My son feels he has chosen the wrong course in university (Accountancy), and wants to switch to Computer Science. He wants to try out a job in that area before switching course. How do I advise him?

Hello! I thought this resonates very strongly with me because I was once in this dilemma, and I saw many juniors of mine getting themselves stuck in the same situation too. So hopefully this advice helps!

Long story short, I was an engineering student. Really wanted to switch out of my course in Y2 because my passion towards engineering diminished over time. But I held back then because I thought the opportunities costs was too high (high school fees, time wasted etc.). Struggled through the 4 years and graduated, but regretted badly after that.

From then on, everytime my juniors approach me and we touch on this topic, my only advice to them is: Pursue your dreams.

As simple as it sounds, careful thoughts must be in place, because once you set sail on another path, it's critical that you work hard and "chiong" forward without looking backward ever again.

So how do you make sure that you don't regret your decisions when pursuing your dreams?

1) If your son is interested in switching to computer science, learning from the web (online coursewares, Google etc.) is a MUST. But that's insufficient. Programming is like another language. You need to practise it to be fluent in it. How? Find a horribly-mechanically-boring computer task, and try your best to automate it by writing some codes. Google's your best friend, and I can't emphasise on practising and more practising. Of course, undergraduates are busy, having to juggle with coursework, having the need for a life out of school, but there's bound to be some sacrifice when you pursue your passion.

2a) After being done with point (1), hopefully your son would have gain some confidence in computer science technicalities and it's rigour. Now, encourage your son to partake in an internship! Doesn't need to start from a extremely big firm, but hopefully through the internship experience, your son can have a deeper understanding of how people from different functions collaborate with each other. Coding from home and coding as a career in a corporate environment can be an entirely different experience. It's a pretty good opportunity to learn from other colleagues too!

2b) Grabbing 1 or 2 INDUSTRY-CERTIFIED certifications in the meantime can add credentials to your portfolio as well, which can give you additional advantage in the competitive job environment. But of course, time management is key.

If your son successfully went through point (1), (2a-b) without too much hair-pulling, nerve-wrecking hardships, then computer science is really a course, and a potential career for him! It's time to give him a pat on his back for all the hard work he has put in :)

But always keep your options open. Sometimes life throws a curveball at us and suddenly we may find opportunities presenting themselves at the least expected moments.

And last but not least, spend some time analysing all sorts of possibilities/contingency plans, options etc. It's a decision that not only affects his remaining undergraduate years, but possibly his first career as well, as he embark into the working world :)

PS: I'm now in a field totally unrelated to engineering, but it enables me to utilize what I have learnt (though I still don't like it) to make better decisions :)

Does he have friends in comp sci to help him get a taste of the major first? Or maybe take an elective module there to try?

Internships are generally hard to get if one doesn't have some basic knowledge in the field first, unless you have some connections somewhere.

Hi. This my first time posting as this question really resonate with me. For some background, I am a pharmacy undergraduate who took an interest in data science and have been picking up comp/analytics skills online.

Few point to take notes
1. What is his true interest? Comp sci is a board subject and he shouldnt switch just cause its in the hype right now. Ask him to find out more about the different roles available. It can be web developer, ios/android dev, backend, data sci like me or others.

2. Find out about all his available options. Switching definitely is one but there are alot others. Do not turn away from online learning, there are courses that you can take for free which are highly recognize ( you might have to pay a small fee for the cert). Post grad is also an option if he do decently well for his undergrad

3. Is it worth it? For me, I am already in my final year and the logical thing is to complete my undergrad while learning comp sci online. If he is currently year 1, switching make sense

Lastly as for job/intern. Its like the others had mention. You need some skill before company consider you for the position

Internship or shadow an accountant bah. But if it is too late to change, Com. Sci can always be self-studied. However you really need an aptitude for CS.