Should You Major in Computer Science?

Choosing a major in college is an important step in plotting your future career path, and with all the exciting developments going on in the tech industry it’s easy to get excited about the professional prospects that come with majoring in computer science.

However, you need to remember that just because a certain career path is popular,that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one for you. Majoring in a discipline that you don’t like is not a good idea; however, it often takes some insight into a subject before you know definitively if it’s the right choice for you. So here are a few things to think about when considering whether you should major in computer science.

It’s Your Choice

This is your life and nobody else’s, so don’t let someone else force you into studying for a computer science degree against your will. It’s true that the benefits of specializing in this field can be great – just look at the impressive recruiting material from some tech companies – but money doesn’t buy happiness, and all the perks in the world won’t do much good if you’re miserable going to work every day. While your parents might disagree with your decision, and they may be paying for your education, it’s important to remember that your career should be satisfying and not a daily struggle.

It’s Challenging

Society’s current obsession with instant gratification can easily obscure the fact that just because something is difficult does not mean it can’t be enjoyable or worthwhile. In fact, it’s often the case that the most fulfilling things in life are goals that you have to work hard to achieve. The personal investment you make can serve as a badge of honor as long as the achievement is something you want in the first place.

Computer science can be very hard – even the introductory courses – so don’t get your abilities confused with a lack of interest, get discouraged and give up quickly. Everyone has a learning curve, and it’s often surprising how much you can achieve just by simply working hard.

The Right Personality

You want to make sure your personal attributes will help you succeed in computer science, so it’s important to check to make sure your strengths align with what is required to excel in the subject. Technical fields like this require traits that are broadly useful – such as responsibility, maturity, attention to detail, organization and determination. If you’re unorganized or give up too easily, you should probably take steps to improve in those areas as well as really think about what field of study you want to pursue.

It’s Never Too Late

Just as you should not commit yourself to a college major you won’t enjoy, it’s going to be a long, unfulfilling career if you end up in a field you don’t enjoy. But fear not, if you have found that using your computer science degree professionally is not providing the career fulfillment you desire, there are many options out there to continue your education in a different area and make a switch. So if you crave increased human interaction, look into options one of the many online accredited teacher certification programs. It’s important not to give up hope on your career and remember that there are always choices out there if you look hard enough.