Bonus chapter: Can I be a computer scientist?

A question that I get asked frequently is, “What do I need to know to be a computer programmer?” Or, more simply, “Can I become a computer scientist?” Here are my answers to these and related questions, based on my own experience as a computer scientist as well as working with others in this profession.

Can I be a computer scientist?

Of course! Just like anything else, some people will find it a little easier than other people. However, if you find it interesting, and you are willing to work hard at your skill, you absolutely can be a computer programmer.

If you find computer programming interesting, please pursue computer science as a profession. The world is in desperate need of high-quality programmers.

Do I need to be good at math?

Yes … sorta. When I get asked this question, it usually translates to “Do I need to do well in math classes?” You can be good at math and be terrible in math classes … and that usually is because you have had teachers that do not share their knowledge in a way that translates well to you. Nearly everyone can learn math, and nearly everyone has an intrinsic understanding of the basics of mathematics. We all learned how to count, and we all learned how to add, at very young ages, often before entering school. Math is built into almost all of us. Some of us are just able to tap into that basic understanding a little bit better than others.

To be a good computer scientist, you do need to be good at math … in that you need to be good at some fundamental skills in math:

• You need to be good at solving problems. (No, I don’t mean “word problems” or “story problems.”)
• You need to be able to recognize patterns.

You do not need to be an “A” student in your math classes, though.

I really like computers, but I don’t really like programming. Are there other things that I can do?

Absolutely! Computing is a large profession; not everyone involved in the profession is a computer scientist. The profession needs people to do many different things!

If you like computers, but programming doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, then perhaps information technology is more your speed. IT includes areas like network administration and systems administration (i.e. working with “servers”). Or, if you are more artistic-minded, then you might be interested in computer-aided design (e.g. architecture, 3-D modeling, graphics design). If you like building things, then automation (e.g. robotics) may be of interest. If you like numbers, then you may be interested in becoming a data scientist.

Most importantly, find something that is interesting to you. The more interesting something is to you, the more you will be willing to work hard at it, and the better you will get at your craft.