Software Engineer career related question
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I am modifying my previous post as was requested before by some users and try to be more clear. I was asking for some advice in my situation if it is possible of course. The thing is I will soon be 27 and I have a BSc/MSc in Computer Science, however my MSc was more information security related. So far I have been working more into administrative/organizational matters. The small dilemma I have now is following. The thing is I like programming and that is the only (or the main) reason why I am thinking to go to software engineering (SE) career. But then I am thinking-it maybe the case that after some years, when I progress more on my career, I maybe not busy with programming anymore; i.e., maybe because I went as a software architect or project management. But again that means I will not be doing something (programming) for which I chose this career some time ago. So maybe I should go for something else? Maybe information security? Or combine it with SE somehow? (and find such suitable job). Or regardless what I will do, still do programming on my own? Well. :)))) You can see how puzzled I am by these things?!. I will appreciate some input and thanks to all people who replied previously.
Best Wishes.
You need to edit this post into 2 or 3 individual paragraphs.
"the meat from that butcher is just the dogs danglies, absolutely amazing cuts of beef." - DaveAuld (2011)
"No, that is just the earthly manifestation of the Great God Retardon." - Nagy Vilmos (2011) "It is the celestial scrotum of good luck!" - Nagy Vilmos (2011) "But you probably have the smoothest scrotum of any grown man" - Pete O'Hanlon (2012) -
I am modifying my previous post as was requested before by some users and try to be more clear. I was asking for some advice in my situation if it is possible of course. The thing is I will soon be 27 and I have a BSc/MSc in Computer Science, however my MSc was more information security related. So far I have been working more into administrative/organizational matters. The small dilemma I have now is following. The thing is I like programming and that is the only (or the main) reason why I am thinking to go to software engineering (SE) career. But then I am thinking-it maybe the case that after some years, when I progress more on my career, I maybe not busy with programming anymore; i.e., maybe because I went as a software architect or project management. But again that means I will not be doing something (programming) for which I chose this career some time ago. So maybe I should go for something else? Maybe information security? Or combine it with SE somehow? (and find such suitable job). Or regardless what I will do, still do programming on my own? Well. :)))) You can see how puzzled I am by these things?!. I will appreciate some input and thanks to all people who replied previously.
Best Wishes.
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That is a tough question. You did not mention what field your degrees are in, but I am guessing it is not Computer Science. I would say that if you like software development and are good at it, why not go for it? Once you get a little experience under your belt, you might discover that you are even better at project or product management, your career could take off in that direction and you would still be doing what you enjoy. Good luck, whatever you decide to do. Soren Madsen
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I am modifying my previous post as was requested before by some users and try to be more clear. I was asking for some advice in my situation if it is possible of course. The thing is I will soon be 27 and I have a BSc/MSc in Computer Science, however my MSc was more information security related. So far I have been working more into administrative/organizational matters. The small dilemma I have now is following. The thing is I like programming and that is the only (or the main) reason why I am thinking to go to software engineering (SE) career. But then I am thinking-it maybe the case that after some years, when I progress more on my career, I maybe not busy with programming anymore; i.e., maybe because I went as a software architect or project management. But again that means I will not be doing something (programming) for which I chose this career some time ago. So maybe I should go for something else? Maybe information security? Or combine it with SE somehow? (and find such suitable job). Or regardless what I will do, still do programming on my own? Well. :)))) You can see how puzzled I am by these things?!. I will appreciate some input and thanks to all people who replied previously.
Best Wishes.
There is no reason you have to stop programming (if you still like doing it down the road). It is a dilemna many face. There is a fork in the road on career paths. Choose to lead or choose to do. Those that get got in the middle are often given "Lead" roles as Principal and Staff Engineers. Those that never show ambition to "Lead" tend to plateua at Sr. level. Those that end up liking the leadership more than the doing, continue down that path into management. You need not make the choice now. And honestly there is no way you can make it now. You make it as doors open for you. Sometimes you have to fight for a chance to show you can lead and be the main designer. Sometimes you are forced to do it at entry level. It depends on the job. The fact is no one can answer it for you because you yourself can not even answer it yet. Try the show on for a while. If it fits and is confortable keep wearing it. If it does not feel right and you get blisters switch back or get a new pair.
