Did you go to University / College? Does it matter? - Developers

I've read a few articles about how Uni is a waste of time, and you should just go and find a job. I'm in year 11 right now, and I'm stressing over classes and the realization that although I'm near the end, it's going to seem like a very hard and long time to get to the end of year 12, than there will be Uni. So, what did you guys do? What do you do for a living? Do you enjoy it? Do you regret going/not going to Uni? I need help guys.

Wait, did you said you are 11 (unlikely) years old or you are 11 (unlikely) years in a school already?

[QUOTE=Fourier;47244833]Wait, did you said you are 11 (unlikely) years old or you are 11 (unlikely) years in a school already?[/QUOTE] I'm in year 11, so I have done 12 years of school. The years in Australia go from K-12 (Kindergarten, year 1, year 2 etc..), than Uni if you wanna continue to get a degree. I'm turning 17 this year.

Oh I see. Well, I suggest you try stuff now that interests you (I don't know what you do, program in Lua?). Try programming. Try math. Try 3D modelling tools. Try stuff you will have at UNI. Get skills. If you are fast enough, you will already be experienced enough and you will also have easier time in UNI, in case you decide to go into it. Just let me tell you, it won't be easy in any case - UNI is hard, getting skill is hard, good job is hard.

[QUOTE=Fourier;47244927]Oh I see. Well, I suggest you try stuff now that interests you (I don't know what you do, program in Lua?). Try programming. Try math. Try 3D modelling tools. Try stuff you will have at UNI. Get skills. If you are fast enough, you will already be experienced enough and you will also have easier time in UNI, in case you decide to go into it. Just let me tell you, it won't be easy in any case - UNI is hard, getting skill is hard, good job is hard.[/QUOTE] I have been practicing programming for a while, (Lua was only for GMod mainly, but I do use Lua when I need a quick script to do some quick math or string manipulation) I'm going to start to learn C++, continue learning C# and make some practical things to show. I am doing advanced math and extension math. I will try some 3D modelling programs, if you have any to suggest that would be great. Thank you for your input.

The only reason you should go to college is if you lack the ability to self-motivate yourself and/or want the piece of paper to make getting your foot in the door; if it's the former, than you really shouldn't be getting into programming because this job takes up a lot of your personal time and energy to keep on top of the technology. I was able to get a job programming making a decentish salary starting without a single class; just pure practical applications. I read a lot of books and asked a lot of questions here. From here I was able to get directed to the correct places to read and how to write things, as well as motivation from people that are more skilled than I. People here are assholes, but they are the good at what they do and get to the point. Don't ask a question if you don't know the step after it. As for getting the job I had without a degree, I was able to pass technical interviews as well as show private projects for my portfolio; I consider my ability to interview well as one of the major players to how I got a programming job without experience or a degree though. EDIT: P.S, I'm attending classes at UCI part-time to get a degree, may drop out because what I'm being taught are things I already know.

[QUOTE=AnonTakesOver;47244970]I have been practicing programming for a while, (Lua was only for GMod mainly, but I do use Lua when I need a quick script to do some quick math or string manipulation) I'm going to start to learn C++, continue learning C# and make some practical things to show. I am doing advanced math and extension math. I will try some 3D modelling programs, if you have any to suggest that would be great. Thank you for your input.[/QUOTE] Nice one, this is good already (math, C++, C#, Lua). Keep it up! You want to be game developers? Or what is your interest? Then sure, modellng can help you, here: 3DS Max is standard, Zbrush is cool to (for organic models). Just to tell you, if your UNI school will be hard, you won't have almost no time for making your own game (well you can, if you sacrifice social life). You can also start thinking rich - get the bigger picture, mad skills and produce something, that will make you rich - enabling you to do whatever you want. But it's even tougher road. [editline]2nd March 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=Noi;47245008]I feel like dropping out cause its boring.[/QUOTE] Me too. But I will keep it up, I like math.

[QUOTE=Fourier;47245012]Nice one, this is good already (math, C++, C#, Lua). Keep it up! You want to be game developers? Or what is your interest? Then sure, modellng can help you, here: 3DS Max is standard, Zbrush is cool to (for organic models). Just to tell you, if your UNI school will be hard, you won't have almost no time for making your own game (well you can, if you sacrifice social life). You can also start thinking rich - get the bigger picture, mad skills and produce something, that will make you rich - enabling you to do whatever you want. But it's even tougher road.[/QUOTE] Making games would preferably be a hobby and not a career choice.

Engineering? Scientist-researcher?

