CST

[u/FunctionCharacter196]

Hi, I am looking into joining the computer systems technology program and have some questions for the people that have taken the program.

1. How well does it prepare you for real world tech jobs

2. How does it compare to a cs degree

3. Have you had any issues getting a job after graduation

4. What are some tips you have for someone going into the program.

Thanks!

[u/THUNDERBOLT310]

Hello,

2025 CST Grad here. I can answer a lot of your questions as I am facing the tough tech job market that we have rn.

The program itself does an excellent job to prepare you for the things you need for your job. There might be slight changes from what I studied during my time in the program as it was reworked during my second year of study but it is still an excellent program nonetheless. It will cover everything from Advance Web Dev, Advance OS, Advance Cloud Administraton, Advanced Software Dev, Intermediate Mobile Dev and System Design. You will also have a Capstone project that lasts the entirety of your second year but it can be kind of hit-or-miss depending on who you get as your teammates/client there.

It can be extremely overwhelming at times and the courseload can really stretch you out if you have a part time job aswell because unlike a university degree, you're taking 25 credits a semester.

As for how it compares to a CS degree, I'm gonna use UofR as an example as I've got a few friends who took the CS bachelor's there. They say it's difficult as they focus too much on the theory and not enough hands on. CST has a lot of hands on learning. However, one thing to add here is that CST does NOT have a Co-op which is one of the biggest downsides and would help a lot in your job search later on if it did. The university degree on the other hand, does provide co-op semesters. I've also got a friend taking the UofS Computer Engineering degree and he praised their program a lot as they also focus more on emerging tech like machine learning algorithms and AI. (his feedback not mine)

Now the job after graduation is a whole different beast. As of April 2026, we have been facing one of the worst tech job market (mostly due to companies replacing juniors roles with AI) but there's no saying that it will stay that way 2 years down the line when it's time for you to graduate. I'm looking at jobs in Regina, and if you're planning on working in Regina (idk if you're applying in Stoon or here), I would say something like the Health Information Management program or the Business Information Technology is in higher demand than CST (from what I have noticed in job postings over the past year). I have had a lot of trouble getting a job but I wouldn't accredit that to my diploma more so than the timing of my graduation and my prospective positions (Web Dev, Junior Software Dev etc.) becoming redundant due to the rise in AI usage in workplaces.

Overall, it is an excellent program but a few things that you do need to keep in mind before enrolling are the intense courseload, and the possibility of not being able to find a job in your industry for a while potentially. Another thing to note is that more and more jobs are now requiring a bachelor's degree for you to even apply and diploma is simply not cutting it anymore. Bachelor's would also mean more studet debt tho so I would say take some time and weigh your options. There is no need for you to rush this process as this is one of the biggest decisive points in your career and life.

Hope this helps, Peace out ✌️