clear through classes, projects, and internships.
As you try different areas like web development, AI, cybersecurity, or data science, you’ll naturally discover which ones you enjoy the most.
My advice is to experiment with small projects and see what keeps you interested. Computer science is a broad field and your direction often becomes clearer once you apply your skills to real problems.
Most people don’t choose their specialization in computer science right away. It usually becomes clear through classes, projects, and internships.
As you try different areas like web development, AI, cybersecurity, or data science, you’ll naturally discover which ones you enjoy the most.
My advice is to experiment with small projects and see what keeps you interested. Computer science is a broad field and your direction often becomes clearer once you apply your skills to real problems.
Nithya Sampath
SOftware Engineer
11
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nithya’s Answer
Choosing a path within computer science usually isn’t a single thing, it’s a mix of trying things, noticing what energizes you, and paying attention to the kinds of problems you naturally enjoy solving.
Most people figure it out by exploring different areas through classes, internships, side projects, and clubs.
Since you already enjoy problem‑solving and programming, you’re starting with the two strongest signals. From there, pay attention to what kind of problems feel fun rather than draining. If you like building things end‑to‑end, you might lean toward software engineering; if you enjoy optimizing and structuring data, data engineering might fit; if you love patterns and math, machine learning could click; if you enjoy understanding how systems break, cybersecurity might be your lane; and if you like designing how systems fit together, systems or backend development could be a match. The best approach is to experiment widely early on, take electives, build small projects in different areas, join hackathons, and notice which challenges you keep coming back to. Over time, your interests naturally narrow, and the part of CS you’re meant for becomes obvious.
Most people figure it out by exploring different areas through classes, internships, side projects, and clubs.
Since you already enjoy problem‑solving and programming, you’re starting with the two strongest signals. From there, pay attention to what kind of problems feel fun rather than draining. If you like building things end‑to‑end, you might lean toward software engineering; if you enjoy optimizing and structuring data, data engineering might fit; if you love patterns and math, machine learning could click; if you enjoy understanding how systems break, cybersecurity might be your lane; and if you like designing how systems fit together, systems or backend development could be a match. The best approach is to experiment widely early on, take electives, build small projects in different areas, join hackathons, and notice which challenges you keep coming back to. Over time, your interests naturally narrow, and the part of CS you’re meant for becomes obvious.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
677
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Choosing a specific area in computer science starts with identifying your passion, strengths, and areas for improvement, then testing them through assignments, projects, and research. Since you already enjoy problem-solving and programming, you have a strong foundation for areas like Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity.
If you enjoy building complete systems and organizing code, Software Engineering is a strong fit. If you prefer patterns, prediction, and intelligent behavior, Artificial Intelligence or Data Science may suit you. If you like investigating vulnerabilities and defensive thinking, Cybersecurity is more aligned.
To narrow your direction, align choices with career goals and validate them through coursework, volunteering, internships, and informational interviews with professors or industry professionals. These experiences show what each field is actually like and help you understand where you perform best and stay motivated. Since you are aligned with Software Engineering, continuing to build exposure to Artificial Intelligence is also valuable, as modern software increasingly integrates AI-driven features. You also have flexibility in computer science, so even after choosing a direction, you can still shift into related fields later as your interests and experience evolve.
If you enjoy building complete systems and organizing code, Software Engineering is a strong fit. If you prefer patterns, prediction, and intelligent behavior, Artificial Intelligence or Data Science may suit you. If you like investigating vulnerabilities and defensive thinking, Cybersecurity is more aligned.
To narrow your direction, align choices with career goals and validate them through coursework, volunteering, internships, and informational interviews with professors or industry professionals. These experiences show what each field is actually like and help you understand where you perform best and stay motivated. Since you are aligned with Software Engineering, continuing to build exposure to Artificial Intelligence is also valuable, as modern software increasingly integrates AI-driven features. You also have flexibility in computer science, so even after choosing a direction, you can still shift into related fields later as your interests and experience evolve.