Advice for CS field needed

Hi All,

I am currently dealing with kind of a predicament regarding my CS degree. At the current time, I am about 3 classes away from graduating with my Bachelor's in CS from a rather average mid-sized University. Recently, I have been given the opportunity to transfer to a University whose CS program is in the Top 30 in the nation. Nevertheless, this University would only recognize few of my classes as transfer credit and would basically throw me back about two years. I am just wondering what would be more beneficial for me and my future in the industry: Being able to put the degree on my resume, or going to a pretigious school the downside of which is that i will be thrown back? What do you guys that are already estabished in the industry think? I find it pretty hard to find an entry-level position and am wondering what would give me an edge/advantage. Thanks in advance for all your comments. I forgot to mention that I already have a degree in the Finance/Accounting field. I don't know if that makes a difference.

Kind regards,

Alex

Why are you worrying about what industry thinks? Have a look at where you will learn more.

But you will have to make the decision for yourself.

Alex:

I don't think anyone is going to care where you got your degree from (my degree isn't even in CS). Do what's best for you.

John.

Alex,
While some companies do care about degree for longer, I believe most companies only care when you are right out of university and have no experience. After that, experience trumps degree. I recommend you look at where you will be in two years with the approaches:
1) Two years of experience with your current degree
2) No experience with a brand name degree

I think the former is better. And that doesn't even include debt. I assume you would have more debt with option 2 making option 1 even more attractive.

I've worked in organizations where "where you went to school" was important -- generally, they've been nasty, unfriendly places. Most places could care less and will look to your experience, level of competence, and confidence.

If it were me, I'd gather experience over an extended education (which in some circles would be a red flag: "you took how long to get through school?")

I think it is more beneficial to work than to study more or come out of a branded school. More experience is what pays in the end. When I compare what I learned in college to what I learn at work everyday the gap is pretty huge. More experience and exposure is always better.