Ask HN: Advice for an Indian Student?
I'm in my last year of high school, about to enter university. I'm undecided on which field I would like to major in and would appreciate some words of advice.
During the pandemic, I completed a few online courses (including CS50x) and worked on some small programming projects, so I’m familiar with programming fundamentals. For a long time, my plan was to study computer science or something closely adjacent to it.
Even now I'd like to study in some computer science adjacent field if possible. However, I'm aware of the intense competition as it is probably the most sought after field to study in. I'm confident in my ability to stand out among others at least in terms of hard work if not intelligence, but I also think I am underestimating the sheer level of competition in this field. Add to the mix how AI assistants like Claude have supposedly eliminated the need for many jobs, and my worries of finding a job after I graduate have compounded. Just a few days ago, the introduction of Anthropic's new offering crashed the stocks of many massive Indian IT companies.
I want to add that I have a strong affinity for math so I would likely do well in fields that leverage it.
So, given all this:
- Is majoring in computer science (or a CS-adjacent field) still a good idea for someone starting university now in your opinion?
- Do you think there are any other fields that would be a better bet? Hopefully something with not as much competition as CS
- What would you think of doing today if you were in my position?
Please let your advice be as expansive or restricted as you would like, I would appreciate any kind of advice.
I know that my English doesn't necessarily flow the best so please let me know if I need to clarify anything or need to supply more information.
Have a great day.