Which masters degree should I pursue?

[jazzerina]

I hope I don't get chased off this forum for asking a personal question, but here goes...

 

I am a rising senior who is about to earn a bachelor of arts in communication.

I've never been thoroughly excited about the potential career opportunities that fall under this major. So far this summer, I've really been racking my brain to try to figure out what I would really love to do for the next 40 years of my life.

While I was helping (really just staring over his shoulders) a software engineering friend with one of his projects, I realized that this was the most fun I had doing anything that could lead to a career.

With that, I decided I'd like to pursue a career in software engineers (and yes -- I have researched the field and several other computer-related fields).

After much tedious research, I've decided that I will be able to minor in computer science within the next two semesters -- which is great because most graduate schools accept both majors and minors in computer science!

My question is: Should I go for a masters in software engineering, or do employers prefer candidates with a more well-rounded skill set in the field?

Should I get a masters in software engineering, computer science, or...?

 

And also, related to this question, is it impossible to get a software engineering job while I'm also in graduate school with just a minor in computer science?

Thank you in advance for your responses!

[Daedalus]

Most companies require you to have a Bachelor of Software Engineering (B.SE) or related degree before they will hire you. However, that isn't necessarily true as I have worked for companies that care more about experience than which degree you have. As for going for a masters degree, it can help if you want to go for a management position such as being a Project Manager, Director of Engineering, etc... However, you will still need to have sufficient experience before you will be able to get that type of position. As for getting a software engineering position while going to graduate school, you might be able to land an internship. However, you have to realize that software engineering can demand a lot of a person's time.

 

Now let's talk about the job because even though I find it as enjoyable as you do, it's not entirely all fun and games. Software engineers not only have to be able to develop their part of the program, but also be able to work in a stressful environment where you have to meet the expected deadlines and be able to deal with any problems that might arise within the code base. It really isn't a job for the weak at heart. I've had my ass chewed because the owner(s) of the company found a glitch in the games, but then I've also been awarded to a nice dinner or trip to Vegas for fixing such bugs in a timely manner. I'm not trying to discourage you from becoming a software engineer. I only want you to be aware that, even though we love the job, it really can be a pain in the arse. Plus, you will need to work on your math skills so that you can create algorithms that you would otherwise not be able to without the math.

 

In closing, I have over 12 years experience in the industry, and I must say that the good outweighs the bad. I even got to meet Drew Carey and Pamela Anderson at G2E (worlds largest casino gaming expo) in Las Vegas, and they even autographed my badge. So if you don't mind a lot of hard work, getting chewed out, and having to deal with extremely stressful situations, then by all means I encourage you to pursue the career path.

 

Edited June 17, 2013 by Daedalus

[jazzerina]

Most companies require you to have a Bachelor of Software Engineering (B.SE) or related degree before they will hire you. However, that isn't necessarily true as I have worked for companies that care more about experience than which degree you have. As for going for a masters degree, it can help if you want to go for a management position such as being a Project Manager, Director of Engineering, etc... However, you will still need to have sufficient experience before you will be able to get that type of position. As for getting a software engineering position while going to graduate school, you might be able to land an internship. However, you have to realize that software engineering can demand a lot of a person's time.

 

Now let's talk about the job because even though I find it as enjoyable as you do, it's not entirely all fun and games. Software engineers not only have to be able to develop their part of the program, but also be able to work in a stressful environment where you have to meet the expected deadlines and be able to deal with any problems that might arise within the code base. It really isn't a job for the weak at heart. I've had my ass chewed because the owner(s) of the company found a glitch in the games, but then I've also been awarded to a nice dinner or trip to Vegas for fixing such bugs in a timely manner. I'm not trying to discourage you from becoming a software engineer. I only want you to be aware that, even though we love the job, it really can be a pain in the arse. Plus, you will need to work on your math skills so that you can create algorithms that you would otherwise not be able to without the math.

 

In closing, I have over 12 years experience in the industry, and I must say that the good outweighs the bad. I even got to meet Drew Carey and Pamela Anderson at G2E (worlds largest casino gaming expo) in Las Vegas, and they even autographed my badge. So if you don't mind a lot of hard work, getting chewed out, and having to deal with extremely stressful situations, then by all means I encourage you to pursue the career path.

 

DirectorOfEngineering.jpg

 

Thank you for your response! I do believe that I can keep up with the math end of this, I've already taken such math courses as discrete math and all levels of calculus and received A grades in all of them (math was my best subject in grade school). Also, my serious training as a ballerina and being trained by the toughest and meanest of them has given me the tough skin I believe you're talking about!

Edited June 17, 2013 by jazzerina

[Daedalus]

Thank you for your response! I do believe that I can keep up with the math end of this, I've already taken such math courses as discrete math and all levels of calculus and received A grades in all of them (math was my best subject in grade school). Also, my serious training as a ballerina and being trained by the toughest and meanest of them has given me the tough skin I believe you're talking about!

 

If you truly want to become a software engineer, then I say go for it!!! Not only will you be able to use your abilities in mathematics, but also the pay isn't bad either. Plus it doesn't hurt having already been disciplined and exposed to criticism as a ballerina. Although being a ballerina isn't the same as a software engineer, you will find that you will refer back to that training when dealing with such stressful environments. I know being a musician and a mathematician has helped me tremendously because I can take the pressure / criticism as well as figure things out much easier, which translates into my career more than you would imagine.

 

Oh... and welcome to the Science Forums. I hope you find this site as enjoyable as I do. If you need any help, don't be afraid to ask me or any of our mods / experts

Edited June 17, 2013 by Daedalus

[matthewmath]

Yes you are right Mr. Daedalus. Now a days most of companies requires Software Engineering passed out candidate with experience. There is no issue if you have Bachelor degree also.