Before burying yourself into further details, you must have initially asked yourself: “Is computer science hard and is it worth it?”. Well, this article will give you an insight into computer science’s basic conception, and a list of reasons people consider computer science hard, among other things.
So, if you are interested in studying computer science or finding a job in Switzerland, keep reading.
What Is Computer Science?
In simple terms, computer science is the study of computers that includes a thorough understanding of their concept, hardware and software designs, and their role in society.
There are two main categories within the computer: hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components, whereas software includes the set of instructions that enable the hardware to work. With that being said, a computer scientist’s role is to use technology to solve problems and develop and update models for interaction between people and computers.
The main computer science courses
Required and elective courses you have to take will mostly depend on the institutions. Some of the courses you are most likely to attend are as listed below:
- Algorithms
- Artificial intelligence
- Calculus
- Computer architecture
- Computer science theory
- Computer theory
- Data logic
- Data management
- Programming languages
- Statistics
Why Is Computer Science Considered Hard To Study?
Nothing is more important than studying and doing the job you love. Considering the countless benefits of computer science as a career, the challenges that come with studying it should not be the only determining factor in deciding that you should give up on it. Hard work pays off! Regardless, we will give you insight into why people consider computer science a hard field to study.
Constructive nature
First of all, CS is considered to be very constructive. This means you should never let yourself fall behind in classes because each previously learned concept is crucial in upcoming lessons. One missed concept will cost you a whole programming language. Once you fall behind in classes, the workload will catch up, and you seriously want to avoid that. A large amount of time desiccated to the field is required for success.
Very detailed
Secondly, computer scientists must have an excellent memory. That’s because they need to remember a lot of things when putting together a work, a large number of details, including the syntax of the language, the set of prewritten functions, the variables and functions previously created, and how to use them, the techniques used in the past that can be applied to the current problem, the bugs that were a problem in the past in order to avoid them in the present, and so on. But hey, that’s also an excellent brain exercise and skill that you’ll need on a daily basis, so go for it!
Mathematics
There’s no getting around it: math is complex. And yes, computer science is a lot of math. But nothing too challenging for a student like yourself. The good news is that you don’t need to be a math genius to succeed in your classes—all you need to do is put in the effort and seek help when you need it.
Generally speaking, most degree programs require a basic understanding of algebra, calculus also statistics. They will help you understand programming languages, different structures, and more. The importance of accurately modeling something particular through mathematics in CS is essential. You can never assume that the computer “knows that” because you are in charge of creating.
Time-consuming
Something that is not taught directly but that you should master if you want to succeed in the field is time management skills. Since CS requires devotion, you should be able to manage time to attend all the classes (never miss one), do self-studying and homework, participate in other extracurricular activities that might be helpful, and of course, some time for yourself. It sounds simple, but fellow students have listed this as one of the reasons why computer science is hard. So, be careful.
Benefits of Studying Computer Science
All that hard work will most certainly pay off. The benefits will outweigh the costs of challenges you might experience through your studying years. In a world where people-technology interaction is ever-growing, there are countless career opportunities.
And what’s more exciting than being at the heart of the latest innovations and at the same time developing skills that will come in handy in the future!
Countless available jobs
There are almost no workplaces where computers are unnecessary. With a CS degree, you can explore different positions available. Some of these positions include:
- Applications developer
- Cyber security analyst
- Software engineer
- Data analyst
- IT consultant
- Network architect
Rewarding salaries
In Switzerland, computer science career paths are very well paid.
- IT system architecture is one of the highest-paid professions in Switzerland, with an average salary of CHF 121,000.
- Software engineering is also in the top 14 highest-paying jobs, with an average estimated salary of CHF 94,272.
- An app developer is paid approximately 82,237 CHF per year.
- A data analyst is paid about 87,880 CHF per year.
- An IT consultant is paid approximately 95,692 CHF per year.
Overall, these are some really rewarding salaries that might even pay higher for your years of experience.
Opportunities to develop skills
While studying CS, you will enrich yourself with essential skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and many more. In your studying or working journey, you will need to communicate constantly with your team members for projects. This means that you will consciously or, at times, unconsciously learn how to be an effective communicator.
Problem-solving is the second that will add to your list of soft skills. Through practice, you will be able to enhance your problem-solving abilities. This way, you will be able to fix issues quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, since you will be learning and working with a lot of data and information, you will be in charge of making important decisions. The studies and work experience will enable you to develop excellent critical thinking skills.
The Bottom Line
As a computer scientist, you will most certainly play an important role in society. Even if it sounds hard and challenging at first, if you are motivated and devote sufficient time to studying, then success is guaranteed.
With Switzerland being in the top five countries to study CS, you will not only benefit from the rewarding salaries, but you will also have the opportunity to learn so much about life in Switzerland and enjoy some of the best views ever seen. So, what are you waiting for? Go for it!
