I hold a Master of Engineering, so when asked whether a degree is important for becoming a software engineer, my answer is yes. According to Statista and the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, about 41% of developers have at least a bachelor’s degree, though many have less formal education. While it’s certainly possible to become a successful developer without a degree, I believe higher education offers more than just a diploma—it equips you with valuable skills, deep knowledge, and a strong foundation for your career. It also provides the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds you might never encounter in a typical workplace.
Throughout both my undergraduate and graduate studies, I faced immense pressure to complete projects, prepare for quizzes, and study for finals. Studying is tough—I never enjoyed it, especially when it came to exams. To be honest, I don’t enjoy studying at all. But I see it as a necessary step toward achieving something greater. We live in a time when everyone talks about turning their passion into a career, but let’s be real—how many people actually get to do that? We all have bills to pay and can’t just sit around waiting for our passions to become our livelihood.
That being said, all the pressure I faced ultimately paid off. As Allah says in the Quran (94:5), ‘So indeed with hardship is ease.’ Those challenging experiences taught me persistence and resilience, shaping who I am today. Moreover, working alongside various brilliant minds offered me diverse perspectives on how to approach and solve problems.
When I decided to pursue my degree, it felt like a natural transition after high school. What else was there to do at the time? After completing my bachelor’s, I worked for a while before deciding to pursue my master’s. I didn’t just want another degree in computer science; I wanted to specialize in a specific area of study.
Earning a degree doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be financially successful. If financial success is your main goal, I can’t offer much advice on that, as I’m still figuring it out myself! However, pursuing a degree with purpose can shape you holistically, preparing you for what lies ahead in more ways than just a paycheck.
Disclaimer: This is just my point of view, and I respect those who hold different opinions!