5 answers
Harald
Student
Cicero, New York
1
Question
Asked
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AS a high school student, how do I know if programming language is the right college for me?
I'm 17 years old and currently in high school. I've been learning how to program games in my free time for the past year or so , I 've decided to study programming languages in college .but I'm still not entirely sure about my decision.
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5 answers
Doug Johnson
Project Manager
20
Answers
Orland Park, Illinois
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hi Harald. I think it’s good that you are thinking about your college direction while in high school – you’re way ahead of where I was at your age.
You have an interest and probably a knack for programming. I think it’s great to start college with an interest and even a goal – you’ll be more focused. The problem-solving aspect of computer programming is what attracted me to the field, and it still interests me today.
Game programming is one narrow area of programming. Mastering fundamentals of computer science will power up your abilities. If you pursue a computer science degree at a college, you’ll not only get exposure and practice in several programming languages, you’ll also get a foundational understanding of software engineering, data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, computer modeling, networks, even artificial Intelligence.
You’ll meet and work with like-minded people with the same or similar interests. You’ll learn if programming is the right path for you or you may discover other interests in related areas such as web development, cybersecurity, data analytics, embedded firmware engineering. You may even find other interests like functional analysis or project management.
Also, at a college, you’ll take courses outside of computer science which will help you develop thinking and communication skills, and you may even find interests outside of computer science.
I hope this helps. And I encourage you to get more opinions from anyone you might know in the computer programming field.
You have an interest and probably a knack for programming. I think it’s great to start college with an interest and even a goal – you’ll be more focused. The problem-solving aspect of computer programming is what attracted me to the field, and it still interests me today.
Game programming is one narrow area of programming. Mastering fundamentals of computer science will power up your abilities. If you pursue a computer science degree at a college, you’ll not only get exposure and practice in several programming languages, you’ll also get a foundational understanding of software engineering, data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, computer modeling, networks, even artificial Intelligence.
You’ll meet and work with like-minded people with the same or similar interests. You’ll learn if programming is the right path for you or you may discover other interests in related areas such as web development, cybersecurity, data analytics, embedded firmware engineering. You may even find other interests like functional analysis or project management.
Also, at a college, you’ll take courses outside of computer science which will help you develop thinking and communication skills, and you may even find interests outside of computer science.
I hope this helps. And I encourage you to get more opinions from anyone you might know in the computer programming field.
Jesse Allen
IT Consulting
22
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Jesse’s Answer
The previous answer is great. Learn some of the common languages and explore the full-stack route (CSS, C #, Python, Java, JavaScript and adding HTML, PHP, PL/SQL). The other thing you can do is explore customer relationship management systems, cloud services, power apps, and other technologies where they great out-of-the-box solutions that can be added onto. You can also go into more tweener roles where you don't have to fully code, but you can help design and gather to requirements to build.
Scarlett Kim
Cybersecurity Consultant
6
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Scarlett’s Answer
Hi Harald, choosing a college major is a big decision, and it's normal to feel uncertain about which path to take. To determine if programming is the right major for you, consider the following:
1. Interest: Reflect on whether you enjoy solving problems, logical reasoning, and creating solutions using technology. If you find programming enjoyable and intriguing, it could be a good fit.
2. Career Outlook: Research the job market for programmers and related fields. Look into the demand for programmers in various industries and consider whether the potential career paths align with your interests and goals.
3. Future Opportunities: Consider the potential for growth and advancement in the field of programming. Explore the different specializations within programming, such as web development, software engineering, data science, or cybersecurity, and see if any of them align with your interests and career goals.
4. Personal Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve with your college education and career. Consider how a major in programming aligns with your long-term aspirations and whether it provides the skills and knowledge you need to reach your goals.
Ultimately, the decision should reflect your interests, strengths, and goals. It's okay to explore different options and seek guidance from mentors, teachers, and career counselors to make an informed decision.
Hope this helps!
1. Interest: Reflect on whether you enjoy solving problems, logical reasoning, and creating solutions using technology. If you find programming enjoyable and intriguing, it could be a good fit.
2. Career Outlook: Research the job market for programmers and related fields. Look into the demand for programmers in various industries and consider whether the potential career paths align with your interests and goals.
3. Future Opportunities: Consider the potential for growth and advancement in the field of programming. Explore the different specializations within programming, such as web development, software engineering, data science, or cybersecurity, and see if any of them align with your interests and career goals.
