In the fast-changing world of technology, it’s easy to believe that a computer science degree is your golden ticket to success. But Sameer Samat, Google’s head of Android and Play, says that’s only the beginning. His advice to engineers, especially those just starting their careers? Go beyond the degree—because that’s where real impact begins.
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“Computer Science Is Not Coding”
Speaking recently at a tech leadership forum, Samat challenged how people perceive computer science today. “A lot of folks think computer science means learning how to code in Java,” he said. “But it’s not that at all. Computer science is about problem-solving. It’s about learning how to design systems and collaborate across domains.”
He pointed out that while tools like AI and auto-coding assistants can now write functioning programs with ease, real engineers are expected to solve complex problems that can’t be outsourced to a machine. According to him, that’s where the real value lies.
Degrees Matter, But Depth Matters More
Samat doesn’t downplay the value of formal education. As a UC San Diego computer science graduate, he knows the strength of foundational theory. But he believes that just holding a degree won’t cut it anymore, especially for those eyeing roles at top companies like Google.
“You need to have a deeper understanding of the field you’re passionate about,” he said. “Go deep into one area—whether it’s UI design, operating systems, distributed computing, or mobile performance optimisation. Aim to become one of the top experts in that space.”
This advice reflects a broader industry trend. Today’s hiring managers are increasingly interested in what you’ve built, contributed to, or solved, not just what’s listed on your diploma.
The Power of Passion and Initiative
Samat’s own career is a case study in going beyond the expected. In 1999, before he ever joined Google, he cold-emailed co-founder Sergey Brin at 3 a.m. to ask for career advice. Incredibly, Brin replied within minutes, invited him to Mountain View, and offered him a job.
Samat turned down that first offer to focus on his own startup, but the boldness of the move and the respect he earned from Brin left a lasting impression. Years later, after selling his company and gaining more experience, he joined Google in 2008. By 2015, he was leading product teams for Android and Google Play.
“I didn’t get where I am because I checked off all the right boxes,” he said. “It was because I was deeply curious, I asked for help, and I followed through.”
What Top Tech Employers Are Looking For
When companies like Google, Meta, or Apple assess candidates, they’re looking beyond coursework. Samat shared that high-performing engineers show evidence of depth: maybe they’ve contributed to open-source projects, started tech blogs, worked on weekend prototypes, or built something useful just for fun.
“Engineers who stand out are the ones who explore things on their own,” he said. “They build side projects, they understand how systems work under the hood, and they’re not afraid to break things and fix them.”
This kind of independent problem-solving is invaluable, especially as technology becomes more automated and abstracted. While tools may write the code, it takes a thinking engineer to architect systems, ensure security, optimise performance, and design with users in mind.
Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Learning
To truly grow, Samat believes engineers must immerse themselves in real-world challenges. Learning to write clean code is important, but learning how memory management works, how race conditions happen, or how to debug a crashing app is what sets you apart.
“You can’t just be a code typist,” he warned. “You need to understand the ‘why’ behind every line.”
He recommends young engineers explore areas they’re drawn to and dive in deeply. Whether it’s mobile UX, backend scalability, cybersecurity, or even Assembly language, mastery in one domain often carries more weight than being average in several.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Samat left students and junior engineers with this blueprint for career growth:
- Treat your degree as a foundation, not a finish line.
- Pick a specialization and pursue it with obsessive curiosity.
- Engage in projects outside school—internships, GitHub contributions, or hackathons.
- Understand systems, not just syntax.
- Find mentors and ask questions—even if it means emailing a tech giant at 3 a.m.
Final Thought: The Future Needs Thinkers, Not Just Coders
As AI tools evolve and the barrier to writing software continues to lower, the value of real engineering is going up. The tech world doesn’t just need coders; it needs designers, architects, strategists, and critical thinkers who can envision solutions for problems we haven’t yet imagined.
Samat’s message is clear: If you want to be more than a résumé, more than a degree-holder, go deeper. Learn, build, break, and rebuild. Because that’s how you stand out in a world full of credentials.
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