Careers after TESU Degree

[spohara]

I'll second the checkbox nature of the degree but also say that you can absolutely fill in the gaps. There is a ton to learn through industry certs and the like, and not knowing exactly what you want to do with the degree, it is flexible. You can become a developer, move into data science, do tech support, get into cybersecurity. I've seen people with CS degrees do all of these things.

For my own story, I have been pursuing data science and needed a checkbox degree. I've picked up data science skills through other academic study, certs, and on the job work. But after I was almost finished my CS coursework, another opportunity presented itself, and I started working on the "business side" of software development, and ended up getting promoted to a program manager position right after my degree was conferred. It worked out well for me that I didn't over-specialize in data science, as the general CS degree will serve me well for this role and now I'm looking at Engineering Management for my masters. I had every intention of specializing and I'd still very much like to end up closer to working in data one day. But life is unpredictable, so I recommend taking a flexible path and committing only when a clear career path presents itself.