10 answers
Julian
Student
Freeport, Maine
1
Question
Asked
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How do you get into the field of computer science in Maine?
I have been interested in programming since using scratch, I am going to take programming classes soon, so I was wondering the best way to get a job in that field when I get out of High school and college.
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10 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Julian,
Embarking on a career in computer science in the beautiful state of Maine involves a blend of education, hands-on experience, and making connections. Here are some friendly pointers to help you navigate your way:
1. Education: Kick things off by taking programming classes either in high school or via online platforms like Codecademy or Coursera. These classes will give you a strong base in programming concepts and languages. Also, think about earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field from a recognized college or university. This degree will not only deepen your knowledge but also show your dedication and commitment to future employers.
2. Internships and Co-op Programs: Look for internships or co-op programs during your college years. These experiences let you put your learning into practice in a real-world scenario. Many firms in Maine offer internships tailored for computer science students, giving you invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to work on impactful projects.
3. Networking: Forge a robust professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant professional groups, and linking up with professionals already in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorships, and priceless advice from seasoned individuals who can help guide your career journey.
4. Personal Projects and Portfolios: Work on personal projects or contribute to open-source projects to display your skills and love for programming. Creating a portfolio of your work will not only show off your abilities but also make you stand out to potential employers.
5. Participate in Hackathons and Coding Competitions: Joining hackathons and coding competitions can be an exciting way to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and network with individuals who share your interests. These events often draw industry professionals who might be scouting for talented individuals to join their teams.
6. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: The computer science field is always changing, so it's crucial to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and participate in online communities to stay in the loop about emerging technologies and best practices.
7. Consider Professional Certifications: While not always required, securing professional certifications can boost your credentials and show your expertise in specific computer science areas. Certifications like CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can be great additions to your resume.
8. Job Search Strategies: When you're ready to start your job hunt, use online job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to find opportunities in Maine. Customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences. Also, consider attending career fairs and reaching out to local companies directly.
Remember, the computer science field is highly competitive, so it's vital to keep sharpening your skills, stay driven, and persistently chase your goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Websites:
1. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) - The ACM is a top-tier professional group for computer science professionals. Their website gives access to research papers, publications, and resources related to computer science.
2. Maine Technology Institute (MTI) - MTI is a state-funded organization that backs technology-driven businesses in Maine. Their website provides information on technology-related industries in the state and potential funding opportunities.
3. Maine Department of Labor - Center for Workforce Research and Information - This center offers labor market information specific to Maine, including data on employment trends, wages, and job outlooks for various occupations, including those in computer science-related fields.
Embarking on a career in computer science in the beautiful state of Maine involves a blend of education, hands-on experience, and making connections. Here are some friendly pointers to help you navigate your way:
1. Education: Kick things off by taking programming classes either in high school or via online platforms like Codecademy or Coursera. These classes will give you a strong base in programming concepts and languages. Also, think about earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field from a recognized college or university. This degree will not only deepen your knowledge but also show your dedication and commitment to future employers.
2. Internships and Co-op Programs: Look for internships or co-op programs during your college years. These experiences let you put your learning into practice in a real-world scenario. Many firms in Maine offer internships tailored for computer science students, giving you invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to work on impactful projects.
3. Networking: Forge a robust professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant professional groups, and linking up with professionals already in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorships, and priceless advice from seasoned individuals who can help guide your career journey.
4. Personal Projects and Portfolios: Work on personal projects or contribute to open-source projects to display your skills and love for programming. Creating a portfolio of your work will not only show off your abilities but also make you stand out to potential employers.
5. Participate in Hackathons and Coding Competitions: Joining hackathons and coding competitions can be an exciting way to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and network with individuals who share your interests. These events often draw industry professionals who might be scouting for talented individuals to join their teams.
6. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: The computer science field is always changing, so it's crucial to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and participate in online communities to stay in the loop about emerging technologies and best practices.
7. Consider Professional Certifications: While not always required, securing professional certifications can boost your credentials and show your expertise in specific computer science areas. Certifications like CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can be great additions to your resume.
8. Job Search Strategies: When you're ready to start your job hunt, use online job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to find opportunities in Maine. Customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences. Also, consider attending career fairs and reaching out to local companies directly.
Remember, the computer science field is highly competitive, so it's vital to keep sharpening your skills, stay driven, and persistently chase your goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Websites:
1. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) - The ACM is a top-tier professional group for computer science professionals. Their website gives access to research papers, publications, and resources related to computer science.
2. Maine Technology Institute (MTI) - MTI is a state-funded organization that backs technology-driven businesses in Maine. Their website provides information on technology-related industries in the state and potential funding opportunities.
3. Maine Department of Labor - Center for Workforce Research and Information - This center offers labor market information specific to Maine, including data on employment trends, wages, and job outlooks for various occupations, including those in computer science-related fields.
Thanks for the advice.
Julian
Deirdre Quarnstrom
Product Manager
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Deirdre’s Answer
Tools like Scratch and Code.org tutorials are great. Keep learning!
Many companies, large and small, offer remote work. Think about how important location is for you. You might consider moving to another state if you don't find opportunities locally, or deciding if a remote work environment would be a good fit for you.
Also, rounding out your programming classes with experiences or courses help you develop strong collaboration and communication skills will also help you in the job market. Most employers look for a combination of technical skills, creativity, and ability to work well with others.
