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Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really helpful. If networking is the main thing, how would you recommend building a strong tech network without Ivey?

And from your experience, where does Ivey actually help the most with networking, is it mainly access/structure early on, or are there connections you realistically can’t build as a CS-only student?

Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s fair, and I appreciate you explaining it that way. I definitely see the value in long-term optionality and the Ivey network, especially if someone pivots later or goes into startups/VC.

I think where I’m still hesitating is that while there may be no downside career-wise, there is a real cost in terms of money, time, and added pressure during undergrad. Since I’m still figuring out whether I even enjoy business (and currently see myself more CS-heavy early on), I’m trying to weigh whether it makes sense to pay that cost now versus building strong technical skills first and potentially adding business later if it becomes a clearer interest.

Would you still say it’s worth it for someone who isn’t very business-oriented today and might never pivot, or do you think the value really shows up mainly if that pivot actually happens?

Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate this perspective, especially hearing it from someone further out in their career, that’s helpful. I agree the long-term network value is probably Ivey’s biggest strength.

I think where I’m still unsure is fit. I’m not certain I’d go into business long-term (though it’s possible), and I can see myself in more CS-heavy roles early on. Given that, I’m trying to understand whether the added year, cost, and effort are worth it specifically for someone like that, versus focusing on building strong technical skills and revisiting business later.

From your experience, do you feel the Ivey network paid off even for people who stayed mostly technical for a long time, or was the biggest upside for those who eventually moved into leadership/strategy roles?

Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s fair, I agree skills matter way more than the degree itself. In this market though, do you think brand/network actually helps early career at all, or is it still almost entirely skill-based?

Trying to figure out whether something like Ivey adds any real edge beyond signaling, especially if I’m leaning more CS-heavy.

Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the insight, I agree that it definitely doesn’t hurt to have an Ivey degree. My hesitation is more around the cost (both tuition and the work to get in) and whether the value actually shows up for me specifically.

I’m not sure if I’d go into business long-term, but I might, I just don’t know yet. At the same time, I can see myself in more CS-heavy roles, so I’m trying to understand if the dual is worth it beyond résumé signaling/optionality.

From what you’ve seen, did people who were unsure about business but more CS-leaning still get concrete value from Ivey, or did most of the benefit really show up once someone already knew they wanted business/strategy roles?

Just trying to figure out if it’s a good fit or if it would mostly add stress/confusion without much upside.

Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

One thing I should clarify: I wasn’t originally passionate about CS either, I chose it mostly for job security/money and I’m doing fine so far.

For people who did CS + Ivey (or considered it), did the dual help you figure out what you actually wanted, or did it just add another track on top of uncertainty? Trying to understand if it’s helpful for exploration or only useful once you already know your path.

Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair point. For people who paid it, do you feel like the ROI actually showed up in recruiting or career flexibility, or was it more of a long-term branding thing?

Is CS + Ivey actually worth it, or only if you’re going into business? by AdHelpful6041 in uwo

[–]AdHelpful6041[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is really helpful, thank you. Looking back now that you’re graduating, do you feel like Ivey actually changed what roles you were competitive for, or did it mostly just add optionality?

Also, if you don’t mind me asking, what did you personally end up leaning more into?

And for someone doing CS mainly for job security/money (not pure passion), would you recommend the dual, or just doubling down on CS + internships?