I have a bachelor's degree in economics and am finishing a master's degree in applied informatics. Since my undergraduate background is not computer science, I'm wondering how employers are likely to view my qualifications compared with someone who has a computer science bachelor's degree. Would this combination be competitive for software, data, or other technology roles, and what could I do to strengthen my chances in the job market?
2 Answers
An informatics degree is still clearly tech-related, so it isn’t automatically a disadvantage. The current entry-level market is crowded, though, and employers often expect practical experience in addition to a degree. Build and publish a few substantial projects, gain internship or freelance experience if possible, and be ready to demonstrate your technical skills. Your economics background could also be useful for data-focused roles, business analysis, or technology project work, while junior development positions are still possible if your programming foundation is strong.
For many larger companies, automated screening and recruiters may favor conventional computer science credentials when they are comparing a large pool of applicants. A master’s in applied informatics can still get you considered, but you should make the technical side unmistakable: list relevant coursework, technologies, projects, deployments, and measurable results. A complex project that you actually finish and ship will usually help more than simply adding another certificate.
The importance of the degree title can depend heavily on the country. In Germany, for example, employers have traditionally paid closer attention to formal qualifications and the exact degree background.