Mail Archives: djgpp/1999/04/25/10:55:27
In demon.tech.pc, Neil Edwards wrote:
>I too am interested in being a Software engineer but am worried
>whether this is the right road to take. I was thinking about doing a
>course with a year in industry to get "real-life2 experinece in the
>field. Anyone have any views on this?
>
>On Sun, 25 Apr 1999 10:41:25 +0100, Paul Richards
><Paul AT dunvegan1 DOT demon DOT co DOT uk> wrote:
>
>>Hi,
>>When I leave school I would like to get a degree in Software Engineering
>>and eventually become a programmer. What sort of degree/job do you guys
>>have? Is that the right course to take to become a programmer?
An SE degree can be a twin edged sword. A lot of employers will take any science
degree, or any degree at all, and some positively prefer other degrees such as
business or languages over SE or computing. Employers don't necessarily want
people who know the "right way" to do something, they need people who can solve
business problems and have an approachable manner.
Speaking from my own experience, I initially found an SE degree a disadvantage
compared to a guy who joined at the same time as me who had done Physics. I was
expected to automatically do well, whereas his expectations were set lower. He
was a very good learner, and was a good "Yes" man because he didn't really know
what was involved, so got on really well. It was years before they realised in
fact he was a bit of time-waster, and my depth of background was valuable.
Eventually I've learned to be a "yes" man too ;-)
However I don't regret doing an SE degree for a minute, I enjoyed the whole
experience immensely, and the principles I learnt have been invaluable. I would
certainly go the same route again, but with a few enhancements.
So my advice which you may feel free to ignore is:
1. Choose a subject you are interested in, and will be most motivated to do
well. You only really get one chance, its important to enjoy it. If you can get
a good degree so much the better. 10 years later employers really won't care
what degree you did.
2. If you do choose SE, mix in business related options, and any other subjects
you are interested in. I was forced to do pure maths, which was totally
pointless, but stats was useful. Technical subjects such as real-time computing
or networking are good, but make sure you get the core principles of the SE
lifecycle: analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation,
configuration control.
I also wish I could have done a language option. Sandwich degrees are a really
good idea, and I found my year out invaluable. Any subjects where teamwork is
involved are a good idea too, IT
3. Read Scott Adams's Dilbert books, they are the best guide to industry I've
seen, and I wish I'd read them before starting work!
--
Bob Cousins, Software Engineer.
http://www.lintilla.demon.co.uk/
"We demand that we may, or may not, be philosophers!"
- Raw text -