5 answers
5 answers
Updated
Mario’s Answer
I would say, it was forced upon me by my father, =]
So I took Computing Science. That journey started in 2008 and finished in 2013. During that time I did a 16-month co-op term and really liked it. I met real adults that did adult things, so my co-op term felt like a sitcom.
After I graduated, I got employed right away.
The field has so much opportunity for change that I no longer do software development, but I do other things I enjoy & I'm good at.
There are a lot of others that have pivoted their careers because as you get older your likes and interest change.
Hope that helps.
So I took Computing Science. That journey started in 2008 and finished in 2013. During that time I did a 16-month co-op term and really liked it. I met real adults that did adult things, so my co-op term felt like a sitcom.
After I graduated, I got employed right away.
The field has so much opportunity for change that I no longer do software development, but I do other things I enjoy & I'm good at.
There are a lot of others that have pivoted their careers because as you get older your likes and interest change.
Hope that helps.
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hello, Kajuan and all of the other students who read this answer.
The first thing you should know is that I'm not a programmer. I am a product manager who works with programmers. I also specialize in building job platforms that match people looking for jobs to opportunities based on their skills. So, my advice comes from the angle of observing programmers. This is what I've observed:
All programmers are good problem solvers. They enjoy solving different kinds of problems. For example, some like to bring an idea to life, like a website, app, or algorithm. Some enjoy finding solutions to complex tasks, like designing an algorithm for a job seeker based on the person's skills. All programmers should enjoy working with others. While you may have deep focus time, you'll also spend much time collaborating with others. That requires patience and an interest in understanding the 'why' behind a request.
So think about what you enjoy now and the characteristics good programmers possess. Next, try some hands-on programming to see if you want it. See my next steps.
Look at organizations like scratch MIT or code.org. You can find introductory projects.
Take an online introductory course on Python or Javascript. Both are popular languages. Try free courses: Python Crash Course (FreeCodeCamp) or Google Python Class.
Now take a course or watch a YouTube video on anything else that interest you. Which do you prefer?
The first thing you should know is that I'm not a programmer. I am a product manager who works with programmers. I also specialize in building job platforms that match people looking for jobs to opportunities based on their skills. So, my advice comes from the angle of observing programmers. This is what I've observed:
All programmers are good problem solvers. They enjoy solving different kinds of problems. For example, some like to bring an idea to life, like a website, app, or algorithm. Some enjoy finding solutions to complex tasks, like designing an algorithm for a job seeker based on the person's skills. All programmers should enjoy working with others. While you may have deep focus time, you'll also spend much time collaborating with others. That requires patience and an interest in understanding the 'why' behind a request.
So think about what you enjoy now and the characteristics good programmers possess. Next, try some hands-on programming to see if you want it. See my next steps.
Amy recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
The feeling was mutual. I started with electronics in grade school. Electronics led to computing and there you go. I was always a builder. Legos, etc. Currently Raspberry Pi/Arduino/etc. is the hot space for this.
So I got into web development and have enjoyed it a lot. Find what you enjoy. Find what calls to you. Whatever it is. If it feels right, and it feeds you, and you keep coming back for more curious and interested, you are in the right place.
So I got into web development and have enjoyed it a lot. Find what you enjoy. Find what calls to you. Whatever it is. If it feels right, and it feeds you, and you keep coming back for more curious and interested, you are in the right place.
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
My journey into Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) began in the early 2010s, a period when digital technologies were rapidly evolving and shaping the future. The growing potential in fields like mobile tech, cloud computing, and emerging trends like IoT and 5G really captured my attention. I saw how transformative these technologies were becoming, and I knew that diving into ECE would give me the skills to both understand and contribute to these changes.
Choosing ECE at that time was about positioning myself to take advantage of the many career opportunities emerging from the digital age. The field was a perfect blend of hardware and software, and it felt like the best way to stay at the cutting edge of technological advancements. From 2011 to 2016, I found myself not only learning about circuits, systems, and software but also witnessing firsthand how these innovations were unfolding in the real world.
I was drawn to how ECE connected both practical applications and groundbreaking technology. Whether it was working on hardware that would power new devices or learning the software that would enable these innovations, it was clear that ECE was a versatile field. It was exciting to be part of a generation that was shaping the future of technology, and I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of it. Looking back, it was a decision driven by curiosity, the desire to solve complex problems, and the potential to make an impact in a rapidly digitalizing world.
Choosing ECE at that time was about positioning myself to take advantage of the many career opportunities emerging from the digital age. The field was a perfect blend of hardware and software, and it felt like the best way to stay at the cutting edge of technological advancements. From 2011 to 2016, I found myself not only learning about circuits, systems, and software but also witnessing firsthand how these innovations were unfolding in the real world.
I was drawn to how ECE connected both practical applications and groundbreaking technology. Whether it was working on hardware that would power new devices or learning the software that would enable these innovations, it was clear that ECE was a versatile field. It was exciting to be part of a generation that was shaping the future of technology, and I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of it. Looking back, it was a decision driven by curiosity, the desire to solve complex problems, and the potential to make an impact in a rapidly digitalizing world.
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
How I Got Into IT/Computer Science
I wasn’t one of those kids coding in elementary school or building PCs from scratch. But I was always curious about how things worked. Growing up, I loved solving problems—whether it was fixing my gadgets or figuring out puzzles.
In college, I started exploring computer science and realized it wasn’t just about writing code—it was about creating solutions. One of my first projects was building a tool to track orders in our college cafeteria. Seeing it help people streamline their workflow (and get their food faster!) was such a cool moment—it made me realize the power of technology in solving real-world problems.
Why I Love It Now
I love that IT is about constant learning. Technology changes fast, so you’re always leveling up your skills. Plus, there’s something for everyone—whether you like coding, designing apps, analyzing data, or building infrastructure.
I wasn’t one of those kids coding in elementary school or building PCs from scratch. But I was always curious about how things worked. Growing up, I loved solving problems—whether it was fixing my gadgets or figuring out puzzles.
In college, I started exploring computer science and realized it wasn’t just about writing code—it was about creating solutions. One of my first projects was building a tool to track orders in our college cafeteria. Seeing it help people streamline their workflow (and get their food faster!) was such a cool moment—it made me realize the power of technology in solving real-world problems.
Why I Love It Now
I love that IT is about constant learning. Technology changes fast, so you’re always leveling up your skills. Plus, there’s something for everyone—whether you like coding, designing apps, analyzing data, or building infrastructure.