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Does it matter where you get your college degree from, if you wanna work at a big tech company?

I’m a senior in high school and I want to study computer science to become a programmer, the thing is that college is can be sort of expensive, I wanted to go out of state to a tech school but it is kind of pricey, the thing is that a college near me offers a computer science program as well and it’s cheaper and closer, now what I was wondering is if i wanna work at a big tech company does my college degree matter (where it’s from and what college it’s from)

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Subject: Career question for you

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Amy’s Answer

Hello,
As a software engineer at Microsoft, I've been involved in the interview and hiring process for college interns and fresh graduates. I've reviewed resumes from candidates across various "tiers" of colleges and I can confidently say that not attending a top-tier school doesn't necessarily hinder your chances of securing a job at a prestigious company. However, it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of attending a highly-ranked institution versus a less renowned one.

Being a graduate of a top-tier college myself (Caltech), I believe the main benefits were:
1.) Such colleges often attract more recruitment events, making it easier for students to discover job opportunities.
2.) The faculty and fellow students can serve as a valuable initial network.
3.) The coursework is typically more challenging, which often results in a solid foundation in computer science and mathematics.
On the flip side, there are some drawbacks:
1.) The cost of attendance can be significantly higher compared to a local state school.
2.) The rigorous nature of the classes might limit your time for engaging in extracurricular activities or pursuing personal projects.

Interestingly, my brother, a graduate of a state school (Penn State), also works with me at Microsoft as a software engineer- his first job post-college. While I can't speak on his behalf, he has expressed that attending a state school allowed him to maintain his high school momentum, excel in his classes, impress his professors, and find a group of high-achieving peers. The only downside he's noted is that since graduating, he receives fewer unsolicited recruiting emails from other companies, such as quantitative trading firms and other companies which are much more about "prestige" when hiring.

Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Angel
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Alyssa’s Answer

Hello Angel! I completed the initial half of my degree at a local community college and the remaining half at a state college. I firmly believe that the origin of your degree isn't as crucial as the knowledge you've gained and your achievements during your college years. Maintaining a professional portfolio that showcases all your projects and academic work is an excellent way to document your accomplishments.

Employers are equally interested in your extracurricular activities and how well you balance your educational and social life. Engage in club activities, build connections with your peers, and try to secure an internship, even if it's only for a few months. Make an effort to connect with both small and large companies that align with your interests.

Networking plays a significant role in landing your desired job. Acquiring certifications in coding languages and software can also give you an edge over others.

Remember, you're capable of achieving great things! Stay driven, stay inspired, and keep networking! Many professionals enjoy interacting with students and are eager to see you succeed!

Best wishes!
-Alyssa
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Angel
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Alyssa. Angel
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Diana’s Answer

Hi Angel! My recommendation would be to start off at your local university for at least the first two years to save money and confirm that CS is the subject and career trajectory that you want for your future. You always have the option to transfer to a different university for the second two years and receive your bachelors degree from that University.

In the end of the day, you will still have the opportunity to get a job at a big tech company with a degree from any university. Your grades and dedication to the subject are what matter most! Go get 'em!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Angel
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Nivea’s Answer

Hey Angel,

It's a good question! While a prestigious college might open some doors, it's not the only way. What matters more is your skills, experience, and networking. If you can save money by going to a local college and still build a strong portfolio, that can be a smart move. You can always consider graduate school later if needed.

Best of luck with your computer science journey!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Angel
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Dr. Frederik’s Answer

Hello Angel :-)

Absolutely, the comments above hit the nail on the head. The name of your college isn't the be-all and end-all. There's so much more to consider! I would highly suggest you take advantage of the learning courses provided by major tech companies themselves. Giants like MSFT/AWS/GCP offer free learning paths on their technologies. Plus, you can get certified through remote exams, which are typically free for students. By diving into these opportunities, you'll gain practical experience with cutting-edge technologies. This will clearly demonstrate your keen interest and deep understanding in the tech field.

I hope this advice proves beneficial for you.

Cheers,
Freddy
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Dr. Frederik! Angel
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Angel !

It sounds like you have some good plans for an exciting career in technology.

I believe that it would be fine to attend the college you speak of. How employers hire weighs a lot more on a few other factors than just an impressive name of a college. One of the foremost things that could determine if you are hired at any company is in the last segment of applying - the job interview. That is the facet of job application in which an employer gets to know you, interact with you, learn a bit about what you know and comes to a conclusion as to how you would fit in at the company. I wouldn't worry about names of colleges or Ivy League schools, especially if those are not within your means.

