I just got admitted into the University of Port harcourt to study computer science/mathematics. I opted for this course firstly because heard a lot about software engineering in the states, how its is high paying and fun. I spent most of my spare time browsing reddit - (reddit.com/r/cscareerquestions) I started learning Java. But I quit because I had a talk with my dad and he said I was lazy (I wanted Mechanical engineering at first then switched). What mostly influenced my switch to cs was the competition in Mechanical engineering and that feeling that cs holds something too. I just found out in Nigeria cs graduates dont earn much. And there is this discrimination against non professional students(I don’t know what to call them) in my school. Eg when I went for physical clearance engineering student were attended to first. My dads friends and my Pastor expected me to do an engineering course. I feel I settled for less and I want to correct that before its too late. I need advice
Truth be told it’s like that everywhere. But here’s what you can do… If you haven’t already started school, study Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
Then you can learn to code on your own.
TBH there’s nothing wrong with studying computer science, It might actually be harder than all those other courses people clamour for.
First of all, did you quit learning Java after your dad said you were lazy? Or do you want to quit the CS/Math course? Any idea why he said you were lazy?
I’ve seen that discrimination between double honours and single honour courses. Don’t let it bother you.
Ok, I know it isn’t the norm but your passion (logical as it seems) should take precedence over your dad’s/pastor’s. It is your life after all.
I personally classify Nigerian students into 3:
Those who read a course in Uni and are passionate enough about it to remain in that space.
Those who read course A in Uni but have a passion in B and now have an active (or soon to be) career in B.
Those who are neither passionate/knowledgeable about their uni course, nor possess skills in any other discipline, they just know they want to “hammer” with no idea about how.
Group 1 used to be the norm but is rarer nowadays (over the world too). Group 2 I think is the majority nowadays. I also kinda reside here (Electrical Electronics → backend dev). Whatever you eventually decide to do, don’t be in group 3. You’ll be the one complaining there aren’t any jobs out there.
Congratulations on getting admitted to study Computer Science.
I don’t think your decision to switch majors is enough basis to accept that you are lazy.
Last time I checked in Nigeria and the US alike, your major in college does not define where you end up career-wise. Also, Mech Eng. students have to take some programming classes and learn to write code.
You say Nigerian CS graduates don’t earn much, and how much do Mech. Engineering graduates in Nigeria earn? No one gets paid because of their major, people give you their money because you are able to apply your knowledge and produce solutions to real problems. A good Computer Scientist is just as valuable as any great Mechanical Engineer working in the right team.
If you are passionate about computing, then do that and give it your best. If you decide to switch to Mech Eng, nothing stops you from learning to code and switching careers after graduation.
Lastly, don’t give in to a prediction or statement that doesn’t empower you and stop being scared to pursue what you really want. Good luck!
OP I registered on Radar to reply you. You didn’t settle for less.
With time you’ll understand all those professional/non-professional course discrimination don’t matter much. It’s uni and high school shakara. So take my advice and outgrow that stage fast. In the real world, companies are run by people of different professions: people who can think and make things happen.
That you heard a profession is fun and high-paying doesn’t mean it’s so for everybody. You have to decide if it’s something you enjoy and want. That being said, If you’re too worried about your chosen course, you can switch.
You’re not even “lazy” by what you do. It’s how you do it and how much you put in.
Study CS, learn coding on the side, after a year, try to take on side projects around software development.
When you get to your final year or a year before your finals, get a part-time job around CS and Software engineering.
By the time you are out of school, your Dad will take back those words. Just work really hard in school.
And, as for the things that go on in school, you can’t even be bothered if a department is treated in a higher regard than yours. Who the hell cares? I can’t be bothered with what happens in a school setup. The real life is out there.
Hi. Klick, DO NOT EVEN THINK OF LEAVING CSC.
im also one of those who suffered the non engineering for CSC stigma. Hell, y dad threatened not to pay my school fees…
Im a graduate of Unilag now and i can say less than 10% of my entire graduating set earn as much as i do.
i understand your father wants the best for you…but this is your life, and you control your life. trust me you do not want to have regres in the nearest future over nor making the switch to CSC.
i can guarantee in the next 5 years if it isnt already happening now…parents will be forcing their kids to study CSC the way many of them made their children study petroleum engineering.
DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE TECH BUBBLE. its much bigger than the oil bubble of the 90’s
