Computer Science

By Andy Adzeoda Dogah

What is computer science?

Computer science is the application of computing knowledge to solve real-world problems. It involves creating applications and websites, analyzing data to predict future occurrences, and much more. With numerous branches, computer science requires a strong foundation in mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and physics, in addition to computing-related topics. It's important to note that computer science differs from computer engineering, which delves deeper into the field, though both require a lot of mathematics.

What do you do and what does it entail?

I’m a cloud engineer.

What’s cloud computing?

Cloud computing is about hosting and performing tasks on the cloud. Traditionally, large organizations with significant computing needs would create physical servers, sometimes as large as a room.

[Think of it like how you store files and pictures on your computer or phone, but on a much larger scale. A server is like a super-powerful computer that stores lots of files, pictures, and even websites. It’s like a giant filing cabinet that many people can access from their own devices. When you visit a website or download a file, your device—like your phone or laptop—communicates with the server, which sends the information to you. It’s like asking a librarian for a book—the librarian (the server) finds the book (information) and hands it to you.] With cloud computing, instead of using physical hardware, you use a remote server located elsewhere, eliminating the need for on-site hardware. This wasn't something I was taught in school. As I mentioned, there are many branches of computing, and not everything is covered in formal education. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship, which I applied for and was accepted into. Now, I'm learning more about cloud computing.

Why did you choose computer science?

I chose computer science because I was fascinated with computers and wanted hands-on experience, as most of what I learned in high school was theoretical. Given the world's increasing reliance on computing, I thought it was a fitting choice. I applied for both computer engineering and computer science and was accepted into computer science. The prerequisites for computer science involve a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, which are heavily emphasized in the first two years at University of Cape Coast (UCC). While Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s (KNUST) program includes economics, it isn’t a necessary prerequisite from high school. Mathematics and physics are the essential prerequisites, as chemistry and biology aren’t directly relevant to computing. Some high schools offer computing as an elective, which can be helpful, but it’s not required. I myself studied biology in high school.

Where there any problems you faced as a university student and how did you overcome them?

Although I didn't face many major issues, one notable challenge was that the curriculum wasn't what I expected. I had anticipated more hands-on learning with practical projects, but it was instead heavily focused on mathematics. Additionally, many lecturers assumed prior knowledge, teaching as if we already understood the material, which was difficult for me since I came from a biology background with limited computing experience. This created an adaptability issue at first, and it took me some time to realize that I needed to take the initiative to learn independently without relying solely on the lecturers.

One problem we faced, and that many other students in the university face, is that the curriculum was too theoretical, with an overemphasis on theory at the expense of practical application. For example, in level 200, we learned computing fundamentals, such as writing C++ code on paper for exams. While this might seem minor, it’s significant because you can't test if your code works when it’s written on paper. The focus on theory meant we spent more time on math and physics than on computing-related work, leaving many of us without a deep understanding of programming. To truly master these skills, external mentorship or additional courses were necessary.

In level 100, we were introduced to the C programming language for just one semester, which was only seven weeks long, while we were also juggling other courses. As a result, we only gained a basic understanding of C before moving on to a different programming language the next semester.

How easy is it to get a job in computer science?

On paper, computer science is supposed to be one of the most employable sectors. However, in the public sector, hiring is limited because the payroll is full. So, to secure an opportunity, you’ll need to look for work in private companies. Although computer science is generally regarded as a high-employment sector, I don't have specific statistics to compare it with other fields. What I do know is that many computing-related programs graduate a lot of students each year, leading to a situation where supply sometimes exceeds demand. But if you can establish a connection with a private company early on and make a strong impression, that’s how many of my colleagues found their current positions. You need to master a particular skill to stand out, as being well-rounded without expertise in a specific area can make it harder to compete for roles.

Is there any advantage to pursuing a computer science degree? Why not self-teach?

At the end of the day, the major difference between someone who is self-taught and someone with formal education is the certificate. Most companies require a bachelor’s or master’s degree for employment. If you’re self-taught and have all the knowledge but no formal education, what evidence can you present to prove your expertise? Only a few companies will accept someone without tertiary education, especially in Ghana. However, if you’re learning for yourself, perhaps to start your own project or company, no one will ask you for a certificate. But if you’re seeking employment without a clear path, there will inevitably come a time when you’re asked for a degree.

What were some of the challenges you faced in the working field?

During my time as an intern at NHIS and Koforidua Technical University, we were tasked with diagnosing and fixing issues related to internet and computing—whether it was networking cables, computer hardware, or project testing. Sometimes, the problem was beyond my capabilities. For example, they might call and say there’s an issue with their internet, and I would find that the switch was broken or there was another issue I couldn’t fix. In such cases, I had to explain that I needed to escalate the issue to my superiors, but oftentimes, the people expecting you to fix the problem didn’t understand that.

How is the easy is it to balance your work and personal life?

I haven't worked in a highly technical computing company, but I know people who have. Like in other fields, one problem you may face is unrealistic goals and targets set by superiors. Your supervisor might not be doing the technical work but will tell you that by the end of the day or week, you need to complete a project that doesn’t make sense. In such cases, you end up taking work home. Although on paper, you might be working eight hours a day, the actual workload often extends beyond that, forcing you to work from home and affecting your work-life balance.

Sometimes, they may even call you over the weekend to come in and fix a problem. But, as I said, the IT field is very large, and the challenges vary depending on the individual and their role. Some people have no problem balancing work and personal life, while for others, their work-life balance is completely disrupted.

A personal message

One thing I wish I knew before starting computer science is that you need to choose a particular field that interests you. Research different fields—web development, mobile app development, data analysis, cloud engineering—and choose one that suits you best. Then, start working on it. Watch YouTube tutorials, take online courses, and in two to three years, you’ll have gained expertise that will help direct your path. This will also help you during your final project and improve your career prospects. Specializing in a field can significantly affect your chances of landing a well-paid role. In a competitive field, a jack-of-all-trades with no specific expertise will struggle against someone who has mastered a particular area.

Being entry-level may affect your starting salary, but you could still earn around GH¢7,000 if you join a good company with enough expertise. In government sectors, like IT support, you might earn between GH¢2,000 and GH¢4,000, depending on your skills. Pay varies by company, with no set range—you could find a company offering as low as GH¢1,000 or a much higher amount for a relatively low-skill job. It all depends on the company. Start networking from your first semester in level 100 and search for internships. It won’t be easy, but by the time you graduate, you’ll have options.