Bachelors in Science IDK — Thoughts on choosing a Tech Undergraduate program

I remember the days when I was contemplating what course to take, it’s such a big choice and a lot of people talk about it like it’ll dictate what your life is going to look like. I knew I wanted something in Technology but I was lost as any other senior high school student would be. But, I managed to narrow it down to 3 choices: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. I was thinking of ways on how to choose, I was so unsure. In the end, I contemplated on a number of key factors that helped me decide namely Focus and Study, Career, Next steps, and Opportunities.

Focus and Study

The point of a Bachelor’s in my opinion is to explore your interests and to see how the world really feels in my opinion. So I thought of what course I would enjoy the most, which is what I always tell people when they ask me about choosing their course. The first step I took was to read up on their descriptions and look at the subjects in their respective curriculums. Do your research and look at how the school tackles your program.

There was a nagging thought behind my back that Comp Sci wasn’t the course for me. Back then it was “I hate HTML I’m not going there.” It was a gross understatement of the course but my point was I didn’t think Comp Sci would allow me to experiment with topics that I was truly interested in. Now, I’m learning about web development (heavy on HTML, and I’m really enjoying it) and I’m still not keen on taking Computer Science any time soon. The nagging thought about CS in my mind now is: “it’s not for me.” That’s not me saying don’t pick CS but it’s me showing how I’m choosing the course that I know I’ll enjoy and would want to learn. Especially now in an online learning environment, finding even that little bit of excitement and passion for what you’re learning will definitely help you.

Next, I looked at EcE next and it was heavy on the hardware side, but the engineering aspect of it and the new perspective of technology interested me. This made my decision hard because it was interesting to me and I knew I’d enjoy it, but looking at the subjects it was filled with subjects that didn’t really fit what I had in mind to study. The path wasn’t clear to me at the time but I knew that the hardware side wasn’t my main focus of study.

That leaves Computer Engineering. This kind of feels like that “Just right” moment but I think that’s unfair as a description of the course. It’s true that this field marries software with hardware but having been exposed to the course I think it’s more than that. Computer Engineering is learning about the intricacies of both software and hardware and learning how to apply them using the lens of an engineer. I think this course is for people who want to get a good grasp of both in order to be the bridge between the two worlds. However, in the latter part of the course this focuses more on the hardware side. It’s having that engineering perspective to logic and physical systems. Using code as a tool such as coding matrices and using code to aid in decision making rooted in a little bit of statistics and data science. I think this synergised with me at the time because of the tangible applications of the thing’s you’ll learn in CpE and because I wanted to be a software engineer from the get go.

Computer Science delves more on the theoretical and discusses how stuff works on an academic level, Electrical Engineering is the hardware side of things and heavy on electronics and robotics, while CpE is having a foundation for both towards creating systems.

Career

What do you want to achieve from your course?

Although it is a time for exploration, there always is a practical side. Ideally, your bachelor’s will at least prepare you for your intended job or at least path.

Computer Science with it’s roots in computation will lead you to a path towards MIS, Systems Engineers, and the Academe. It’s a little bit more of the academic track and you’ll be looking at systems as a whole.

EcE will lead you towards the hard engineering jobs such as Electrical Engineers and you can even work in other industries such as Energy and Development.

The CpE course in the Ateneo has a focus on microelectronics, you’ll be walking down the path of robotics, energy, and IT.

Next steps

Still unsure about your course?

Don’t worry!

The idea of shifting is taboo in a lot of places, but in the Ateneo, especially in the online environment, shifting is a lot easier. The professors and directors want all of you to succeed and find what you really love. Your first year is mostly full of CORE subjects that everyone takes, so fixing your Individual Program of Study is generally a lot easier especially in your first and second years!

Just put yourself others, join the home orgs of the courses you’re thinking of shifting to. Talk to people in the course, message the upperclassmen. Email the professors. Reach out to the graduates. Ask for advice. They will be glad to talk to you. Take your time and find what you love!

So you’ve decided on a course? Ready to take that extra step?

Join school organisations!

In Ateneo de Manila university’s case, its rich culture and welcoming hospitality will make sure you’re ready for the course and will let you meet your course mates. They’ll definitely have some spicy tips and secrets for you and materials and resources to aid you in your journey! The community is great and they’ll always have your back!

Aim high!

The world of Technology and Engineering is limitless. Even with a bachelor’s degree, and even just focusing on one aspect of Technology or Engineering, there’s so much to learn. More often than not, the things you learn in class are the foundations needed to understand how to actually work in the field you’re working towards. So start early! Join student organisations such as AECES, UXSoc, DSC Loyola, BYTE, and MISA to get a firsthand experiences at what the professional world will feel like and how it’ll be like working for companies. Maybe even apply for internships and volunteer for external groups such as Google Developers Group and AI Pilipinas. Start expanding your network and putting yourself out there.

Pro tip: make a Linkedin and start joining conferences and hackathons, it’s worth it I swear!

A bachelor’s is not a pre-requisite in finding opportunities

Don’t be afraid!

Right now, I’m straying from my intended path as a sophomore and looking into shifting into my school’s BS MIS program — a course I didn’t even know existed. But the practical applications and subjects as well as the business and data science side of the course alongside software development skills are something that are making me rethink my choice and change paths. Shifting is easier than it sounds and I feel like this is the right choice for me and where I’ll be happy.

Ultimately, your course will not define your direction. It will give you an edge definitely and ideally it will prepare you for your intended path but, there’s only so much you can learn from your degree. Get yourself out there, join orgs, try out new things. Follow your heart and find what you really love doing. Take small steps, don’t be afraid to reach out to others for advice, everything’ll be fine. You’ll get there.

Hey! Thanks for reading! If you’d like to chat or talk to me add me on Linkedin!