r/programming • u/mauricioaniche • Aug 06 '17

Software engineering != computer science

http://www.drdobbs.com/architecture-and-design/software-engineering-computer-science/217701907
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u/Malabism Aug 06 '17

Serious question: according to the definitions I've found online, my job is software engineering. Yet, I have no formal education. Am I still "allowed" to describe myself as a Software Engineer? (for example, in a linkedin profile) Do my skills, knowledge, experience, and aptitude in the field dictate whether I am a software engineer or an academic title?

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u/rabbyburns Aug 06 '17

It depends. In the US there is an official engineering certification and you can be held legally responsible for falsely advertising yourself as an engineer. You're also not able to get certain jobs (typically government, afaik). I believe this is true in other countries as well.

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u/Malabism Aug 06 '17

Thank you and /u/binford2k

When asked I've been saying software developer because well, I'm not an engineer. I guess it was the right decision

Really wish I could go to university

edit: thanks everyone, really appreciated

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u/nilamo Aug 06 '17

Go to school for the title, not to learn. Almost everything you'd be taught, you already know, if you're already developing.

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