Well, the group project is going fine but because we are currently in the early stages, let’s talk about why I chose to return to school to do a Computer Science degree.
Computer Science was not my initial choice.
Back in 2017, a year after graduating from my undergrad university, I was working in low level finance for some time despite my knowledge of Excel. In fact, I was promoted quickly and was compensated quite well in a short amount of time because my manager was impressed by my skillset. However, I knew that knowing Excel and its fancy formulas was not enough (Yet it was foundational to both Linear Algebra and even Computer Science due to the simple functions that one can implement and perform calculations like the SumProduct equivalent to Dot Product operation of two or more arrays.)
So, what did I do?
I chose to get a quick SQL fundamentals certificate to learn database fundamentals and transactions because that seemed like a relevant next step in my journey in my career of Finance. Why? I am essentially working with a database where I would have data entered and then later retrieved. The only thing is Excel acts as the platform for processing the data into a “tidy” format for my boss to use.
But it was not enough.
Back in 2017, since I was a native San Francisco resident, the local community college offered free classes! So, taking the opportunity to learn something new, I have then decided to go back to school to take the intro level courses in part time after work in Computer Science AND also Accounting because I did my studies in Economics previously.
So, what happened?
I was hooked! I thought I might just get a CPA to complement my Economics background after doing some snooping in LinkedIn where people working in the Finance industry had moved up easily because they have a background in Accounting – but I did not need to have an Accounting degree since the CPA license would qualify me as someone who actually knows their material.
Wait, where’s the Computer Science?
Yes, I was taking a Computer Science class on and off – Intro to CS, Intro to Databases, Intro Unix for one goal: DATA SCIENCE. Why Data Science? I thought that Data Science would complement my background in Finance, Economics, and even the fundamental language of business: Accounting! All this without truly compromising on my studies but instead complementing my studies! The CS courses were just to build the skills! All of this over a span of 3 years interweaving between Accounting and CS classes.
What happened to Data Science in those 3 years?
The pandemic happened in 2020. I thought that despite all my efforts, Data Science was a very niche path that required even higher level Mathematics beyond what I had learned previously not accessible in Community College. So that means I had hit a dead end!
Oh no, a dead end? So, what did you do in 2020?
They say the rest was history. Anyways, I am here and now about to graduate! I was working full time in my Finance job and then later left to pursue this program full time just at the end of 2021. The decision was difficult because I have to cut back in my lifestyle (That is, no UberEats or eating out much) because I had saved so much based on my estimated time to complete this program.
You’ve suddenly found this program? There must be more details there!
Yes, you are right! I will talk about that in a future blog post. I will also elaborate on Data Science and everything in between too. So, stay tuned!
