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What steps do I need to take if I want to become a computer science major?
I'm in the 11th grade and I'm taking a few programming classes. What more should I be doing if I want to become a cs major?
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Christopher’s Answer
Hey Marvin,
I don't think there are clear-cut steps to take, but I'd recommend developing a personal project! Find a language that you enjoy, think of a project that excites you, and go for it. You'll sharpen your programming skills, have a project to show off at the end (and possibly add to your resume down the road), and have fun working on something you're passionate about.
Plus, depending on project, you might pick up some knowledge on algorithms, data structures, etc. which will give you a head start as you head off to college and further explore those areas of computer science.
I don't think there are clear-cut steps to take, but I'd recommend developing a personal project! Find a language that you enjoy, think of a project that excites you, and go for it. You'll sharpen your programming skills, have a project to show off at the end (and possibly add to your resume down the road), and have fun working on something you're passionate about.
Plus, depending on project, you might pick up some knowledge on algorithms, data structures, etc. which will give you a head start as you head off to college and further explore those areas of computer science.
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
CS is a foundational major that can lead to a plethora of career choices depending on specialties youll find much later. For now focus on those programming courses and look into the colleges youre considering’s requirements. Basically if they have classes that center around python, java, html/css, or whatever else then start learning those to make those classes go by quickly boosting your GPA. This will allow you to use this same foresight method to look into careers and their requirements, such as cloud computing or data engineering, and the technologies wrapped up in them.
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Chrissy’s Answer
Hi Marvin,
It's less about steps, but having the skills and passion to be successful in the industry. When I'm hiring Computer Science majors, to become Presales Solutions Architects here are the skills I look for:
1. Proven technology skills, outstanding interpersonal abilities, strong written and verbal communication skills.
2. Attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities.
3. Being an innovative thinker and a self-starter with a desire-to-win type mindset.
With those skills, your employer should be able to teach you the rest!
Do a job search on Linked In for Computer Science and see all the different jobs available and take note of the requirements and if you can reach those goals by the end of college you should be a great candidate when you apply for full time jobs.
It's less about steps, but having the skills and passion to be successful in the industry. When I'm hiring Computer Science majors, to become Presales Solutions Architects here are the skills I look for:
1. Proven technology skills, outstanding interpersonal abilities, strong written and verbal communication skills.
2. Attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities.
3. Being an innovative thinker and a self-starter with a desire-to-win type mindset.
With those skills, your employer should be able to teach you the rest!
Chrissy recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Hanish’s Answer
I would suggest focusing on data structures and algorithms and mastering at least one programming language. A lot of people start out with python or javascript because they’re easier to learn compared to an object oriented language like Java or C++. Data structures and algorithms are crucial for anyone that’s trying to major in CS because once you start interviewing for jobs, most of these jobs will focus on your ability to solve problems using common data structures like linked lists, arrays, stacks, queues, etc.