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0 pointsqwerpy1y ago0 comments

I somewhat regret my math degree, which was in addition to my CSE degree. I didn't need to learn complex analysis or Galois theory. I've forgotten all of it. CS was rigorous enough for my 20 years working in software engineering. Instead, I should have done a study abroad semester or two.

I will tell my kids my mistakes and recommend that they don't "put all their skill points into math/engineering/etc" in college.

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hbogert1y ago

what should your kids do then? Do you mean it subtly as in, also do the debate team instead of extra classes of math? That's probably good advise I guess.

However, if you mean they shouldn't choose engineering as a major: I don't regret my CS degree at all, even though i hated it at the time. The logic and scientific rigor helps me in the most practical things in every day to day things at work by being consciously analytic.

qwerpyOP1y ago

The former. Still get the degree they need for the career they want, but explore other subjects, extracurriculars, sports, exchange programs, etc. I focused almost entirely on "take the hardest CS and math classes" so that I'd have a better chance at a good job. Turns out I didn't need to do that. Could've gotten the same jobs but had a more enriching college experience.

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0 pointsqwerpy1y ago0 comments

I will tell my kids my mistakes and recommend that they don't "put all their skill points into math/engineering/etc" in college.

0 comments

hbogert1y ago

what should your kids do then? Do you mean it subtly as in, also do the debate team instead of extra classes of math? That's probably good advise I guess.

qwerpyOP1y ago

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse