5 answers
Partho
Student
Plano, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How did your high school experiences shape your career path in coding/finance/business, and what advice do you have for someone like me who is interested in pursuing a similar field??
I'm in high school and I want to learn how to code so I can use it in the business/financing world.
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5 answers
Xiaojie Johan Liu
Consultant
91
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Xiaojie Johan’s Answer
Hello Partho,
I am not a coder by trade as I studied Management Information Systems in undergrad and Economics in grad, but I mostly chose MIS and Economics since I was good in math and in math competitions in High School. Now, I work in consulting.
A solid foundation in mathematics is important for a career in finance or in coding, so you should get started in learning how to code and learn as much math as possible in High School. I would recommend taking some online coding courses, all of the advanced math courses offered in your school and outside math courses such as ones at your local community or state college.
Once you are in college, I'd major in Computer Science, Information Systems and combine it with Economics and/or Finance to get a good background on certain things, but I'd also try to get a heads up on Math courses as well. (This is especially the case if you want to be a Quant at a finance firm for example).
Personally, I switched around a lot and somehow landed in management consulting, but my studies in both MIS and in Economics/Mathematics helped me immensely so far in my young career. I'd look at things carefully and do your research.
Best of luck!
Regards,
Johan
I am not a coder by trade as I studied Management Information Systems in undergrad and Economics in grad, but I mostly chose MIS and Economics since I was good in math and in math competitions in High School. Now, I work in consulting.
A solid foundation in mathematics is important for a career in finance or in coding, so you should get started in learning how to code and learn as much math as possible in High School. I would recommend taking some online coding courses, all of the advanced math courses offered in your school and outside math courses such as ones at your local community or state college.
Once you are in college, I'd major in Computer Science, Information Systems and combine it with Economics and/or Finance to get a good background on certain things, but I'd also try to get a heads up on Math courses as well. (This is especially the case if you want to be a Quant at a finance firm for example).
Personally, I switched around a lot and somehow landed in management consulting, but my studies in both MIS and in Economics/Mathematics helped me immensely so far in my young career. I'd look at things carefully and do your research.
Best of luck!
Regards,
Johan
Logesh Venkatarajulu
Software Engineering
2
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Logesh’s Answer
Hi Partho,
First of all great question.
Coding or Programming regardless of the domain is built on strong foundations of procedural thinking.
You ability to break down problems into smaller tasks, Your ability to write down solutions step by step would be valuable.
Your problem solving skills and the basic elements of it is usually learned at school.
It is not clearly evident the effect it has in your career but it is the tru foundation for everything that you want to become.
Regd your second question, your interest in finance and banking domain is great. There are tons of opportunities for IT and Apps in that domain.
In general programmers who have good domain knowledge will excel and grow into subject matter experts in the field and will become product visionaries.
Keep a notebook of all ideas that is a culmination of the 3 fields. Get creative. Get optimistic, Think futuristic.
Come back and refine your ideas every now and then.
This will be your gold mine a few years later.
First of all great question.
Coding or Programming regardless of the domain is built on strong foundations of procedural thinking.
You ability to break down problems into smaller tasks, Your ability to write down solutions step by step would be valuable.
Your problem solving skills and the basic elements of it is usually learned at school.
It is not clearly evident the effect it has in your career but it is the tru foundation for everything that you want to become.
Regd your second question, your interest in finance and banking domain is great. There are tons of opportunities for IT and Apps in that domain.
In general programmers who have good domain knowledge will excel and grow into subject matter experts in the field and will become product visionaries.
Keep a notebook of all ideas that is a culmination of the 3 fields. Get creative. Get optimistic, Think futuristic.
Come back and refine your ideas every now and then.
This will be your gold mine a few years later.
Derek Cavanaugh
Wealth Management, CFP
2
Answers
Updated
Derek’s Answer
Partho,
I think your interest in coding/computer science will be a huge asset in the future in any career, especially in business. As others have said, a computer science major paired with Economics of Business Administration in college is a good way to achieve a good balance.
I think the best thing to do would be to get some intro classes to coding. This could be watching a few YouTube videos or visiting a site like Udemy, which offers paid micro-courses in a particular topic. Get some exposure before launching into any major in school, because pivoting can cause more time and more money.
In the end, computer science will increasingly be a part of any field, so knowledge of it will only help you down the road.
I think your interest in coding/computer science will be a huge asset in the future in any career, especially in business. As others have said, a computer science major paired with Economics of Business Administration in college is a good way to achieve a good balance.
I think the best thing to do would be to get some intro classes to coding. This could be watching a few YouTube videos or visiting a site like Udemy, which offers paid micro-courses in a particular topic. Get some exposure before launching into any major in school, because pivoting can cause more time and more money.
In the end, computer science will increasingly be a part of any field, so knowledge of it will only help you down the road.
Carolina Undurraga
Management Consultant
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Carolina’s Answer
Hey there! Just wanted to share that Datacamp is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to dive into coding smoothly and effectively. Even though I didn't discover it until college, I have buddies who were into coding and finance in high school, and they found it super useful to boost their skills before heading off to university.
I personally benefited a lot from Datacamp during my own coding journey in college. It's a great platform that starts off with the bare basics of coding and then lets you explore the vast potential of each programming language.
On top of that, it might be a good idea to chat with a school counselor about any coding classes that might be available. My own high school, for instance, offered AP Computer Science. If your school doesn't have something similar, you could consider taking classes at a nearby community college. Trust me, this would really highlight your dedication to learning in your college applications.
In a nutshell, it's awesome that you're so keen to learn. Best of luck on this exciting adventure!
I personally benefited a lot from Datacamp during my own coding journey in college. It's a great platform that starts off with the bare basics of coding and then lets you explore the vast potential of each programming language.
On top of that, it might be a good idea to chat with a school counselor about any coding classes that might be available. My own high school, for instance, offered AP Computer Science. If your school doesn't have something similar, you could consider taking classes at a nearby community college. Trust me, this would really highlight your dedication to learning in your college applications.
In a nutshell, it's awesome that you're so keen to learn. Best of luck on this exciting adventure!
Nida Lopez
Associate Director of Digital Analytics
20
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nida’s Answer
Truth be told, when I was in high school, I didn't have access to courses in Finance, Business, or Coding, and the Internet was still in its infancy. However, what I did learn was the importance of discipline in studying and applying myself, which has greatly impacted my future. These are skills that can be utilized in any field. If you have the chance to take these courses and can incorporate discipline and initiative into your routine, you'll have a significant advantage.
Moreover, there's a wealth of resources beyond what's offered in high school, such as Code Academy, Udemy, and others. These online platforms provide courses that you can start learning at any time. I used these resources to learn coding for my job requirements retrospectively. You, on the other hand, have the chance to be proactive and learn as much as you want.
Go out there, find the material, and learn how to apply it. You can't go wrong. Best of luck!
Moreover, there's a wealth of resources beyond what's offered in high school, such as Code Academy, Udemy, and others. These online platforms provide courses that you can start learning at any time. I used these resources to learn coding for my job requirements retrospectively. You, on the other hand, have the chance to be proactive and learn as much as you want.
Go out there, find the material, and learn how to apply it. You can't go wrong. Best of luck!