4. Personal Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve with your college education and career. Consider how a major in programming aligns with your long-term aspirations and whether it provides the skills and knowledge you need to reach your goals.
Ultimately, the decision should reflect your interests, strengths, and goals. It's okay to explore different options and seek guidance from mentors, teachers, and career counselors to make an informed decision.
Hope this helps!
Erika Uribe
3
Answers
Willmar, Minnesota
Updated
Erika’s Answer
When studying computer science you learn multiple programming languages. This includes CSS, C #, Python, Java, and JavaScript are just a few.
As for studying in this field are you willing to learn data and networking classes. As example, would be programming airplane arrival and departure times. Different college and university have different requirements for graduating so, keep that in mind.
As for studying in this field are you willing to learn data and networking classes. As example, would be programming airplane arrival and departure times. Different college and university have different requirements for graduating so, keep that in mind.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
760
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
As a high schooler thinking about studying programming languages in college, it's crucial to reflect on your interests, talents, and career dreams to see if this journey is the right one for you. The experience you've gained from programming games in your spare time over the last year is a significant sign of your interest and talent in programming. Yet, there are multiple factors to think about before you make your final choice.
First off, ponder on your love for programming and if you find joy in the process of solving problems, coding, and creating software applications. Think about the parts of programming that you find most exciting and satisfying, whether it's designing user interfaces, developing algorithms, fixing code, or teaming up with others on projects. If you genuinely love working with programming languages and feel a sense of accomplishment when you overcome programming challenges, then a college degree in programming languages might be just right for you.
Next, think about your long-term career dreams and how studying programming languages aligns with them. Look into the different career paths open to those with expertise in programming languages, like software development, web development, game development, data analysis, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. Investigate the job market demand, potential earnings, and growth opportunities in these fields to see if they match your interests and goals.
Also, evaluate your academic strengths and interests in related subjects like mathematics, computer science, and technology. Programming languages are strongly connected to computational logic, algorithms, and data structures, so having a solid foundation in these areas can be helpful for success in college-level programming courses. If you like solving problems, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning, you might excel in a programming languages program.
Moreover, think about the resources and support available to you in college, such as knowledgeable faculty, advanced coursework, research opportunities, internships, and networking events. Look for colleges and universities with respected computer science or software engineering programs that offer specialized paths or concentrations in programming languages. Connect with current students, alumni, or professors in these programs to get a feel for the curriculum, learning environment, and career outcomes.
Lastly, remember that college is a time for exploration and growth, and it's perfectly fine to change your mind or switch to a different field if your interests or goals change over time. If you're still uncertain about your decision, think about exploring other related fields like computer science, information technology, or software engineering, which offer a wider exposure to various aspects of computing and technology. In the end, trust your gut, seek advice from mentors and advisors, and make a well-informed decision that aligns with your interests, strengths, and dreams.
First off, ponder on your love for programming and if you find joy in the process of solving problems, coding, and creating software applications. Think about the parts of programming that you find most exciting and satisfying, whether it's designing user interfaces, developing algorithms, fixing code, or teaming up with others on projects. If you genuinely love working with programming languages and feel a sense of accomplishment when you overcome programming challenges, then a college degree in programming languages might be just right for you.
Next, think about your long-term career dreams and how studying programming languages aligns with them. Look into the different career paths open to those with expertise in programming languages, like software development, web development, game development, data analysis, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. Investigate the job market demand, potential earnings, and growth opportunities in these fields to see if they match your interests and goals.
Also, evaluate your academic strengths and interests in related subjects like mathematics, computer science, and technology. Programming languages are strongly connected to computational logic, algorithms, and data structures, so having a solid foundation in these areas can be helpful for success in college-level programming courses. If you like solving problems, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning, you might excel in a programming languages program.
Moreover, think about the resources and support available to you in college, such as knowledgeable faculty, advanced coursework, research opportunities, internships, and networking events. Look for colleges and universities with respected computer science or software engineering programs that offer specialized paths or concentrations in programming languages. Connect with current students, alumni, or professors in these programs to get a feel for the curriculum, learning environment, and career outcomes.
Lastly, remember that college is a time for exploration and growth, and it's perfectly fine to change your mind or switch to a different field if your interests or goals change over time. If you're still uncertain about your decision, think about exploring other related fields like computer science, information technology, or software engineering, which offer a wider exposure to various aspects of computing and technology. In the end, trust your gut, seek advice from mentors and advisors, and make a well-informed decision that aligns with your interests, strengths, and dreams.