8 answers
Adrian
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
1061 views
How can I start preparing for a computer software related job without taking in school classes?
I am 16 in 10th grade with little experience with computer software and coding things. I picked this career path because my dad has a company related to this. This career also interests me, because I like using technology and look forward to actually being able to understand it and create a career that will last for the future.
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8 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Adrian,
Embarking on a Computer Software Career Sans Traditional Schooling
You can do this! I have 52 years of experience to prove it. No Information Technology degree but I made Diet Wizard after becoming a Dietitian 35 years ago.
For those keen on carving a career in computer software sans traditional school classes, here's a roadmap to equip yourself with the requisite skills:
1. Harnessing Online Resources and Courses:
Make the most of online platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Khan Academy. They offer a myriad of courses on programming languages, software development, and the basics of computer science. These platforms have both free and paid courses that can help you lay a robust foundation in coding and software development.
2. Enrolling in Coding Bootcamps:
Think about joining a coding bootcamp. These are rigorous training programs designed to impart coding skills swiftly. Bootcamps usually emphasize practical skills and real-world projects, offering hands-on experience that's crucial for kickstarting a software development career.
3. Participating in Open Source Projects:
Get involved in open source projects on platforms like GitHub. This provides an opportunity to gain practical experience and collaborate with other developers. By contributing to open source projects, you can hone your coding skills, learn from seasoned developers, and build a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities to potential employers.
4. Initiating Personal Projects:
Begin working on personal projects to apply what you've learned from online resources and courses. Creating your own applications or websites can help you practice coding, problem-solving, and project management skills, while also showcasing your enthusiasm for software development.
5. Networking:
Take part in tech meetups, conferences, and networking events to engage with industry professionals. Networking can help you discover job opportunities, receive guidance from experienced developers, and stay abreast of the latest trends in computer software.
6. Seeking Internships and Apprenticeships:
Scout for internship or apprenticeship opportunities at tech companies or startups to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. Internships can offer valuable insights into the daily responsibilities of software developers and help you forge connections within the industry.
By blending self-study with practical experience through personal projects, open source contributions, networking, and internships, you can gear up for a computer software-related job even without attending traditional school classes.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Coursera: Coursera provides online courses from premier universities and institutions on a range of computer science subjects, including programming languages and software development.
GitHub: GitHub is a popular platform for hosting open source projects and collaborating with other developers in the tech community.
Coding Bootcamps: Various esteemed coding bootcamps like General Assembly, Flatiron School, and Le Wagon offer intensive training programs for individuals aspiring to jumpstart their careers in software development.
I started in 1972 in physics class grade 11 and never stopped. I had no Information Technology degree or diploma. I was always in the deep, beyond my depth, but that is how you learn. Before the Internet I referred to help files or got books on programming Once the web was promulgated I found sites like PDF Drive https://www.pdfdrive.com/. It has free E-books you can download, and it is a clean site too. The Code Project has been helpful too. Now you can look up code directly on Google. It will usually have a Microsoft reference.
I have been working on a pet project for 30 years it's called Diet Wizard and it tells people about good sources of nutrients and uses mathematics to delineate a suitable food intake for people. As such it prevents disease with the best, richest sources of not only nutrients, but ancillary food substances, and antioxidants like lutein, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin . You get to know which nutrients have certain conditions, and syndromes of deficiency. We are qualified as dietitian-nutritionists to give people that information it's not just the medical fraternity that gets nutrition information out to People!
See a Google search on YouTube.Studio Jim Frangos will give reference to my code https://www.youtube.com/user/yimi90125/videos?
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine.
Embarking on a Computer Software Career Sans Traditional Schooling
You can do this! I have 52 years of experience to prove it. No Information Technology degree but I made Diet Wizard after becoming a Dietitian 35 years ago.
