4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Communication is one key area. Can you explain things in a clear and concise manner? Can you write? How well do you interact with others? Do you keep your boss informed of your progress and what issues you have? How well do you seem to fit in with everyone else?
What is your work ethic? Do you roll in 30 minutes late every day, or leave early at every opportunity? Do you volunteer for hard projects?
All the above are called "soft skills". Nobody really teaches them, at least not in school. All can be learned and improved, of course.
Then, you need to (obviously) learn some programming skills. Programming is not about knowing the syntax of a language. It's a process for analyzing a problem, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and repeating that process over and over until you have manageable chunks. You need to follow good coding practices - proper variable/method names. Clean indentation. Good comments, but no over-commenting. Writing simple, clear code that anyone can understand, not clever code that is impossible to debug.
What is your work ethic? Do you roll in 30 minutes late every day, or leave early at every opportunity? Do you volunteer for hard projects?
All the above are called "soft skills". Nobody really teaches them, at least not in school. All can be learned and improved, of course.
Then, you need to (obviously) learn some programming skills. Programming is not about knowing the syntax of a language. It's a process for analyzing a problem, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and repeating that process over and over until you have manageable chunks. You need to follow good coding practices - proper variable/method names. Clean indentation. Good comments, but no over-commenting. Writing simple, clear code that anyone can understand, not clever code that is impossible to debug.
Thank you for the advice! I will definitely try to improve my "soft skills" by getting lots of practice.
Jaden
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Passion is probably the most important trait. Passion usually manifests in many different ways (e.g. contributing to open source, doing freelance work, coding for fun, keeping up with the news, etc). With that said, you still need to make sure you meet the bar for basic technical knowledge like coding and design.
Doing a lot of leetcode and watching mock design interviews are helpful.
Doing a lot of leetcode and watching mock design interviews are helpful.
Thanks for writing back to me! I will check out leetcode and watch some mock interviews.
Jaden
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interested in Computer Science especially on coding. In fact, there are many different careers in Computer Science in addition to coding, e.g. Application Support, System Support, Database Administration, Network / System Administration, etc. It might be worthwhile for you to explore on these careers as well.
Given you are interested in programming, below are some essentials elements that employers might look for :
1. Fluency the programming languages that they need - you may consider to learn more different programming languages
2. Proficiency of their programming platform
3. Understand the industry and possess the knowledge
4. Experience in the role
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Given you are interested in programming, below are some essentials elements that employers might look for :
1. Fluency the programming languages that they need - you may consider to learn more different programming languages
2. Proficiency of their programming platform
3. Understand the industry and possess the knowledge
4. Experience in the role
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thanks for the advice.
Jaden
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
STUDY! Go to class! Get books! Work through a lot of code! Build projects! Do all the things required to be good at this. Its a LOT of work! Employers look for the usual basic to advanced skills, the ability to communicate and get along with other people. They also want to get a sense of who you are as a person and if you'll mesh with their team. Its basic but also complex. Work hard - learn your stuff and have a life. Be a full person with interests and hobbies. If you can DO THE JOB and be FUN TO HAVE AROUND, you have a good shot at success. Just put in the work and live a full life so you can bring a rich story to them (and you).