Can't decide between BSCS/Software and Electrical Engineering!

[spitfire99]

So as the title says, I can't really make up my mind between the two. I mean, I'm on my computer all the time and I'm like the "IT Guy" for my family, but my experience in coding is limited to some basic VB programs I made up in my Computer Science class (currently doing A-Levels). I'm also worried if a CS/Software degree can get me hired in Islamabad, because due to family responsibilities, I need to stay close to home. On the other hand, I've heard people say that a degree in Electrical Engineering will always be in demand and it's like a safe career path, if that's really a thing. So in short, I'm confused about what to do. I've applied for NET-1 with my preferences set as Electrical, Mechanical and Software, though I haven't paid the admission fee yet, so I think maybe it's possible to cancel my form and submit a new one, but I'm not really sure. I would really really appreciate some advice.

 

[hassansk]

If you become a software developer, then you can earn thousands sitting in your home (by freelancing). The demand of software engineers is ever-increasing. I, myself, am doing my A'levels and will do BSCS afterwards.

 

[abdulrahim]

It is easy to get hired as CS and SE graduate then EE. Plus starting pay is also better for software devs but it depends on experience. I would advise you to choose field which interests you more. Because I have seen a lot of guys getting in CS, SE and getting absolutely destroyed in field. They get in CS SE because they have some relative getting good pay as Software Dev. CS and SE require a lot of effort on your part. University doesn't even teach basics software development. You have to do that your self. So make sure you are ready for what it takes when getting into CS or SE.

 

[spitfire99]

It is easy to get hired as CS and SE graduate then EE. Plus starting pay is also better for software devs but it depends on experience. I would advise you to choose field which interests you more. Because I have seen a lot of guys getting in CS, SE and getting absolutely destroyed in field. They get in CS SE because they have some relative getting good pay as Software Dev. CS and SE require a lot of effort on your part. University doesn't even teach basics software development. You have to do that your self. So make sure you are ready for what it takes when getting into CS or SE.

Thanks for the input! And in your opinion, which is the better degree: CS or SE.

 

[puppet]

Thanks for the input! And in your opinion, which is the better degree: CS or SE.

cs is general , se is more specific , so choose what u like , but remember as rahim said uni wont teach everything , you must build enthusiasm

 

[hyder404]

Thanks for the input! And in your opinion, which is the better degree: CS or SE.

CS and SE are almost same with an exception of 1-2 modules that would be different in both programs. I am a fresh EE graduate taking online web development courses and gearing towards a Masters in CS. This might give you a clue. Current job situation for engineers in Pakistan is abysmal and that's to say the least. Almost all of my University mates who were in CS have been employed and the less I talk about my EE batch mates the better.

 

[AliVirus]

I will say Programming will the done in all of these three fields CS, SE and EE .
In EE it will be at Lower level such as C, C++ And Assembly.
CS, SE will Concentrate more On Application Development !
From My experience you should Choose CS instead of SE if you have interest in Computers.
CS will have more Topic to Choose from , Up-to 5 Semesters nearly all subject will be same but after that you will have more Choice to Select from !

Also if you Choose CS/SE , Learn how to Google Problem because your success will depend on how better you are in searching solution of problems from internet!
First semester Concentrate on "Programming Fundamentals" a lot , If you didn't understand those basics you will Suffer in the whole Degree because Programming will become impossible for you. Make Youtube , Stackoverflow and Google your Best Friends !

 

[spitfire99]

Thank you for the input guys! Really appreciate it. btw, which University is better for CS? FAST or NUST?

 

[phantomomaga]

although this is a little late but considering you still have time till your entry test let me guide you
first the difference between BSCS (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) and BSE (Bachelors in Software engineering)
A) BSCS is just a plain bachelor where as BSE is an engineering degree (satisfied by Pakistan engineering council)
does it matter? yah it does
1) You will be eligible for jobs requiring engineering (some foreign jobs, pk gov, universities and some other organizations do specially specify)
2) Engineering base salaries and plain bachelor base salaries are different (especially in foreign countries and you also get more privileges on engineer visa (eg.number of dependents and etc) which you do not in the other)
3) You get all engineers benefits in pakistani law (for instance private companies eligibility for being able to obtain contracts of monetary values of certain sum depends upon the number of engineers they employ)
B) BSE as the name suggest has more courses aimed at the software side of things (you basically become a monster at coding) where as BSCS is more of a all round degree you have courses for computer hardware, electronics and other similer courses (more like jack of all trades master of none)(BSE also has these courses but the frequency is far less)

now for the "safe career path" dude the electrical and mechanical industry has become saturated it is difficult to get the job in them compared to IT industry more over the growth and earning in IT industry is far more impressive for instance an avg electrical and mechanical graduates lands a job as trainee with a monthly stipend of RS 18,000 to 25,000 or max 30,000 where as IT graduates lands a job as trainee with a monthly stipend of Rs 30,000 to 40,000 plus if you enjoy IT side no need to go for a another safish path when this path is not bad.

 

[yahyanav]

Go for CS if you wanna code robots, design logical circuits (like soft-coding processors), make or study methods (algos) to solve computational problems (like locking a message without being caught, finding eyeballs mathematically), learn about networks etc.

Go for SE if you want to make apps and games, complex ones, with huge teams.

I have done CS, but I would love to have SE instead (I didn't knew the difference at the time of choosing my degree).