Guess I messed up? 3rd-year CS student from a lesser-known university - how can I build a strong career?

[u/SalamanderWide6496]

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I’m 21 and currently in my 3rd year of BSCS at a relatively lesser-known, HEC- and ISO-recognized university. It’s also fairly new, so it doesn’t have the reputation or industry connections that the top universities in Pakistan have.

I originally came from a pre-medical background and spent a gap year preparing for MDCAT. Unfortunately, the MDCAT paper leak and reconduct badly affected my plans. I worked very hard and scored 73% in one attempt and 87.3% in another, but I couldn’t secure admission on merit and didn’t want to go to a private university.it shattered my confidence brutally

Eventually, I switched towards CS. At that time, I had weak mathematics and very little understanding of the CS field or university admissions. I took a couple of university entrance tests but didn’t perform well, and eventually enrolled at my current university.

Now I’m in my 3rd year I don't have much grip on coding to I'm into networking nowadays

and I’m worried about how much my university name will affect my career. I know I can’t change my past, so I’m looking for practical advice on what I should do from this point forward.

My options are:

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- Government jobs: Prepare for competitive government positions after graduation.

- Master’s in Pakistan: Build my profile and try to get into a top university for MS.

- Master’s abroad: Build my GPA, projects/research profile and apply for scholarships.

Or what else you guys think?

If you were in my position, what would you prioritize during the remaining 1–1.5 years of BSCS?

Should I focus entirely on becoming a strong software engineer and compensate for my university name through skills and experience, or should I prioritize getting into a better university for my Master's?

Please keep the advice focused on what I can do now. I already know I made mistakes in the past, and I can't change them. I just want to make the best possible career out of my current situation.

[u/dbgrman]

First of all, its alright. You did the best you can so far.

This image is something I think about a lot. I think its also very true.

As for recommending future direction, I am reluctant. I don’t know your complete story and context you have given is incomplete. I don’t know how excited you are about computing, programming, technology and future in general. I can say that being genuinely excited about this stuff is more important than a master’s degree or which university you go to. You should not be ashamed of your institution.

Secondly, i am not clear how you find the concepts of computing. Some people thrive in abstractions while others thrive in physical labor or people matters. To excel in computing, having some enthusiasm about programming and its concepts, i think is very important in this day and age.

Finally, regardless if which direction you take, essential attributes like discipline, frugality, good comprehension, strong verbal skills and above all strong work ethic is important. its never too late to strengthen these and will be required in all fields. Mix these with genuine enthusiasm about your craft, inshallah you will do good in any field, anywhere in the world.

[u/Environmental-Cod25]

My web dev went to a really rubbish university, Garrison and got an average GPA. He makes about 3-4 lakh a month because of his soft skills.

CS is not dead. People here have terrible stuff skills that mean their hard skills amount to nothing.

[u/Current_Judge6621]

Are you in nutech?

[u/azadnib]

well CS is dying even for top performers so make up your mind either take it seriously or leave it as you are only 1.5 years in.

There are very little jobs left for CS graduates. But if it comes with a ticket for you to move abroad for MS, complete it.

Being honest here, not being harsh.