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I work in Germany as a sales manager, but I would like to make a shift into IT. I have developed some programming skills and would like to build software with a view to eventually starting my own technology business. I am considering a computer science degree, possibly followed by a masters, but is it wise to take this path at this stage in my life? Male, 30s
Jonathan’s answer
Ten or so years into your career, you are planning a change in direction.
Commendably, you also have a five to 10-year vision, of starting up and running your own technology business. Having such a strong and specific objective will be helpful in guiding your planning. By stating a personal target clearly, you have put your head above the parapet, showing a commitment that others monitor.
Although you have developed some programming skills, you are perhaps concerned this is not enough from a technical point of view. However, there is also quite a difference between learning some programming and committing to a full-time role, with all the other supporting functions you will need to run the business. You may find it beneficial to talk to other small software company managers to understand what they have found to be required to be successful.
By considering a computer science degree and perhaps a masters, you are planning on at least four years of further education. Given your long-term objective of starting your own technology business, think about what skills you have, and those you need. Classically, these are build it, sell it, and count it. For you, these might translate to programming, sales management (which you probably already have, though perhaps in a different field), and accounting and finance.
As well as learning important new skills for your future career, it could be beneficial to develop an understanding of how your potential customers purchase bespoke software. Who is going to be involved in the decision making, how do they assess suppliers and measure the quality and value for money? Information interviews with software company managers could give you some insight, as could discussions with the purchasing departments in potential clients.
All this additional information will help you make a more informed decision and answer the question on whether a computer science degree is necessary or sufficient. On the face of it, such a course is unlikely to include how to run a business, but perhaps you can pick up those entrepreneurial skills separately, for example from Enterprising Oxford, an Oxford university initiative to encourage and support entrepreneurship that is open to anyone.
The question is not so much whether taking this particular path is wise, but whether it is better than the status quo. For someone in their thirties, you are about 10 years in to a 40-year career, with plenty of “runway” to make this change successfully, and perhaps change again after that.
Readers’ advice
Software is about algorithms. If you are really interested in logic, maths, structure and elegant design it might be the right change for you. Ted
Some of the most successful technologists are the ones that can deal with people and business, do it. Me
I think you may be looking at a needlessly drastic career reform. It sounds like you basically just want to create your own software and run it as a business. You don’t need a master in computer science to do that! Bjorn11
Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email : dear.jonathan@ft.com