What to do when you are a disgruntled Computer Science student

Computer Science (and Engineering) has become an oversaturated subject in this country. Countless students enrol in this major every year hoping for great career prospects. Eventually, many become disgruntled with the subject, yours truly included. 

But how do you deal with hating your CS/E major, and how do you move forward?

I enrolled at my university during the pandemic, and like many students during that period, I felt directionless. I needed to start the next chapter of my academic life but was unsure of what path to take. Due to being considered "tech-savvy" (I spent an unhealthy amount of time playing video games and watching movies on my computer), my parents advised me to study CSE. Without putting much thought into the whole ordeal, I enrolled.

The first few semesters were fun and easy, but once I started the Data Structures course, I realised the dire predicament I had put myself in. Then, moving on to Algorithms, I became very confident in my hatred for coding. Somehow passing several anguishing semesters, I made it to my third year, where my mind alternated between wanting to finish the degree as soon as possible and pivoting into something else entirely. 

Of course, if you are genuinely passionate about Computer Science and coding, this programme might be the best thing in the world. But if you are genuinely passionate about hating Computer Science and coding, CS/E can be your kryptonite.

Much like Superman finding ways to overcome a kryptonite affliction, I began to think of ways to make the best of the scenario. Statistically speaking, not just CS/E students but most engineering majors regret their fields of study and look for alternative career options. And the one good thing about CS/E is that your options are more open than you think. 

The main issue I have with CSE is the coding and mathematical aspects. Other people might struggle with the theoretical side of things. First, you need to understand what about the field you particularly do not like and then search for alternative ways to utilise your degree. Secondly, you need to understand what it is that actually interests you. 

In my case, I prefer creative work which does not involve coding, so I started exploring different avenues and figured UI/UX design is one of the better career choices for me. Even though I have only recently started to learn UI/UX designing, it is something I am having fun doing. I also really enjoy writing and am trying my best to improve on this professionally. This led me to see data journalism and technical writing as other viable options. 

Your preferences will obviously vary. If you like the mathematical side but not so much the coding, maybe data analytics is the way for you. Perhaps you do like coding but not the math. Then, software or web development could be more up your alley. 

However, not everyone has the luxury to completely pivot to a different major. It is also important to realise whether you are struggling with the major in particular or with academics in general. So, based on your own assessment, you could explore other possibilities within your respective field or consider switching to a different line altogether. 

I am still trying to figure out what I am meant to do. But what I have learned is that if you can invest real thought and time, you can circumvent the woes of being a CS/E student and find your true calling. If possible, connect with CS/E graduates who did something different that they enjoyed after getting their degree. Counsel and advice can help you immensely in figuring out what to do. Along with that, by exploring your abilities and doing enough research, you can find hope amidst the struggles of this major and realise that you have a lot of choices. 

Sabil is a student of BRAC University.