I've been thinking about how much of my knowledge will actually come from my degree versus what I will need to learn on my own. Recently, I came across technologies like React and JavaScript that aren't taught in my Software Engineering courses, but they're essential in the field. I'm curious about how much I should rely on my college education and how much I should plan to pursue on my own to be competent in my future career. What are your experiences?
6 Answers
Most of my skills were developed outside the classroom. College taught me the basics, but the real world is where I honed my craft. I learned to learn, which makes a big difference when you step into a job.
I think around 90-99% of what you'll use day-to-day comes from learning in the field. Colleges often focus on theory and foundational concepts, which are important, but they don’t teach specific tools and frameworks. The real learning happens when you’re applying your skills in real projects.
You do gain vital foundational skills in college that prepare you for learning later on. However, technology changes so fast that you can’t rely solely on what you learn there. Keep in mind; you’ll always need to adapt and self-teach new languages and frameworks as they evolve.
In my experience, about 90% of what I know is self-taught. The degree gives you a background in how things work, but the practical skills come from experimentation and real projects. Don't underestimate the importance of learning on your own.
To be honest, I’d say almost everything is self-taught. College helps you understand some theory, but it doesn’t keep pace with current industry needs. Most of the new tools are learned independently. It’s key to be proactive and always seek knowledge outside of school.
Honestly, I’d say it’s mostly self-taught. University gives you a roadmap for learning, but a lot of the real knowledge comes from online tutorials, videos, and just building projects. I learned about concepts in school, but most tools I use I picked up outside of class.
That sounds rough! How much of that roadmap was actually covered in your courses?
So true! It seems like actual experience makes learning new concepts way easier.