Why study computer science?

Hi! If you are here on this page, you are probably wondering which major to pursue in high school.

Perhaps you are asking yourself questions like: How will this affect me later? What am I interested in studying? What will serve me well in my future? Where can I best succeed? and many other good questions.

First off, it's good that you are undecided and asking questions: This really is a good time to start figuring out what would be a good major for you in high school. If your school is (or is not) part of Google's Mind the Gap program, you can take advantage of this year, experiment with computer science-related content and then decide whether you want to continue with this as your major in high school.

In the meantime, let us list some things to think about here. The latest McKinesey & Company report (2018) with respect to the future job market ranked the skills that will be most valuable for those searching for a job (for you, eight years from now). Here is some of what appears on that list:

• Critical thinking
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Problem-solving
• "Computational thinking"/coding
• Learning how to learn
• These are skills that can already be practiced now (among others) in computer science studies.

Another point no less interesting to think about:

• Today, you already live in a digital world. Even things you wouldn't dream have code in them to, like a water cooler.
• Knowing how to code means knowing another language spoken by the entire world - computers.
• Knowing how to code gives you an edge in any area you want to pursue in life, be it medicine, fashion, art, research - it really is everywhere.
• Being a programmer is not sitting all day in front of a computer.
• A programmer's work day is fascinating - it includes creative thinking, problem-solving and meetings with other intelligent and creative people.
• Knowing how to code allows you to create and build things that impact everybody's world (can you imagine what the world would look like without Google?)
• Finally, but no less important, women in computer science earn more than most other professions in the market. It affords you independence and the lifestyle you want.

If you have any concerns, this is an excellent opportunity to speak with somebody who has already chosen to study computer science at school or send an email to mind-the-gap@google.com. We promise to respond.

Wishing you all success, We hope you will join us.