Computers have been intelligent for a long time now. It just so happens that the program writers are about as effective as a room full of monkeys trying to crank out a copy of Hamlet.
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There is no reason you have to stop programming (if you still like doing it down the road). It is a dilemna many face. There is a fork in the road on career paths. Choose to lead or choose to do. Those that get got in the middle are often given "Lead" roles as Principal and Staff Engineers. Those that never show ambition to "Lead" tend to plateua at Sr. level. Those that end up liking the leadership more than the doing, continue down that path into management. You need not make the choice now. And honestly there is no way you can make it now. You make it as doors open for you. Sometimes you have to fight for a chance to show you can lead and be the main designer. Sometimes you are forced to do it at entry level. It depends on the job. The fact is no one can answer it for you because you yourself can not even answer it yet. Try the show on for a while. If it fits and is confortable keep wearing it. If it does not feel right and you get blisters switch back or get a new pair.
Computers have been intelligent for a long time now. It just so happens that the program writers are about as effective as a room full of monkeys trying to crank out a copy of Hamlet.
Thank you for your feedback. I think I will give a try to "something"; and then hope it won't be too late to change "roles" e.g., from software engineer, to information security related path or vice versa. depending on how things will develop... :)
best regards.
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I am modifying my previous post as was requested before by some users and try to be more clear. I was asking for some advice in my situation if it is possible of course. The thing is I will soon be 27 and I have a BSc/MSc in Computer Science, however my MSc was more information security related. So far I have been working more into administrative/organizational matters. The small dilemma I have now is following. The thing is I like programming and that is the only (or the main) reason why I am thinking to go to software engineering (SE) career. But then I am thinking-it maybe the case that after some years, when I progress more on my career, I maybe not busy with programming anymore; i.e., maybe because I went as a software architect or project management. But again that means I will not be doing something (programming) for which I chose this career some time ago. So maybe I should go for something else? Maybe information security? Or combine it with SE somehow? (and find such suitable job). Or regardless what I will do, still do programming on my own? Well. :)))) You can see how puzzled I am by these things?!. I will appreciate some input and thanks to all people who replied previously.
Best Wishes.
You remind me of me when I first graduated from college a few years back. My thoughts 1. Don't stress out. These things have a way of working themselves out on what you want to do. 2. Back when I was in college I really wanted to get into some field of computer graphics. It was and still is a strong passion of mine. However, things never worked themselves out for me to get into that position. As I was working in other related fields I was gaining more experience and enjoying the programming that I am doing even though its not something related to computer graphics. 3. As some have stated you'll start to figure out what you like and what you don't like. And also as another person posted the things you like now you may not like a few years from now. Just make the best choices you can in your career and learn. 4. Now matter what choice you make you are going to learn many great things that can be applied to all fields. So soak up all the knowledge and experience you can even if the chores they assign you seem mundane. You'll appreciate it later in your career. Trust me on this. 5. It's a good thing that you are reaching out to this community for advice. Keep that up. Many people here have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to help you out. So keep close to a community like this one. Because becoming a well rounded developer, manager, or whatever is never a one day thing, but an ongoing learning experience. 6. Have fun and enjoy life. :) I hope these thoughts helped you out.
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I am modifying my previous post as was requested before by some users and try to be more clear. I was asking for some advice in my situation if it is possible of course. The thing is I will soon be 27 and I have a BSc/MSc in Computer Science, however my MSc was more information security related. So far I have been working more into administrative/organizational matters. The small dilemma I have now is following. The thing is I like programming and that is the only (or the main) reason why I am thinking to go to software engineering (SE) career. But then I am thinking-it maybe the case that after some years, when I progress more on my career, I maybe not busy with programming anymore; i.e., maybe because I went as a software architect or project management. But again that means I will not be doing something (programming) for which I chose this career some time ago. So maybe I should go for something else? Maybe information security? Or combine it with SE somehow? (and find such suitable job). Or regardless what I will do, still do programming on my own? Well. :)))) You can see how puzzled I am by these things?!. I will appreciate some input and thanks to all people who replied previously.
Best Wishes.
