I'm a junior majoring in Stats & Data Science, and I worked as an actuary over the summer but realized it's not for me. I'm eager to transition into software development. I've completed relevant courses like Discrete Math and Linear Algebra due to my major, and I took CS50 for fun last year, plus AP Comp Sci in high school. I also frequently use Python, R, and SQL for my data studies. Since switching to a CS major isn't an option for me, I'm planning to self-learn. Given that I'm not starting completely from scratch, I'm curious about the timeline if I can dedicate 30-40 hours a week to studying. Can I realistically be ready for junior developer roles in 9 months with around 1500 hours of study? I need to be able to build projects quickly. Thanks!
2 Answers
I think it’s realistic to aim for 30-40 hours a week for 9 months. Be sure to learn data structures and algorithms, and consider looking for internships to gain some hands-on experience as well. Just keep in mind it’s a competitive field, so you might have to really stand out to get noticed without a CS degree.
It sounds like you have a solid foundation already, so yes, you could definitely be ready in that timeframe! Just focus on learning the key concepts and frameworks, and make sure to practice coding regularly. Good luck!
Do you think having a Stats and Data Science degree would hurt my chances, just because it's not in CS?