[QUOTE=Proclivitas;47245010]The only reason you should go to college is if you lack the ability to self-motivate yourself and/or want the piece of paper to make getting your foot in the door; if it's the former, than you really shouldn't be getting into programming because this job takes up a lot of your personal time and energy to keep on top of the technology. I was able to get a job programming making a decentish salary starting without a single class; just pure practical applications. I read a lot of books and asked a lot of questions here. From here I was able to get directed to the correct places to read and how to write things, as well as motivation from people that are more skilled than I. People here are assholes, but they are the good at what they do and get to the point. Don't ask a question if you don't know the step after it. As for getting the job I had without a degree, I was able to pass technical interviews as well as show private projects for my portfolio; I consider my ability to interview well as one of the major players to how I got a programming job without experience or a degree though.[/QUOTE] I feel like I am highly motived and that motivation is definitely not an issue.

[QUOTE=AnonTakesOver;47245030]I feel like I am highly motived and that motivation is definitely not an issue.[/QUOTE] Then I would suggest you start reading books and developing in the field you want to be in.

[QUOTE=Proclivitas;47245046]Then I would suggest you start reading books and developing in the field you want to be in.[/QUOTE] Any recommended books?

[QUOTE=AnonTakesOver;47245052]Any recommended books?[/QUOTE] Did you have a language/goal in mind?

[QUOTE=Proclivitas;47245070]Did you have a language/goal in mind?[/QUOTE] Is C++ still relevant to learn? If so, C++.

[QUOTE=AnonTakesOver;47245092]Is C++ still relevant to learn? If so, C++.[/QUOTE] Yes C++ is still very relevant and will be for a long while. Are you looking to get into Game Development or Software Development with that?

[QUOTE=Proclivitas;47245108]Yes C++ is still very relevant and will be for a long while. Are you looking to get into Game Development or Software Development with that?[/QUOTE] Software development. (Thank you for the help, I appreciate it a lot)

college does matter, some companies won't even hire you without a degree. BUT no one cares [I]where[/I] you get a degree, they just want you to have one

Yeah. Remember everyone is different, some can get a job without a degree, some cant. What i'm saying is just take your time and research things thoroughly. There might be some sort of program that you can really benefit from and you might not even know it. Also it's never "Too late" to go to Uni/College. I'm 23 and made some dumb ass mistakes, but Im still pushing forward and I'm right now deciding on going back to school.

I would suggest getting into C# if you want to do Software Development. Beginning in Visual C# by Wrox is a good book to start with. To get hired without a degree you really need to present yourself so that the HR can understand that you know what you're talking about to get past them and to the engineers.

[QUOTE=AnonTakesOver;47245092]Is C++ still relevant to learn? If so, C++.[/QUOTE] How to answer this question: Is C relevant? Yes? Well then C++ would be relevant too! it's C plus one!

Go. You've got nothing to lose.

Personally I've loved my time at Uni. I'm now nearing the end of a very long 4 years of Electronics Engineering. It's tough, as you'd expect, but because you're doing something you enjoy, it makes it bearable and enjoyable in a lot of cases. It will suck up your time and effort, but the learning aspect is just one of many things you experience at Uni. You develop as a person (socially, networking, etc.) as well as getting better at what you love. You also learn to love the hard work in a weird way. I'm going to miss all this when I graduate. Go for it, make the most of your time.

It really depends on what field you are thinking of going into whether or not you [I]need[/I] to go to college or university. If you are looking for a job in Engineering, or as a lawyer, doctor or anything like that, then you need to get a degree as it is a requirement for the job. But if you are looking at getting into programming for game design, web design, ect, then a degree isn't as important as a portfolio is. I went to uni for Software Engineering but found it really dry and boring and I realized I did not want to have my hobby turn into school/a job and so I dropped out and I'm currently perusing a different career path.

[QUOTE=AnonTakesOver;47244804]I've read a few articles about how Uni is a waste of time, and you should just go and find a job. I'm in year 11 right now, and I'm stressing over classes and the realization that although I'm near the end, it's going to seem like a very hard and long time to get to the end of year 12, than there will be Uni. So, what did you guys do? What do you do for a living? Do you enjoy it? Do you regret going/not going to Uni? I need help guys.[/QUOTE] Hey - where are you abouts in Australia? I'm doing a degree in computer science right now and I have to say it really depends on what uni you're looking to go to (If you decide to). I'm really, really enjoying my degree, but I know a lot of other unis don't offer a good standard of computing degree yet.