Many companies, large and small, offer remote work. Think about how important location is for you. You might consider moving to another state if you don't find opportunities locally, or deciding if a remote work environment would be a good fit for you.
Also, rounding out your programming classes with experiences or courses help you develop strong collaboration and communication skills will also help you in the job market. Most employers look for a combination of technical skills, creativity, and ability to work well with others.
Thanks for the help.
Julian
Mahadevan(Dave) Lakshmanan
Software Development
2
Answers
Lawrence Township, New Jersey
Updated
Mahadevan(Dave)’s Answer
Join an online coding camp, Also try coding with scratch, codeacademy to get hands of experience of coding.
Thank you, Mahadevan(Dave)!
Julian
Mahadevan(Dave) Lakshmanan
Software Development
2
Answers
Lawrence Township, New Jersey
Updated
Mahadevan(Dave)’s Answer
Dive into the world of programming by enrolling in an online coding camp! Don't forget to explore platforms like Scratch and Codecademy. They offer a fantastic opportunity to gain practical coding experience. It's a fun and interactive way to learn, so give it a try!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Julian
Elizabeth Knox
Software Engineer
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Julian! Alongside your coding classes, contemplating creating your own applications could guide you in figuring out your post-graduation plans. There are great resources online with excellent guides that explain the process of constructing web or mobile applications from the ground up. Consider developing a mobile app using React Native or a web app with Angular. This experience will provide you with a sneak peek into some of the projects or tech stacks you might engage with after finishing high school and college. Plus, the process of creating your own apps can be really fun!
Elizabeth (Betsy) Kvedar, CPTD®
Learning Consultant
75
Answers
Shelburne, New York
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Hello Julian,
My sibling had an amazing experience at the University of Maine in Orono. I highly recommend you take a closer look at their exceptional engineering and computing college.
Best of luck!
My sibling had an amazing experience at the University of Maine in Orono. I highly recommend you take a closer look at their exceptional engineering and computing college.
Best of luck!
Sumanto Biswas
1
Answer
San Jose, California
Updated
Sumanto’s Answer
Start by absorbing knowledge from a variety of sources, just as others have suggested. Remember, practice is key. This can be achieved through offline tasks or questions you tackle on your own, or through engaging in online platforms like hackathons and coding contests.
Make sure to build a strong foundation in the basics, such as software engineering and architecture, along with specific programming languages. Select one or two languages that you're passionate about and delve deeper into them, understanding their best practices and more. This will help you comprehend why these languages are structured the way they are.
Also, if possible, keep up with technology news. This not only fuels your interest in the field but also keeps you informed about the latest trends and future directions. Keep going, you're on the right track!
Make sure to build a strong foundation in the basics, such as software engineering and architecture, along with specific programming languages. Select one or two languages that you're passionate about and delve deeper into them, understanding their best practices and more. This will help you comprehend why these languages are structured the way they are.
Also, if possible, keep up with technology news. This not only fuels your interest in the field but also keeps you informed about the latest trends and future directions. Keep going, you're on the right track!
Thank you so much!
Julian
Shweta Agarwal
Software engineer
14
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Shweta’s Answer
Hello Julian,
Your question is excellent and I'm thrilled to see you're clear about your future aspirations. It's commendable that you're taking the initiative to post your questions and actively seek assistance.
There's a wealth of platforms available where you can hone your programming skills. Languages like Python and Golang are highly sought after in the market. However, remember that programming languages are merely tools for writing code. The key is to have a strong grasp of logic and problem-solving.
Python is a hot ticket in both development and QA profiles, which means it can unlock a vast array of opportunities for you. I encourage you to explore tutorials and practice diligently. This will undoubtedly give you an edge in future interviews.
Wishing you the best in your journey!
Warm Regards,
Shweta
Your question is excellent and I'm thrilled to see you're clear about your future aspirations. It's commendable that you're taking the initiative to post your questions and actively seek assistance.
There's a wealth of platforms available where you can hone your programming skills. Languages like Python and Golang are highly sought after in the market. However, remember that programming languages are merely tools for writing code. The key is to have a strong grasp of logic and problem-solving.
Python is a hot ticket in both development and QA profiles, which means it can unlock a vast array of opportunities for you. I encourage you to explore tutorials and practice diligently. This will undoubtedly give you an edge in future interviews.
Wishing you the best in your journey!
Warm Regards,
Shweta
Thank you for the advice
Julian
David Armas
IT Engineer
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
David’s Answer
Excellent query. The first step is to choose a college that suits your needs. The prestige of the college isn't as important as its affordability and your ability to finish the course. It's crucial that the college provides a range of programming courses, allowing you to select the language you're most interested in pursuing. If traditional college isn't your preference, there are online platforms such as Codecademy, Pluralsight, and Scratch that offer programming courses.
I trust this guidance is helpful to you.
I trust this guidance is helpful to you.
Thanks for the advice of places to learn
Julian
Jason Poinson
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
It's fantastic to see that you've already found your focus. That's an excellent first step! Your enthusiasm for programming will be a significant factor in how far you'll go. Make sure to squeeze every drop of knowledge from your courses. Don't limit your practice to just structured classes, explore on your own too. Consider pursuing various programming certifications to not only deepen your understanding but also to showcase your proficiency in the field when job hunting. Remember, the world of programming offers the flexibility of remote work. Don't restrict yourself to just Maine. You could land a programming job in sunny California while comfortably working from your home in Maine. Expand your horizons and search far and wide. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Thank you for the wonderful advice
Julian