For those keen on carving a career in computer software sans traditional school classes, here's a roadmap to equip yourself with the requisite skills:
1. Harnessing Online Resources and Courses:
Make the most of online platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Khan Academy. They offer a myriad of courses on programming languages, software development, and the basics of computer science. These platforms have both free and paid courses that can help you lay a robust foundation in coding and software development.
2. Enrolling in Coding Bootcamps:
Think about joining a coding bootcamp. These are rigorous training programs designed to impart coding skills swiftly. Bootcamps usually emphasize practical skills and real-world projects, offering hands-on experience that's crucial for kickstarting a software development career.
3. Participating in Open Source Projects:
Get involved in open source projects on platforms like GitHub. This provides an opportunity to gain practical experience and collaborate with other developers. By contributing to open source projects, you can hone your coding skills, learn from seasoned developers, and build a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities to potential employers.
4. Initiating Personal Projects:
Begin working on personal projects to apply what you've learned from online resources and courses. Creating your own applications or websites can help you practice coding, problem-solving, and project management skills, while also showcasing your enthusiasm for software development.
5. Networking:
Take part in tech meetups, conferences, and networking events to engage with industry professionals. Networking can help you discover job opportunities, receive guidance from experienced developers, and stay abreast of the latest trends in computer software.
6. Seeking Internships and Apprenticeships:
Scout for internship or apprenticeship opportunities at tech companies or startups to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. Internships can offer valuable insights into the daily responsibilities of software developers and help you forge connections within the industry.
By blending self-study with practical experience through personal projects, open source contributions, networking, and internships, you can gear up for a computer software-related job even without attending traditional school classes.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Coursera: Coursera provides online courses from premier universities and institutions on a range of computer science subjects, including programming languages and software development.
GitHub: GitHub is a popular platform for hosting open source projects and collaborating with other developers in the tech community.
Coding Bootcamps: Various esteemed coding bootcamps like General Assembly, Flatiron School, and Le Wagon offer intensive training programs for individuals aspiring to jumpstart their careers in software development.
I started in 1972 in physics class grade 11 and never stopped. I had no Information Technology degree or diploma. I was always in the deep, beyond my depth, but that is how you learn. Before the Internet I referred to help files or got books on programming Once the web was promulgated I found sites like PDF Drive https://www.pdfdrive.com/. It has free E-books you can download, and it is a clean site too. The Code Project has been helpful too. Now you can look up code directly on Google. It will usually have a Microsoft reference.
I have been working on a pet project for 30 years it's called Diet Wizard and it tells people about good sources of nutrients and uses mathematics to delineate a suitable food intake for people. As such it prevents disease with the best, richest sources of not only nutrients, but ancillary food substances, and antioxidants like lutein, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin . You get to know which nutrients have certain conditions, and syndromes of deficiency. We are qualified as dietitian-nutritionists to give people that information it's not just the medical fraternity that gets nutrition information out to People!
See a Google search on YouTube.Studio Jim Frangos will give reference to my code https://www.youtube.com/user/yimi90125/videos?
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine.
Sadam Khan
Graduation
1
Answer
Swat, N.W.F.P
Updated
Sadam’s Answer
That's awesome, It's great that you're interested in pursuing a career in computer software. Here are a few steps you can take to start preparing without taking school classes:
1. Online resources: There are plenty of free online platforms and resources where you can learn coding and computer software skills. Websites like Codecademy, Khan Academy, and Coursera offer interactive courses and tutorials to help you get started.
2. Practice coding: Start by learning the basics of coding languages like Python or JavaScript. You can practice coding by working on small projects or solving coding challenges on websites like HackerRank or LeetCode.
3. Join coding communities: Connect with other aspiring programmers and professionals in online coding communities. Platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow are great places to ask questions, seek advice, and collaborate with others.
4. Build a portfolio: As you gain more experience, create a portfolio showcasing your coding projects. This can include websites, apps, or any other software you've developed. It will help demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
5. Networking: Take advantage of your dad's company and network with professionals in the field. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with people who can provide guidance and mentorship.
