How Hard Is It to Switch to Computer Science from Zero

Even though the global economy isn’t in the best shape, so many people are still choosing to switch to computer science (CS) with no prior experience. Despite the struggles in other industries, tech continues to thrive, with coding being used in everything from autonomous driving and artificial intelligence to human-computer interaction. Plus, due to specific immigration policies in North America, many people are looking to stay in the U.S. are opting to transition into tech careers. But how difficult is it really to go from no experience to a career in CS?

For college students in the U.S., switching majors to CS is a fairly common option. If you’re coming from a university in China, getting a CS master’s degree in the U.S. is another route to consider. But for someone with a humanities background, the switch to CS is much trickier. Without a solid foundation in math or logical thinking, it’s essentially starting from scratch.

For professionals who have been working in the U.S. for years and want to change careers, one option is applying for an online CS master’s program at a U.S. university. This gives you a solid academic backing. Another route is to attend a bootcamp or training program tailored to the specific skills needed for North American software development jobs. These programs are shorter and more focused on getting you job-ready quickly, with an emphasis on resumes and interviews.

When it comes to learning CS, there are two key areas you’ll need to focus on: algorithms and hands-on project experience. Mastering algorithms is essential, starting with the basics of Java data structures and algorithms before tackling more challenging problems on platforms like LeetCode. As for projects, it’s vital to work on industry-level projects. These are what will really grab the attention of interviewers and spark meaningful discussions during interviews.

But the biggest factor in making the switch to CS is self-discipline. Since this is your decision, it’s important to stick with it. Don’t decide to switch careers just because it sounds interesting, and don’t give up the moment things get tough. Keep reminding yourself why you chose this path in the first place.