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What classes should I take in high school to best prepare me for a job in computer science?

I'm interested in computer programming and I want to make sure the classes I'm taking will help me out in that field. #computer-science #computer-programming

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Shingchern’s Answer

Personally I think you do not need any specific course in high school to learn computer programming. Most courses in high school are (my personal bias) irrelevant. However, you need to ask yourself if you are suitable to study programming. In my opinion, you need to have strong reasoning ability to be one of the best programmers. Reasoning ability means that you can predict (guess) something based on what you have known so far.It is hard for me to explain this kind of characteristics. I do know some researchers are developing standard tests to evaluate this ability. Unfortunately, I do not have access to any of the problem sets. Maybe I can give you a simple example. If you watch a movie, will you guess what the story will go on based on what you have watched so far? If so, how well is your guess? If you can do it well, that means you have a strong reasoning ability. If you cannot, that is OK. This ability can be developed. As long as you keep your curiosity and always think why, you can acquire this ability. Good luck.
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Kathleen’s Answer

If your school offers programming classes, this would definitely be my answer first and foremost. That said, my school didn't offer any programming classes. Looking back, I don't think any classes had the immediate effect a programming class would have had in preparing me for my career, but there are a lot of classes that helped form the basis for how I go about my daily work in more subtle ways. Depending on what part of the industry you go into, higher order math might be very important to your work -- I don't use any calculus (for example) in my position, but that isn't to say that's true for all programmer jobs. Taking math/science-based classes like calculus and physics was also very useful in building a foundation of how to work through a problem using available information and known patterns. Public speaking or any sort of communication-based class is also incredibly helpful, as a lot of your job might be trying to present technical information clearly and concisely to others. There is a stereotype around engineers being bad at communication, but the best engineers I know are those that can learn something and then pass that information along to others. Especially in the interviewing stage, I would much rather have a candidate that can explain their work, and that I can have a discussion with, than one who is technically superior but unable to explain their thought process.
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Megan’s Answer

Hi Alex,
While math and science are the two most obvious answers, I would also suggest writing/communications courses. One of the keys to being a good developer is being able to succinctly comment on your code so others can easily ramp when they have to work on it. If I were you, I would also work outside of your classes to learn various programs. I have taught myself all of the various software and programming languages by reading books and using online resources as well. This is a good method for you to find out what really interests you and dive deeper into it.
Best of luck!
Megan
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David’s Answer

The best classes to take in high school are Math and Science related for working in IT. An increasing amount of field is revolving around Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. For AI/ML you should also consider classes on statistics. Based on how you want to develop your career business classes can also help.
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Bonnie’s Answer

I recommend Udacity’s free online program because it has over two hundred courses from which to choose. One never knows what will spark your passion until you do the work. I tried the free courses and eventually earned a Nanodegree.

Bonnie recommends the following next steps:

Visit Udacity.com and choose from their list of hundreds of free online courses
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Leon’s Answer

Certainly Math and Science classes are almost required for computer science daily activities.
Take computer programming classes if they are offered at your school.
I know in the future typing will be replaced with voice commands but taking an on-line touch typing class would benefit for the short term.

You can learn programming on-line while you are going to high school. Python is an easy to learn general purpose programming language available on many web sites. This web site is one of the best-- https://www.learnpython.org/

I know this is old fashion but you should buy a good Python programming book for reference.
When you use the book feel free to highlight and mark references.
Or you could find a good Python programming pdf on the Internet an print the connects.

Leon recommends the following next steps:

Take on-line programming course.
Take another on-line programming course.
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