Remember, practice and perseverance are key. Keep coding, exploring new technologies, and never stop learning. Best of luck on your journey to a successful career in computer software! 🚀💻
1. Online resources: There are plenty of free online platforms and resources where you can learn coding and computer software skills. Websites like Codecademy, Khan Academy, and Coursera offer interactive courses and tutorials to help you get started.
2. Practice coding: Start by learning the basics of coding languages like Python or JavaScript. You can practice coding by working on small projects or solving coding challenges on websites like HackerRank or LeetCode.
3. Join coding communities: Connect with other aspiring programmers and professionals in online coding communities. Platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow are great places to ask questions, seek advice, and collaborate with others.
4. Build a portfolio: As you gain more experience, create a portfolio showcasing your coding projects. This can include websites, apps, or any other software you've developed. It will help demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
5. Networking: Take advantage of your dad's company and network with professionals in the field. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with people who can provide guidance and mentorship.
Remember, practice and perseverance are key. Keep coding, exploring new technologies, and never stop learning. Best of luck on your journey to a successful career in computer software! 🚀💻
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
As a student, your short-term goal is to develop familiarity with the topic of software. My suggest is to use your public library for introductory books, and there are many online tutorials that can assist. Use those to build familiarity so that, when a classroom course becomes available, you will have a foundation to build on. I presume you plan on furthering your skills in college or a business school, either of which can open the doors for you. An area where you can immediately develop demonstrable skill is to learn how to develop a website. I mention this because a website is something that can be shown to others, and you will learn many skills in the process. Again, library books are a huge start, plus online tutorials, and there are many websites that allow development of websites for free, so you can experiment here with no cost to you. All the best I wish for you.
Gary Byars
Sales
4
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Gary’s Answer
I'd like to encourage you to begin by engaging your Dad in a conversation about his career. Ask him about the educational qualifications he needed for his job, what he enjoys most about his work, and if there's someone in his company who works in software or coding that you could shadow. It would also be beneficial to inquire if he knows someone at his workplace who could introduce you to the fundamentals of technology and computer building. Understanding the hardware can significantly enhance your grasp of how software functions.
Remember, there's a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips through reading articles, books, and watching instructional videos on YouTube and other online platforms. You can also consider enrolling in classes during the summer or online courses that you can follow at your convenience.
Look out for school or community clubs that focus on technology, as these can be excellent platforms for learning and networking.
Keep in mind that securing a job in the technology field will likely require you to undertake some technology-related classes. Companies are keen on hiring individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also demonstrate the ability to complete tasks and set goals. So, stay motivated and keep learning, the future is bright!
Remember, there's a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips through reading articles, books, and watching instructional videos on YouTube and other online platforms. You can also consider enrolling in classes during the summer or online courses that you can follow at your convenience.
Look out for school or community clubs that focus on technology, as these can be excellent platforms for learning and networking.
Keep in mind that securing a job in the technology field will likely require you to undertake some technology-related classes. Companies are keen on hiring individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also demonstrate the ability to complete tasks and set goals. So, stay motivated and keep learning, the future is bright!
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
481
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
You have to learn the skills somehow. Classes, videos, online tutorials, find a mentor...
Generally, a business will only hire/pay you if you provide value to them. If you don't have the skills they need, they are often hesitant to pay you to learn them. This is especially true if there are tons of other candidates who DO have the skills.
So your best bet is to pick up the skills on your own. A class is one way, but there are others. Without a class to put on your resume/c.v., you will need some way to demonstrate this. A portfolio of work you've done would be a good start. Create a public GIT repo and put samples of your work there to show off.
Generally, a business will only hire/pay you if you provide value to them. If you don't have the skills they need, they are often hesitant to pay you to learn them. This is especially true if there are tons of other candidates who DO have the skills.
So your best bet is to pick up the skills on your own. A class is one way, but there are others. Without a class to put on your resume/c.v., you will need some way to demonstrate this. A portfolio of work you've done would be a good start. Create a public GIT repo and put samples of your work there to show off.