I am modifying my previous post as was requested before by some users and try to be more clear. I was asking for some advice in my situation if it is possible of course. The thing is I will soon be 27 and I have a BSc/MSc in Computer Science. However, my MSc was more information security related. So far I have been working more into administrative/organizational matters. The small dilemma I have now is following. The thing is I like programming and that is the only (or the main) reason why I am thinking to go to software engineering (SE) career. I am thinking-it maybe the case that after some years, when I progress more on my career, I maybe not busy with programming anymore; i.e., maybe because I went as a software architect or project management. Again that means I will not be doing something (programming) for which I chose this career some time ago. So maybe I should go for something else? Maybe information security? Or combine it with SE somehow? (and find such suitable job). Or regardless what I will do, still do programming on my own? Well. ))) You can see how puzzled I am by these things?!. I will appreciate some input and thanks to all people who replied previously. -- This is what I was talking about.
"the meat from that butcher is just the dogs danglies, absolutely amazing cuts of beef." - DaveAuld (2011)
"No, that is just the earthly manifestation of the Great God Retardon." - Nagy Vilmos (2011) "It is the celestial scrotum of good luck!" - Nagy Vilmos (2011) "But you probably have the smoothest scrotum of any grown man" - Pete O'Hanlon (2012) -
I am modifying my previous post as was requested before by some users and try to be more clear. I was asking for some advice in my situation if it is possible of course. The thing is I will soon be 27 and I have a BSc/MSc in Computer Science. However, my MSc was more information security related. So far I have been working more into administrative/organizational matters. The small dilemma I have now is following. The thing is I like programming and that is the only (or the main) reason why I am thinking to go to software engineering (SE) career. I am thinking-it maybe the case that after some years, when I progress more on my career, I maybe not busy with programming anymore; i.e., maybe because I went as a software architect or project management. Again that means I will not be doing something (programming) for which I chose this career some time ago. So maybe I should go for something else? Maybe information security? Or combine it with SE somehow? (and find such suitable job). Or regardless what I will do, still do programming on my own? Well. ))) You can see how puzzled I am by these things?!. I will appreciate some input and thanks to all people who replied previously. -- This is what I was talking about.
"the meat from that butcher is just the dogs danglies, absolutely amazing cuts of beef." - DaveAuld (2011)
"No, that is just the earthly manifestation of the Great God Retardon." - Nagy Vilmos (2011) "It is the celestial scrotum of good luck!" - Nagy Vilmos (2011) "But you probably have the smoothest scrotum of any grown man" - Pete O'Hanlon (2012) -
You remind me of me when I first graduated from college a few years back. My thoughts 1. Don't stress out. These things have a way of working themselves out on what you want to do. 2. Back when I was in college I really wanted to get into some field of computer graphics. It was and still is a strong passion of mine. However, things never worked themselves out for me to get into that position. As I was working in other related fields I was gaining more experience and enjoying the programming that I am doing even though its not something related to computer graphics. 3. As some have stated you'll start to figure out what you like and what you don't like. And also as another person posted the things you like now you may not like a few years from now. Just make the best choices you can in your career and learn. 4. Now matter what choice you make you are going to learn many great things that can be applied to all fields. So soak up all the knowledge and experience you can even if the chores they assign you seem mundane. You'll appreciate it later in your career. Trust me on this. 5. It's a good thing that you are reaching out to this community for advice. Keep that up. Many people here have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to help you out. So keep close to a community like this one. Because becoming a well rounded developer, manager, or whatever is never a one day thing, but an ongoing learning experience. 6. Have fun and enjoy life. :) I hope these thoughts helped you out.
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It's BSc/MSc in Computer Science; although MSc had a focus on Information Security. The thing now is as I said, if I compare programming with InfoSec, the main difference is that programming is something that I like. But I was thinking if in any case after some years I may end up with not doing programming even if I choose software engineering path (as I explained in my previous post) maybe it is worth doing something else? Also, I am considering my age and that's why I am asking. Thanks for clarifications.
best regards.
I'm more than twice your age and I'm still cranking out code for a living - mostly embedded processing and some desktop applications in support of the embedded products...maybe I'm one of the lucky ones :thumbsup:
Steve _________________ I C(++) therefore I am