Should I Major in Software Engineering or Just Learn Programming on the Side?
Asked by
CreativeNinja42
I'm really interested in programming, mainly because I find it exciting to create things like games. However, I'm worried about the typical office job scenario, where you have to deal with bosses and rigid structures. Right now, my programming skills are minimal, and I'm not sure if I would enjoy working in an office or if my dislike stems from my current lack of confidence. Should I just pursue programming on my own without committing to a major, or is it worth going through with a major in software engineering?
Answers
Game development is super competitive and stressful, with lots of overtime crunch that can be really tough. If you just want to create games, maybe keep it a hobby and pursue other development jobs for stability instead.
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Programming can be one of the more independent roles out there. Even when you work in teams, they usually give you the requirements and let you handle things on your own. Plus, freelancing is a fantastic way to carve your own path once you have a solid portfolio.
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If you're just starting out, maybe try diving into some free online resources and see if you enjoy building things yourself. That way, you can figure out whether it's the programming itself you like or just the concept of it.
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It’s tough finding a job where you can fully do what you love right off the bat. You might end up working on specific tasks regardless, and while programming seems freeing, you'll likely have some limitations just like in any job.
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InitiativeIvy: I totally get that! Programming can feel daunting, especially when you're stuck on a problem. But I believe it's just a matter of gaining experience and confidence over time.