Charles M Hurd
Aspiring adviser to STEM teens. Explains clearly, exhorts best practices. Raspberry Pi zealot.
59
Answers
Greenville, Texas
Updated
Charles M’s Answer
I agree with the answers I've read so far. What I have to add is different and more specific.
I like the idea of talking with your father and others about their career. I should have done a better job of that with my dad and I wish my kids would have done that with me.
My idea to help you learn about computer software and coding things is to get access to a Raspberry Pi computer and work the student projects on the Raspberry Pi website (https://www.raspberrypi.org/learn/). They have a lot of projects prepackaged and ready to go for you as a learner. As a beginner just learning, you don't need the latest one hardware, you could just download the software have your home computer act like a Raspberry Pi (software only) https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/raspberry-pi-desktop/ .
www.raspberrypi.com
and
www.raspberrypi.org
Have fun.
Explore www.raspberrypi.org with your parents and perhaps teachers at school. (may I get your help in completing this project?)
Explore www.raspberrypi.com with your parents and other relatives and friends. (See, this is what I want for my birthday. What would you like for your birthday?)
Make a plan of what to do.
Do your plan.
I like the idea of talking with your father and others about their career. I should have done a better job of that with my dad and I wish my kids would have done that with me.
My idea to help you learn about computer software and coding things is to get access to a Raspberry Pi computer and work the student projects on the Raspberry Pi website (https://www.raspberrypi.org/learn/). They have a lot of projects prepackaged and ready to go for you as a learner. As a beginner just learning, you don't need the latest one hardware, you could just download the software have your home computer act like a Raspberry Pi (software only) https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/raspberry-pi-desktop/ .
www.raspberrypi.com
and
www.raspberrypi.org
Have fun.
Charles M recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Adrian, thanks for your curiosity about a career in software development or coding. I hope the following information will be helpful and enlightening to you.
You can certainly embark on a career in software development without formal in-school classes. This self-guided journey can be thrilling, full of discovery and learning. Given your tech interest and your father's company's involvement in the field, you have a great starting point and potential mentorship. Here's how you can kickstart your software development journey:
• There's a wealth of both free and paid online resources to learn programming languages, software development concepts, and tools. Websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Khan Academy offer interactive lessons and courses on a variety of topics, from basic coding to advanced software development techniques. Start with easy-to-learn languages like Python or JavaScript, which are versatile and widely used in the industry, and slowly move on to more advanced topics as you get more comfortable with programming.
• Think about joining a coding bootcamp. These are intense, short-term programs designed to equip you with the skills needed for entry-level software development roles. Bootcamps usually offer structured curriculums, practical projects, and mentorship from industry professionals, making them a great way to fast-track your software development career. Many bootcamps offer flexible learning options, including part-time, full-time, and online formats, allowing you to fit your studies around your other commitments.
• One of the most effective ways to learn software development is by practicing and building projects. Start with small, manageable projects that align with your interests and slowly move on to more complex applications. Consider contributing to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub, where you can work with other developers, gain real-world experience, and showcase your skills to potential employers.
• Make the most of networking opportunities within your father's company and the wider tech community. Connect with professionals in the field for advice, mentorship, and guidance. Attend local meetups, workshops, and hackathons to meet like-minded people, learn from experienced developers, and grow your professional network. Building relationships with industry professionals can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and support as you navigate your software development career.
• Software development is a fast-changing field, so it's crucial to stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and best practices. Allocate time for continuous learning and self-improvement by reading books, following tech blogs and podcasts, attending webinars and conferences, and participating in online communities. Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing lifelong learning will enable you to adapt to new challenges and opportunities in your software development career.
By taking these proactive steps and making the most of the resources available, you can start your journey into software development and build a strong foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling tech career. Remember to stay curious, persistent, and resilient when facing challenges, and don't hesitate to seek support and guidance from mentors and peers along the way. With dedication and persistence, you can turn your passion for technology into a successful and long-lasting career in software development.