[QUOTE=Shirky;47246908]I went to uni for Software Engineering but found it really dry and boring and I realized I did not want to have my hobby turn into school/a job and so I dropped out and I'm currently perusing a different career path.[/QUOTE] This is why I'm not pursuing a degree in computer science. I like being able to be completely obsessed with computers for months at a time, and then take a break, decompress and return to the real world for a while. The idea of being forced to be in computer mode for any significant period of time makes me feel like I'll quickly grow to hate what has been for years one of my favorite hobbies that brought the most enjoyment and fulfillment to my life. In regards to the OP's question, my understanding is that the answer is a unanimous "it depends". There are a lot of places that will simply filter you from the application process based on whether or not you have a degree. There are others, though, that will be more understanding and accept someone based on portfolio and demonstrable skills. I think that a lot of employers realize that there are a lot of "hobbyist" programmers that are exponentially more skilled and employable than someone who just barely managed to crawl through Nowhere State University's computer science program. In my opinion, I wouldn't want to work somewhere that doesn't even consider people without a degree. To me it shows that the company values cut-and-dry business major black-and-white checkbox logic rather than understanding how software development actually works. Personally, I fought with the idea of studying computer science for a while before I settled on nursing. I work in healthcare and already love my job, and I figure that working 3 days a week as a nurse and being comfortably middle class will give me a very solid platform to develop my computer related skills on my own time, and maybe eventually start my own business or work part time somewhere else. [editline]3rd March 2015[/editline] I think one big thing that you should remember, given that you are in year 11, is don't go to university just because "that's what comes after high school." I know there are people who will adamantly disagree with me and insist that university is an essential token to success, but I don't buy into that idea and I don't think you should either. There are numerous fulfilling careers you can get into without a degree, period, be it something entrepreneurial, something low-skill but still enjoyable to you, or something that relies on trade school or apprenticeship rather than the standard university experience. Just remember that even if you decide university IS going to be the best thing for you, you don't have to go straight out of secondary school. Take your time and decide what will actually make you happy and help you live the life that you actually want to live, don't just jump into university immediately without any clue what to do just because you feel it's what you're supposed to do. Average student loan debt in America is nearly $30,000 for the class of 2013. You don't want to be bogged down with $30,000 in bills that will follow you for years to come unless you actually a) have a reason and desire for attending university and b) will have a means of paying for it in the end. Take your time and pull the trigger when you actually feel confident and secure about it.

Wow thanks guys, means a lot to me. I will take some time to consider and look at my available options. [QUOTE=killerteacup;47246992]Hey - where are you abouts in Australia? I'm doing a degree in computer science right now and I have to say it really depends on what uni you're looking to go to (If you decide to). I'm really, really enjoying my degree, but I know a lot of other unis don't offer a good standard of computing degree yet.[/QUOTE] Near Canberra, about an hour.

[QUOTE=AnonTakesOver;47248610]Wow thanks guys, means a lot to me. I will take some time to consider and look at my available options. Near Canberra, about an hour.[/QUOTE] So you'd be going to ANU? It's a really good research university, though they don't teach C/C++ as a foundational language, which isn't great in my view. Good reputation though and it liaises with the CSIRO which has some good opportunities when it comes to comp sci If you're planning on moving to Sydney, UNSW for computer science or bust. Melbourne, not sure, though RMIT would be my guess. Not sure about other unis.

I would be in Year 12 in the UK, turning 17 this year too. Last year I left school at the end of year 11 after doing all my tests to start an apprenticeship in 3D modelling/CGI advertising. I've been here for about 8 months and it's an extremely chilled out workplace. Everyone is really relaxed, there's no "You must have a suit and tie, be in exactly at 9:00AM" shit. All of this + me personally enjoying 3D modelling I think helps a lot. I don't really miss school, I just miss seeing most of my friends every day and doing shit with them. Quite a few people have said to me "Ohh but you're gonna miss Uni!" And then go on about all the shit that happens, but on the other hand I hear a ton of people saying how it's a waste of time and such. I guess it's a mix of what you actually want to do and how much effort you want to put into learning stuff yourself, and maybe even looking for any available apprenticeship positions

Yes, and honestly, I'm sort of regretting it. It's been a big waste of money for me so far. I've learned more on my own about programming and CS concepts than I have in college. And a degree isn't necessarily needed in most CS related jobs if you have the certs and work to back up your knowledge. A degree is just icing on the cake for a job. Very very expensive icing that doesn't really make the cake taste better, but makes it look pretty. Not saying that will be the case for you. A lot of people have a great time during college/uni and learn a lot of things. And it obviously depends on your field of interest. It's just for me, it hasn't really been worth it so far. I haven't learned much more than I already knew and I've wasted a lot of money in the process. Maybe it'll get better if I continue to press on and get my Bachelor's but I'm just not certain yet.

[QUOTE=Rahu X;47273252]Yes, and honestly, I'm sort of regretting it. It's been a big waste of money for me so far. I've learned more on my own about programming and CS concepts than I have in college. And a degree isn't necessarily needed in most CS related jobs if you have the certs and work to back up your knowledge. A degree is just icing on the cake for a job. Very very expensive icing that doesn't really make the cake taste better, but makes it look pretty. Not saying that will be the case for you. A lot of people have a great time during college/uni and learn a lot of things. And it obviously depends on your field of interest. It's just for me, it hasn't really been worth it so far. I haven't learned much more than I already knew and I've wasted a lot of money in the process. Maybe it'll get better if I continue to press on and get my Bachelor's but I'm just not certain yet.[/QUOTE] Well I am first year into Math and I think it is helping me brush my math skills :).