I would advise continuing with what you are doing and while enrolled in college, join everything and anything to do with your major. No one can say who will hire you or who won't and why, that is why I would also suggest studying how to do a job interview. I think there may be a lot of instructional videos on line for this as well as numerous articles on line to read about how to do a stellar job interview. Once you get the basics, try practicing it with role playing with a friend or relative acting as the employer. If it's possible, go on some job interviews if you're looking for part time work and think of that as a learning experience.

In addition, I would like to suggest that you should go for a Bachelors Degree because that would carry more weight against applicants that have an Associates degree. So, there are ways around not having a famous school name on your resume and millions of us obtained employment without that. But the level of your degree will keep you competitive in the tech field. Who knows, you may even obtain a job one day that will pay for you to go for a Masters degree. You just never know what awaits.

So, yes, attend the college you've mentioned in your question and be assured that employers look at much more than just a well-known college name when considering candidates for the position. I wish you all the best each step of the way !
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Angel
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Angel ! Michelle M.
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Christopher’s Answer

Hello Angel,

Good day, and many blessings to you, little one 🤗. The answer is no. It doesn’t matter what school you get the degree or certification from. You can still work for a big tech company. Community colleges, as you know, also offer degrees and certificates at a lower cost than universities. The good thing is even if you do not get into big tech right away, you can work for a smaller company to get your work experience up! And then later apply to work in big tech 🙂🥰

Remember that JESUS loves you.

With Joy,
Chris
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Angel
Thank you comment icon You're welcome Angel 😊. Christopher Anane
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Angel,

The prestige of your college can influence your career trajectory to some extent, but it's not the only factor that big tech companies consider when hiring. While a degree from a renowned university can offer benefits such as access to exceptional faculty, cutting-edge research, and a strong alumni network, it's not the exclusive route to success in the tech world.

Big tech companies are more interested in your skills, knowledge, and experience. They prioritize hiring those with solid technical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and a comprehensive understanding of computer science principles. Candidates who can showcase their abilities through practical projects, internships, or relevant work experience often stand out.

Here are some considerations when choosing where to pursue your computer science degree:

1. Curriculum and Education Quality: Review the curriculum of each college to ensure it covers the fundamental and advanced computer science topics. Look for programs that strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Also, consider the faculty's expertise, research opportunities, and access to modern facilities.

2. Internship and Job Placement Opportunities: Look into the college's history of internships and job placements in the tech industry. Colleges with strong ties to big tech companies or a record of placing graduates in high-demand positions are worth considering. Internships can provide invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

3. Networking and Alumni Connections: Gauge the strength of the college's alumni network and its ties within the tech industry. A college with a strong alumni network can offer valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential job leads.

4. Financial Considerations: Consider the cost of tuition, living expenses, and any available financial aid or scholarships. While a prestigious university may offer benefits, it's crucial to consider the financial implications and whether the potential benefits outweigh the costs.

In summary, while a prestigious university can offer certain benefits, it's not the only factor in securing a job at a big tech company. Your skills, knowledge, experience, and ability to demonstrate your proficiency in computer science are more important. Choose a college that offers a robust education, practical experience, and networking opportunities in the tech industry.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:

1. Forbes - www.forbes.com
2. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
3. U.S. News & World Report - www.usnews.com

Organic Web Results:
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Various sources discuss whether the college you attend matters to big tech companies, the value of a computer science degree, and alternative paths to becoming a programmer or software engineer.

Go with God!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Angel
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Brett’s Answer

Hello Angel!

In essence, the straightforward response to your query is no. Indeed, prestigious universities might offer some additional opportunities, but it's by no means a prerequisite for success.

During my tenure at several substantial tech firms, I've worked alongside numerous colleagues who didn't graduate from so-called 'elite' or 'top-tier' universities, yet they've flourished in their respective roles and companies. Especially in today's world, with an abundance of free resources at your disposal, you possess the potential to shine in any field you desire, irrespective of your university.

To sum it up - don't let this hinder your progress, because ultimately, universities aren't the ultimate determinant of your success!

Best,
Brett
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Brett for the advice. Angel
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Giri’s Answer

Get the skills, evidence your practical application of them and ideally apply them to something you care about. All of this will help you prepare not only for a potential career in "big-tech" but also opens doors to new and different opportunities that you might not be considering right now. Demonstrating the ability to learn new things and apply them practically whilst working in collaboration with others are the skills you will need.
Whether you get them from a big name college, a local one or not at all!

