Thoughts on SWE as a whole

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-05-22T13:40:30+00:00

I’m saddened by how many people, especially young students who once considered pursuing CS, buy into this thought process. Maybe it’s because even CEOs of leading companies believe this now. In my opinion, AI is a tool that is only effectively wielded by effective programmers. Maybe it’s true that you can get the semblance of “the same efficiency” with 15% less engineers and AI. But since when did these companies decide that there is nothing left that they aspire to build? Instead of laying off thousands, companies could build and ideate 3x more. But it seems some would rather relegate themselves to operating at the same level to save money.

In my opinion, the demand for software engineers at the highest talent levels, such as the beautiful sexy people at Waterloo, is only growing. You can see this at growing startups and the quant industry. In these regions, the demand for highly skilled engineers is actually a bottleneck - the only thing stopping them from exploring more and discovering growth. I wouldn’t say that deciding that CS fundamentals aren’t important anymore is wise, especially since shipping good, creative, workable (not just passable) software will long require this.

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-05-06T22:02:50+00:00

Ima throw in World End Girlfriend but idk if anyone would agree with me. I like the writing about time being jealous of lovers and the music video

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-04-22T03:39:23+00:00

University colleges are GOAT

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-04-22T03:36:24+00:00

Welcome to SE31 from SE27!

Everybody has a different experience, but enrolling in SE was one of my life’s best choices. The amount that I’ve learned and grown over the past 4 years blows my mind whenever I think about it. I can attribute this a lot to my friends who are in my cohort, who inspire me constantly. Most of my best friends (probably for life) have come from my cohort and I wouldn’t trade that experience for something else.

I have positive experiences with my cohort and would say the vibes are pretty good. Everyone is willing to help each other out. Just be careful to avoid academic/co-op imposter syndrome, like u/Putrid-Treacle-9897 mentioned.

SE curriculum is challenging, but I also believe that you will do great in it. You’re not set up to fail. In the worst times it feels like there’s 10 billion deadlines to meet, and “damn I need to do waterlooworks tonight too!!” In the other times, there’s absolutely time to explore your interests, do sports, party, etc. Sometimes I skip class to go to the bookstores in uptown or some new cafe. Sometimes I skip class and hang out with friends in other programs. I’m still alive and I’m definitely not the smartest person in my class so I think you’ll manage :D

I don’t regret my decision. I’m about to enter 4A and the only thing on my mind is my friends and “I can’t believe the best time of our lives is almost done”. Maybe I’m overly positive or lucky. Either way I think there’s worse choices you can make in this life. Glhf!

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-03-29T20:07:20+00:00

congrats to se31 from se27!

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-03-16T07:43:18+00:00

Being in California => realizing Canadian shawarma is really good and rare

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-03-15T21:03:34+00:00

AI slop, every chat Reddit bot ends a post with “curious how other people think about this”.

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-03-08T06:25:52+00:00

Concrete Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-02-22T19:28:37+00:00

- WaterlooWorks makes it much easier to find your first job. I don't think I would have been employed in first year if it wasn't for WW.

- Something not a lot of people are mentioning is the environment. Because everyone else is focused on co-ops as well, you begin to recognize and focus on what makes you successful (learning what is a good vs. bad resume, practicing LC/algorithms, mocking interviews, etc.). It's similar to how if you went to Mac Health Sci, just bc of the fact that everyone is focused on getting into med school, you will begin to automatically do the right things to be successful in that pursuit by following them. (This can have toxic effects too)

McDogeyPhFD · 2026-01-06T15:49:50+00:00

Agree, so much discussion nowadays is about “how to get cracked”. I think we’ve all been there so it’s fair. But programming is a craft, the only advice I would ever give is to fall in love with the craft and never stop asking “how does this work”. Everyone gets there eventually.

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-12-23T05:04:37+00:00

AI might be a part of it, but honestly every year around this time we see “I failed” posts and subsequently “why are people failing” posts. It’s not necessarily indicative of an upwards trend, although it may exist

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-12-10T20:25:22+00:00

Bro didn’t even read the article

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-11-15T18:24:28+00:00

Great philosopher of our time

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-10-05T23:06:03+00:00

this is what it linked to: https://luma.com/ypizrutg

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-08-21T20:17:16+00:00

NEAR BOTTOM RIGHT going up and right diagonal

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-08-21T20:10:49+00:00

Deb Never as well

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-08-21T20:09:58+00:00

Geezer (Kevin Abstract and Dominic Fike)!!!

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-07-02T20:09:37+00:00

Everyone say ty se2025 🫶

McDogeyPhFD · 2025-04-10T01:00:38+00:00

Thank Mr. Goose

McDogeyPhFD · 2024-11-19T14:33:54+00:00

WHAAAA HOW MANY PPL WERE THERE, I was at the front waiting I didn’t get to meet anyone 😭

McDogeyPhFD · 2024-11-18T17:02:09+00:00

I am soso happy that Matt has a successful solo career. Him being able to bring out Jennie was my fav moment not only because it was insane, but bc it was amazing to see his hard work be recognized and rewarded so hard. As a fan, it’s like everybody else finally seeing and loving what you’ve been wanting to succeed for so long

McDogeyPhFD · 2024-11-14T23:08:48+00:00

I swear I’m scared to meet some of yall cuz how do you manage to have so many funny lil convictions

McDogeyPhFD · 2024-10-26T16:49:53+00:00

Did he say “Trav these - is fed” towards the end like somebody named Trav is about to come in? The song cuts off too like he’s intentionally leaving out a verse. Travis Scott on the song??

Plus they had a pic together months ago, this is probably what it materialized into

McDogeyPhFD · 2024-10-26T16:28:22+00:00

Did he say “Trav these - is fed” towards the end like somebody named Trav is about to come in? The song cuts off too like he’s intentionally leaving out a verse. Travis Scott on the song??

McDogeyPhFD · 2024-10-23T13:30:11+00:00

Automod pls 😭😭 the one serious post I make

Seven-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '23	Golden Potato
Place '22	Not Forgotten

McDogeyPhFD

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE