Sometimes, at tech conferences or networking events, ambitious young engineers ask me, “What should I learn next to truly level up my skills?”

I respect their drive. And because I respect them, I give them my most honest, unvarnished answer:

“Go back to school and study Computer Science (CS) systematically.”

That is it. In an era where fields like Data Science and Cybersecurity are becoming increasingly specialized, you cannot advance without the “foundation of all foundations”—CS. This choice isn’t just my personal preference; it is the cold, hard conclusion reached by many professionals fighting on the front lines of the industry.

1. Why Does Only the IT Industry Coddle the “Inexperienced”?

In any other professional field, it is a given that you cannot work without specialized knowledge. If you want to be a doctor, you need a medical license. If you handle hazardous materials, you need a certification. If you want a global business role, you need a proven language score.

However, the IT industry, particularly in Japan, often promotes the notion that experience is not necessary. or “Zero background? No problem!”

As a Principal Technical Architect at a major US cloud company with over a decade of experience, this trend deeply frustrates me. In any legitimate job description, fundamental knowledge is a prerequisite, and experience is what you build on top of it. Mastering the basics is a professional obligation.

I am not saying these words out of bitterness for the five years I spent studying at a KOSEN (Japan’s specialized 5-year engineering colleges). I make this statement because individuals who lack basic understanding can be a significant liability in the field. When a company or a team has to pay the “education cost” to fill that gap, the professional ecosystem becomes unhealthy.

2. The “Gold Watch” at IBM and the Crisis at a major US cloud company

Let me tell you a story from my past. When I joined IBM Japan, I was shocked to find that among the new graduates—who were given six months of intensive training—less than 20% truly understood Computer Science.

To me, the technical training felt elementary. Because I already had the technical foundation, I could focus entirely on sharpening my “human skills.” As a result, I earned the “Gold Watch”—a traditional prestige awarded to the top-performing new recruit at IBM Japan. Even at a global authority like IBM, that was the reality of the talent pool in Japan.

Now, let’s look at the current state of A major US cloud company, where I have spent the last 10 years. In the past, Salesforce was a sanctuary for “Business Engineers.” You were a star if you could demonstrate a single product such as Sales Application Services. But those days are over. Products have become infinitely more complex, requiring deep integration with legacy environments. Business knowledge alone is no longer enough to survive.

Recognizing this “danger zone,” I took it upon myself to develop a CS training curriculum for my colleagues. I mapped out over 50 essential items to help bridge the gap. While the company praised this initiative, it revealed a grim reality: even in a global giant, many employees lack a formal grasp of the basics. This is likely the case for many SIers (System Integrators) and consulting firms that have bloated their headcount without vetting for foundational skills.

In the U.S., a CS degree is like a passport for an engineer. Why does Japan continue to neglect the “foundation”? I simply cannot understand it.

3. Don’t Mimic Geniuses: Arm Yourself with Knowledge

Some might argue, “But I know famous, successful engineers who never studied CS!”

Those people fall into two categories. The first group consists of "handy IT uncles" who have successfully navigated small, niche markets through years of experimentation and learning.

The second category is the Geniuses. These are the rare exceptions who have the innate ability to grasp complex patterns intuitively.

For the rest of us, who are considered "ordinary" professionals, attempting to emulate them can lead to disastrous outcomes. Without a foundation of basic knowledge, application is 100% impossible. If you believe that AI will manage the fundamentals, you are mistaken. AI can handle tasks, but it cannot handle decisions. To understand the underlying mechanisms and take responsibility for your architectural decisions, a backbone in CS is indispensable.

If you are determined to thrive in this challenging and rapidly evolving industry, avoid shortcuts. Go back to the roots. Study Computer Science systematically.

It will be the only “weapon” that allows you to survive in this cruel world.

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🌏 Overseas Reader’s Supplement

• KOSEN (National Institute of Technology) : Japan has a unique educational system where students enter 5-year engineering programs at age 15. It is known for producing highly practical and specialized engineers, distinct from standard 4-year universities.
• The “Inexperienced” Hire Phenomenon : Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, many large Japanese corporations hire “new graduates” regardless of their major (e.g., hiring a Literature major as a Software Engineer) and attempt to train them from scratch. This trend has led to a lack of formal CS backgrounds in the workforce.
• The IBM Gold Watch : In the golden era of IBM Japan, the top recruit in the entry-level training program was gifted a high-end watch (often a gold Seiko or similar). Veterans of the Japanese IT industry continue to view it as a symbol of elite status.
• SIer (System Integrator) : A term commonly used in Japan to describe large technology firms that manage massive, end-to-end IT projects for corporate clients. These firms often prioritize project management over deep technical expertise.