5 answers
eyejay
Student
Allen, Texas
1
Question
Asked
693 views
How do I make the most out of my computer science degree?
I am a incoming 3rd year computer science major, and I'm not sure ways other than getting good grades in my classes to reap the benefits of my degree in order to be successful with it for my future.
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5 answers
Namkhang Le
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Namkhang’s Answer
Experience, experience, experience. Coming out of school there are plenty of students with a similar GPA and coursework. What really sets you apart and lets you learn more than what is taught inside of the classroom is experience. Whether that be internships that lead into a full time job after graduation, side projects, or open source work. Anything that will get your hands dirty, let you learn what its like in the industry, or help you land a job is never a bad thing.
Pratul Neupane
Software Engineer Intern
3
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Pratul’s Answer
Get started on projects! Pursue a side project outside of school related to your passion. You can use a familiar language or learn a new one to expand your abilities. Work on multiple projects to demonstrate a diverse skill set and genuine interest. Collaborate with friends on a group project, helping each other grow and showcasing teamwork. If you've taken Software Engineering or a similar class, apply a software development method to your project. Use Github to work on these projects, practicing and displaying your Git knowledge.
While working on projects, begin refining your resume. Search for "Jake's resume" and use it as a template to format your own. Run your resume through Resume Worded for improvement suggestions. Next, practice problem-solving with Leetcode, either the Neetcode 150 or the Grind 75, or both. This will prepare you for online assessments and interviews for full-time positions and internships.
Start applying for internships as early as August. Don't delay your applications even if you feel unprepared, as companies often take time to respond and hire on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the more opportunities will be available to you.
While working on projects, begin refining your resume. Search for "Jake's resume" and use it as a template to format your own. Run your resume through Resume Worded for improvement suggestions. Next, practice problem-solving with Leetcode, either the Neetcode 150 or the Grind 75, or both. This will prepare you for online assessments and interviews for full-time positions and internships.
Start applying for internships as early as August. Don't delay your applications even if you feel unprepared, as companies often take time to respond and hire on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the more opportunities will be available to you.
Ravi Jaiswal
Software Professional
2
Answers
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Updated
Ravi’s Answer
Hello! With 11 years of experience in the IT field and a similar educational background to yours, I can offer some guidance on shaping your future career. Consider where you want to be in the next 5 years and focus on developing the skills that will get you there. If you excel at coding, explore the various applications and tools related to popular languages like Java, .NET, ABAP, and SQL. Stay updated on current market trends and learn in-demand skills, like cloud computing, which is currently booming.
Data analytics is another promising area to explore, with languages like Python and R being essential for aspiring data scientists. As you develop your technical skills, you'll find opportunities across various industries, depending on where you're hired and who you work for. Over time, you'll gain valuable industry knowledge, which can help you transition from the technical to the business side of the industry.
Ultimately, your career path will depend on your personal preferences and goals. I hope this advice helps you make informed decisions and propels you toward a fulfilling professional journey!
Data analytics is another promising area to explore, with languages like Python and R being essential for aspiring data scientists. As you develop your technical skills, you'll find opportunities across various industries, depending on where you're hired and who you work for. Over time, you'll gain valuable industry knowledge, which can help you transition from the technical to the business side of the industry.
Ultimately, your career path will depend on your personal preferences and goals. I hope this advice helps you make informed decisions and propels you toward a fulfilling professional journey!
Thank you for the advice!!
eyejay
Andreina Dyer
Design Researcher/Product Design
13
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Andreina’s Answer
As a Product Designer, I collaborate closely with Software Engineers and Developers. From my experience, the most accomplished and content individuals possess diverse knowledge and can effectively prioritize tasks. The key to their triumph appears to be harmonious teamwork with fellow members. With that in mind, I encourage you to pursue classes or courses in Product Design, stakeholder management, User research, leadership, and even agile project management. Gaining this expertise will undoubtedly set you apart and provide you with a greater opportunity to truly grasp how to apply your technical skills within a team in the real world.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
eyejay
Stephanie Smith
Accountant
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
To make the most out of your computer science degree and maximize your success in the field, here are some key steps you can take:
1. Gain practical experience: While good grades are important, practical experience is highly valued in the computer science field. Seek internships, co-op opportunities, or part-time jobs that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This will help you build a strong resume and develop practical skills that employers seek.
2. Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio of projects that showcase your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. This can include personal coding projects, open-source contributions, or projects completed during internships or coursework. A portfolio can serve as a tangible demonstration of your abilities to potential employers.
3. Network with industry professionals: Attend career fairs, industry conferences, and networking events to connect with professionals in the computer science field. Building relationships with industry experts can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
4. Join relevant organizations and communities: Get involved in computer science clubs, organizations, or online communities that align with your interests. Participate in hackathons, coding competitions, or workshops to further develop your skills and expand your network.
5. Stay updated with industry trends: The field of computer science is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, programming languages, and industry trends. Engage in continuous learning through online courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your knowledge and remain competitive.
6. Seek out mentorship: Find experienced professionals or professors who can guide you in your career journey. They can provide valuable advice, industry insights, and help you navigate challenges and opportunities.
7. Develop strong communication and teamwork skills: While technical skills are important, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and teamwork are equally crucial for success. Enhance your ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, work well in teams, and lead projects.
8. Explore specialization areas: Computer science is a broad field with various specialization areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and more. Explore different areas of interest and consider pursuing additional coursework or certifications in your chosen specialization.
9. Consider graduate studies: Depending on your career goals, pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in computer science can provide advanced knowledge and research opportunities, opening up additional career paths in academia or research-focused positions.
Remember, success in the computer science field is not solely dependent on your degree or grades. It requires a combination of technical skills, practical experience, networking, continuous learning, and personal development. Stay proactive, keep learning, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology to make the most of your computer science degree.
1. Gain practical experience: While good grades are important, practical experience is highly valued in the computer science field. Seek internships, co-op opportunities, or part-time jobs that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This will help you build a strong resume and develop practical skills that employers seek.
2. Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio of projects that showcase your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. This can include personal coding projects, open-source contributions, or projects completed during internships or coursework. A portfolio can serve as a tangible demonstration of your abilities to potential employers.
3. Network with industry professionals: Attend career fairs, industry conferences, and networking events to connect with professionals in the computer science field. Building relationships with industry experts can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
4. Join relevant organizations and communities: Get involved in computer science clubs, organizations, or online communities that align with your interests. Participate in hackathons, coding competitions, or workshops to further develop your skills and expand your network.
5. Stay updated with industry trends: The field of computer science is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, programming languages, and industry trends. Engage in continuous learning through online courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your knowledge and remain competitive.
6. Seek out mentorship: Find experienced professionals or professors who can guide you in your career journey. They can provide valuable advice, industry insights, and help you navigate challenges and opportunities.
7. Develop strong communication and teamwork skills: While technical skills are important, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and teamwork are equally crucial for success. Enhance your ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, work well in teams, and lead projects.
8. Explore specialization areas: Computer science is a broad field with various specialization areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and more. Explore different areas of interest and consider pursuing additional coursework or certifications in your chosen specialization.
9. Consider graduate studies: Depending on your career goals, pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in computer science can provide advanced knowledge and research opportunities, opening up additional career paths in academia or research-focused positions.
Remember, success in the computer science field is not solely dependent on your degree or grades. It requires a combination of technical skills, practical experience, networking, continuous learning, and personal development. Stay proactive, keep learning, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology to make the most of your computer science degree.