You can certainly embark on a career in software development without formal in-school classes. This self-guided journey can be thrilling, full of discovery and learning. Given your tech interest and your father's company's involvement in the field, you have a great starting point and potential mentorship. Here's how you can kickstart your software development journey:
• There's a wealth of both free and paid online resources to learn programming languages, software development concepts, and tools. Websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Khan Academy offer interactive lessons and courses on a variety of topics, from basic coding to advanced software development techniques. Start with easy-to-learn languages like Python or JavaScript, which are versatile and widely used in the industry, and slowly move on to more advanced topics as you get more comfortable with programming.
• Think about joining a coding bootcamp. These are intense, short-term programs designed to equip you with the skills needed for entry-level software development roles. Bootcamps usually offer structured curriculums, practical projects, and mentorship from industry professionals, making them a great way to fast-track your software development career. Many bootcamps offer flexible learning options, including part-time, full-time, and online formats, allowing you to fit your studies around your other commitments.
• One of the most effective ways to learn software development is by practicing and building projects. Start with small, manageable projects that align with your interests and slowly move on to more complex applications. Consider contributing to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub, where you can work with other developers, gain real-world experience, and showcase your skills to potential employers.
• Make the most of networking opportunities within your father's company and the wider tech community. Connect with professionals in the field for advice, mentorship, and guidance. Attend local meetups, workshops, and hackathons to meet like-minded people, learn from experienced developers, and grow your professional network. Building relationships with industry professionals can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and support as you navigate your software development career.
• Software development is a fast-changing field, so it's crucial to stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and best practices. Allocate time for continuous learning and self-improvement by reading books, following tech blogs and podcasts, attending webinars and conferences, and participating in online communities. Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing lifelong learning will enable you to adapt to new challenges and opportunities in your software development career.
By taking these proactive steps and making the most of the resources available, you can start your journey into software development and build a strong foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling tech career. Remember to stay curious, persistent, and resilient when facing challenges, and don't hesitate to seek support and guidance from mentors and peers along the way. With dedication and persistence, you can turn your passion for technology into a successful and long-lasting career in software development.
Stuart Ort
Manage a team of software developers
32
Answers
Boca Raton
Updated
Stuart’s Answer
I wholeheartedly concur with David and Fred's insights. Moreover, a practical approach to mastering software development is by choosing a user-friendly language like Python, abundant with examples, YouTube tutorials, and more. Begin by experimenting with it, this is the same method I used to get a grip on Python, coming from a C++ background with some web and GUI experience.
I'd recommend downloading VSCode and adding extensions such as Python. Once you've set up your GitHub account, consider installing GitHub Copilot (you'll find an extension for it in VSCode). To get started, simply Google 'GitHub Copilot' and you'll come across plenty of examples. For instance, you can request it to generate a Python app that can read a file, tally the number of words per line, and display it. The next step is to study the code and strive to comprehend its workings. As far as I know, VSCode is free to use and GitHub Copilot is complimentary for students (based on a search result stating "GitHub Copilot is free to use for verified students, teachers, and maintainers of popular open source projects). However, it's your responsibility to confirm the license usage - don't just take my word for it.
Hope this helps!
I'd recommend downloading VSCode and adding extensions such as Python. Once you've set up your GitHub account, consider installing GitHub Copilot (you'll find an extension for it in VSCode). To get started, simply Google 'GitHub Copilot' and you'll come across plenty of examples. For instance, you can request it to generate a Python app that can read a file, tally the number of words per line, and display it. The next step is to study the code and strive to comprehend its workings. As far as I know, VSCode is free to use and GitHub Copilot is complimentary for students (based on a search result stating "GitHub Copilot is free to use for verified students, teachers, and maintainers of popular open source projects). However, it's your responsibility to confirm the license usage - don't just take my word for it.
Hope this helps!