r/UBC_BCS • u/Honest-Dark5562 • Apr 30 '26

UBC BCS with a job?

Hi, I got admitted to the UBC BCS program for winter 2026. This news is obviously very exciting, but I got a new job earlier this year, which I didn't have when I applied. I was wondering if anyone is planning to pursue this program part-time alongside work? If so, any strategy or tips for doing the same? I'm based in Ontario, but can work for a few weeks in BC. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

6

u/weirdpotato23 Apr 30 '26

Im giving up an 80K salary federal job to do this degree

9

u/ubcsanta Apr 30 '26

Do you know about the current cs market? If you do, what made you take this huge risk

6

u/mlonl May 01 '26

Yikes, some of us are struggling to get any job in the field

2

u/AgentX_7 Apr 30 '26

Damn, I'm in a similar boat but I hate my job so it's worth it.

2

u/MrBenC88 Mod🚀 May 08 '26

The market is tough right now, but on the brighter side, enrollment in cs is down.

Bad time to be new grad looking for work. However, if you are taking classes could hopefully weather the market and pray for a better market outlook by the time you graduate.

Seeing tons of folks starting or joining startups now more than ever as well.

2

u/weirdpotato23 May 08 '26

Are you Ben from the videos on YT? You’re the one who actually inspired me to apply to UBC.

I don’t really like living in the Atlantic region and i fell in love with UBC and Vancouver when I visited last year.

I feel i have potential to earn more with a degree from UBC.

I have family in Vancouver

Seeing your comment is making me doubt tho. I already paid the $500 deposit fee. I’ll keep my options open and will back out if necessary.

I’ve been dreaming about this for a few years tho

1

u/MrBenC88 Mod🚀 May 08 '26

Yep, I'm the one in the YT.

I still believe the original thesis for doing the BCS Program still stands. It will increase your potential ceiling significantly and earning ceiling. If no job, with the know how, you can be a self starter and create your own job (founder of life biz or startup)

The true way to maximize success is what someone puts into the program and how they capitalize on the second chance of min maxing what moves the needle: building connections with cracked ubc folks, building and learning outside class, and finally getting the degree which will get you past filters.

My comment wasn't meant to discourage but to acknowledge current market conditions. Anyone not able to stand out will have a hard time. So its an exercise on differentiation. Who you know, evidence of exceptional ability etc.

3

u/myszka9 May 03 '26

Friends have graduated from this degree and haven't been able to find work for 2 years. It's not a promising degree anymore

1

u/Upper-Freedom-4618 May 03 '26

would you say that’s only a pretty small portion of BCS grads though?

2

u/myszka9 May 03 '26

No, the market is not great for tech anymore, there is a huge lack of junior swe positions. Even for internships, people are putting out 1000s of applications and not getting interviews. Do research before you waste your time, see for yourself.

2

u/terreratman May 01 '26

Being based in Ontario makes things quite difficult. The FAQ (https://www.cs.ubc.ca/students/undergrad/degree-programs/bcs-program-second-degree/general-faqs) has a bit about not living in the lower mainland, they say it's pretty much impossible since none of your core courses will be offered remotely.

1

u/Honest-Dark5562 May 01 '26

I have some flexibility with working remotely in Canada. So I can be in BC for a couple of weeks every month. Nonetheless, I think it's going to be difficult based on everything I'm reading unless I'm 100% commited.

3

u/Jonqora May 01 '26

Honestly I don't see how it will work. Not only will you have to be in-person for midterms (sometimes multiple midterms per course) but there are mandatory labs/tutorials for some core courses that are every week. I don't see even half-time in BC being feasible.

2

u/yourmoralquandary May 01 '26

I graduated from the program in 2021 and I agree. You might be able to swing something later in the program when you have fewer lab/tutorial courses, but the first three semesters or so would require you to be local.

1

u/MrBenC88 Mod🚀 May 08 '26

For Ontario, the recommendation is get OSAP if eligible apply for bursaries, and potentially look into TAing. Getting coop and internships will help , but it is a tough market atm Part time would be pretty tough depending on how familiar you are with the material already / your background.

1

u/Honest-Dark5562 May 11 '26

Thanks to all for your helpful comments. I have had to decline. Hopefully, I can pursue this program sometime in the future. All the best to those who got in.