ipractice
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
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I know there are quite a few CS/Software engineers on here, and I was wondering if I could get an opinion on my upcoming career choices.
Currently, I'm a temp working for Google and I mostly do front end work that isn't very technical. On occasion, I get a chance to work with engineers on back end things and I've gained an interest in the field. I've always been extremely comfortable on a computer, and also don't mind the rigorous hours of coding required (already spend 3/4 my day on a computer). Problem is, my college degree is in political science, no where close to any form of software engineering.
The MAIN reason I never pursued a CS degree in undergrad was because I hated math. I took up to calc 2 in college because of pre-reqs and never managed to pull off more then a passing grades (C, B average), whatever it took to get by. I would accredit a large part of this due to a lack of trying and interest in the subject, but still admit math is a weak point of mine. I do, honestly believe, that I could do much better if I put more effort into it. Math requirements for CS or anything engineering seemed too difficult for me at the time though. I also believe I have the analytic skills necessary for engineering, although my quantitative skills might be lacking.
But I recently heard about engineering bootcamps which seem to be growing in popularity in the bay area, 9-12 week crash courses which claim can train you to become a software engineer and have extremely high percentages of success rate. Some are claiming as high as 98% hire rate coming out of the programs with average salaries between 80k-110k. Sounds like a scam right? But from everything I've read online, including credible tech blogs like wired, tech crunch, etc, have been nothing but extremely positive. I know that these types of bootcamps will not give me the same education as a degree, but if it can get me started a career in the field I'm willing to take it.
So have any of you guys heard of these bootcamps or have any opinions on them? And do you think my weak background in math is going to hold me back too much? How meticulous of a person do you have to be? I'm willing to hear about any other opinions/advice on the field too. With the tech boom going on in SF lately, it seems like a field worth going into.
Currently, I'm a temp working for Google and I mostly do front end work that isn't very technical. On occasion, I get a chance to work with engineers on back end things and I've gained an interest in the field. I've always been extremely comfortable on a computer, and also don't mind the rigorous hours of coding required (already spend 3/4 my day on a computer). Problem is, my college degree is in political science, no where close to any form of software engineering.
The MAIN reason I never pursued a CS degree in undergrad was because I hated math. I took up to calc 2 in college because of pre-reqs and never managed to pull off more then a passing grades (C, B average), whatever it took to get by. I would accredit a large part of this due to a lack of trying and interest in the subject, but still admit math is a weak point of mine. I do, honestly believe, that I could do much better if I put more effort into it. Math requirements for CS or anything engineering seemed too difficult for me at the time though. I also believe I have the analytic skills necessary for engineering, although my quantitative skills might be lacking.
But I recently heard about engineering bootcamps which seem to be growing in popularity in the bay area, 9-12 week crash courses which claim can train you to become a software engineer and have extremely high percentages of success rate. Some are claiming as high as 98% hire rate coming out of the programs with average salaries between 80k-110k. Sounds like a scam right? But from everything I've read online, including credible tech blogs like wired, tech crunch, etc, have been nothing but extremely positive. I know that these types of bootcamps will not give me the same education as a degree, but if it can get me started a career in the field I'm willing to take it.
So have any of you guys heard of these bootcamps or have any opinions on them? And do you think my weak background in math is going to hold me back too much? How meticulous of a person do you have to be? I'm willing to hear about any other opinions/advice on the field too. With the tech boom going on in SF lately, it seems like a field worth going into.
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