Good luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Angel
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Ruth’s Answer

Great question. To be honest, a community college degree is just as good as a major university. Long gone are the days of a gold star for being from a certain college. On-line course ( free and paid) are often great and come down to the following.. you get what you put into it. Certificates are not always needed, however when a company is looking for someone, they love to see a basis of understanding that the certificates gives them. Human resource "bots" look for the certificates in a resume// CV. it gets your foot n the door if you were not already referred by someone.

No matter what school or course you take in your given interest, figure a way to show your uniqueness.
Look at job postings, meet with people in jobs you think you might want to do. Ask lots of questions. This will help refine your knowlege , what course work to focus on and what to focus on out side of classes. You want to have something to show a company that you did with a team ( or by yourself) . They will want to see how you work with others.

Ruth recommends the following next steps:

network !! get a mentor or 5 at differant levels of their careers. They often will be the ones to get you a job.
find subjects that excite you, what are you passionate about.
keep learning always.. be a lifelong learner
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Angel
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Justin’s Answer

Hi Angel, this is a great question (as evidenced by how many thoughtful answers you're getting)!

As with the others, I'd say strongly that the college name or reputation is NOT a blocker to a career in computer science. Going to an elite school can make things easier in two specific ways: first, it creates a network of other high-achievers and well connected people that you can tap into more easily than if you didn't have that access. And second, many tech companies (Microsoft included) have specific recruiting programs that target elite schools (generally, the Ivies, plus top engineering schools like MIT and Caltech).

All that said - you absolutely can still network and participate in recruiting without going to this type of school - it might take a little more hard work on your part, but that's true of any type of successful career. Whatever school you attend, seek out people who have already had success in this field, or who are involved in the local business community. Look beyond the school to business organizations, nonprofits and other local groups that can help you build your connections.

And with computer science, remember that it is very similar to a trade like plumbing or auto mechanics - if you keep coding and keep building stuff, your output will speak for itself. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Angel
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Monica’s Answer

Hi Angel,

That’s a great question and I have to say I agree with most people here! I personally don’t think the college you attend will be the ultimate deciding factor when getting a job.

I can't speak for everyone, but working as a Talent Sourcer, I personally don’t pay much attention to where people got their degree from. I look more for relevant skills, projects, certifications, tech stack and previous experience and will reach out to a person regardless of the type of institution they attended i.e. community college, state college, prestigious university, bootcamp, etc. I like to acknowledge that everyone's circumstances are different and that college may not be accessible to people for many different reasons. That doesn't mean they're less qualified and it shouldn’t be used as a barrier into the workforce.

You also don’t have to limit yourself to big tech companies – there are so many great smaller tech companies that you can join! In my experience and from what I’ve heard from my network, smaller companies may sometimes have more opportunities for growth and you may be more hands on/have more ownership in your role.

(Also, where I currently work, there are lots of people who didn’t attend a traditional college. Some people in leadership roles are completely self-taught or took a bootcamp!)

Remember that everyone’s journey will look a little different. Wishing you the best of luck on yours :)
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Angel
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Jason’s Answer

Don't stress over the name of the school you attend. The key is to choose a school that offers the major you're passionate about and then shine in that field. Always give your all and work diligently. Demonstrate your dedication to your chosen field by earning certificates that highlight your skills. Remember, employers value your accomplishments and abilities more than the name of your school.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Angel,

Boost your brain's learning potential by employing excellent nutritional strategies and a well-balanced diet. My journey into programming started in 1972 with the classic Fortran. Even though I didn't major in information technology, I had the opportunity to delve into programming through various course units. After mastering ten different computer languages, I eventually delved into .NET 8.0.

In 1988, I embarked on a career as a dietitian-nutritionist. By 1996, I was writing nutrition education software using Visual Basic 4.0. I assure you, an information technology degree isn't a necessity. All you need to do is demonstrate your exceptional skills on platforms to private corporations like Microsoft and Google. They are always on the lookout for ways to increase their profits and will be more than willing to support you in helping them achieve this.

Indeed, the USA is home to numerous accredited universities offering courses in computer software development and information technology. However, you might also consider pursuing a Doctorate. Remember, financial success and academic accomplishments can go hand in hand. While the Chinese are making strides in Artificial Intelligence, they are yet to match the prowess of the United States.

I have no doubt that you'll excel in whatever you set out to do.
God Bless,
Jim.