Distance learning through online university whilst working or self-learning whilst working?

Question

I am going to be attending an online university (the open university) very soon in computing and IT with a focus on software engineering, in total because of the time line it'll be around 4 to 6 years because of some of the flexibility in study times during the year. I see that as such a long waste of time, but then again getting a degree, a small piece of paper I still feel can make a difference sometimes, even nowadays where people shouldn't judge based on just a degree qualification . I'm not sure whether to completely leave the uni and work whilst self learning. Or continue to begin uni, work in the similar field and gain experience and study that way as I can work and study at the same time due to studies being completely online. But just going through some job applications and it's more so companies asking for experience in certain areas of computing rather than asking for a degree. Especially if I finish a degree they could just treat you like a fresh graduate and then having to work your way up again

Answer 1

Thanks. Most companies visit my University for recruitment. So, Apart from projects, I prepared for the recruitment process. You need good understanding of DS and algo for project based companies. Apart from DS, algo, you also need good understanding of basics of computer science like OS, Networking, OOP, Databases, Low-level Design etc.
Most important skill that you would need to get an offer from a good company is problem solving skill.

Answer 2

Do both if you can manage the time.

Answer 3

The degree and work experience will both help you in your future job prospects.

Answer 4

Yeah. If you can manage it you should go for it. From what I have experienced, if you want to work as a developer for a good company that pays decent, you need to have some degree in the related field (Exceptions maybe there).

Answer 5

From my personal experience, if you want to work as a developer, having degree helps a lot.

Answer 6

And I'm starting out from nothing, as in I've always been into tech, but originally I was studying to get into pharmacy and I didn't like it, so I wanted get involved in tech but properly and actually make an impact as well too in the future with it

Answer 7

I get you, makes sense, did you yourself go through the uni study route too??

Answer 8

Also were you able to get work in the related field and move up that way, or what are you currently doing if you don't mind me asking

Answer 9

That's really great to hear man, congrats🙌🏼 also what kind of steps were you putting in place to get offered a role, or just applying to different places. Also in this time of studying do you kinda create your own portfolio of code, etc to show as well

Answer 10

Thank you so much for that man, helps a lot when trying to be reassured in what to stick with and what not to do. Praying that you guys find more success in your life and that it will always keep growing 🙏🏼

Answer 11

Thank you

Answer 12

Also just a quick one, what do you mean by DS, data structure? Just need getting used to the lingo lol

Answer 13

Thanks guys, I appreciate it

Answer 14

if you can do both without any constraints (work while studying for uni), then why not? tbh, although i feel that there is indeed a high gap between working and studying at uni, at least when you study at uni you will learn to broaden your perspective or mindset in solving a problem (and i think this is an advantage)

Answer 15

Wow, didn't expect support so quickly haha. But yh thing with this degree is you can pay per module so it's not a thing where I have to stay there throughout the entire thing, but then again it would still help a lot sometimes with having that extra qualification

Answer 16

Yes DS is data structures, algo is algorithms

Answer 17

Yh that's it I guess, just gotta really manage my time well and keep to a good and healthy lifestyle whilst at it too. Not the type of person to go out much with friends anyways but more than willing to go work and gain more experience

Answer 18

Hello

Answer 19

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