<p>For someone in their 30's, whose last math class was statistics in undergraduate (not calculus as most do) and with a vague interest in possibly doing a post-bac/2nd degree in CS, what can you guys tell me about the major/field in terms of?: </p>
<p>a.) Job market
b.) What do computer scientists do?
c.) Does age matter for trying to do this work or getting hired?<br>
d.) Difficulty of work? </p>
<p>Really appreciate any input you all could provide. </p>
<p>p.s. For quick background, I graduated in the social sciences and liberal arts, but went to work in our family restaurant business as a co-owner for approx. a decade now, so have not really worked in any science or technology field, but simply have a general interest in it now that I'm selling my ownership to siblings. </p>
<p>I can’t properly address all of this, but I will do my best. I am an incoming college freshman in CS who has already interned at a software company.</p>
<p>A) From what I am hearing, the market is only growing. I am wary of the projections, but I feel confident in saying that the time where CS is oversaturated is a bit of a ways away. Our reliance on technology is only growing, and will continue to require more CS grads. The question becomes “When does the rate of growth of CS grads overtake the rate of jobs available?”, and once it occurs, “What will the gap be and how quickly will it close?”. A source: <a href=“http://csedweek.org/promote”>http://csedweek.org/promote</a></p>
<p>B) Mostly coding and systems management from what I understand. Software designers/engineers, your head of IT at any company with an IT department (can be an IS degree there as well I believe). Personally, I will be trying to go in the software engineering / design route.</p>
<p>C) Not informed enough to know, especially in your case. It is certainly a very youthful field, but ability in it I would assume could trump that.</p>
<p>D) You will need to be strong in Math/Logic in my opinion, to be a good coder at least. I come from a Math/Philosophy background, both of which utilize logical progressions. The work is mentally challenging daily in that you will never have the exact same problem twice. You will always be on your toes. To me, that’s a big plus. It keeps your job interesting and engaging. If you are looking for a monotonous job, this probably isn’t your field.</p>
<p>Any follow up questions, feel free to ask. And take it with a grain of salt as I do not have nearly as much experience in the field as others on here, but I have extensively researched myself, and do have some experience.</p>
<p>I consider myself somewhat well read in the prospects of computer scientists (I’m no one particularly important, I’ve just done my own research on the field). As far as I know, it’s not too late for you. A computer scientist/programmer is only looked at for their skill, not age or other physiological factors. If you can program well and understand the concepts of algorithms and computer science in general then you’re good to go.
As PengsPhils pointed out the computer science field is in high demand, there are TONS of companies hiring programmers straight out of school, they even hire hobbyists and hackers, like I said it’s all about skill. Even if you don’t have a degree or some sort of formal education in computer science, as long as you are a proven programmer, companies don’t mind hiring you.
I would assume if a company was looking at two applicants, one just graduated, and one that has programmed a few apps or contributed to something open source for several years, the company would go with the latter applicant.
One example I can think of where an “old fart” became well known in the computer science field is Mark Pincus of Zynga, the creator of Farmville on facebook. He got recognition at the age of 45 years old. So compared to you (in your 30s) you’re in good shape, all it takes is dedication and skill.</p>