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How to become a successful high school-college student quick with an interest of becoming a coder?
I want to finish college in 2 years but how is that possible? Also, how do I join the computer tech industry with no experience, where do I begin as a current 10th grader?
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7 answers
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
Becoming a successful student and breaking into the tech industry requires careful planning and dedication. Here are some steps you can take to achieve your goals:
1. Accelerated High School and College Path:
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Take as many AP courses as possible in subjects like Computer Science, Math, and Science. High scores on AP exams can earn you college credits.
Dual Enrollment: Enroll in college courses while still in high school. Many community colleges offer programs that allow high school students to take college courses.
Summer Courses: Use summer sessions to take additional courses.
Testing Out: Some colleges allow you to test out of certain courses if you can demonstrate proficiency.
2. Planning for a 2-Year College Completion:
Associate Degree Programs: Some community colleges offer associate degrees in fields like Computer Science that can be completed in 2 years or less. Afterward, you can transfer to a 4-year university to complete a bachelor's degree in less time.
Intensive Course Loads: Be prepared to take a heavier course load each semester and possibly attend summer sessions.
Online Courses: Consider accredited online courses that can be completed at your own pace.
3. Gaining Experience:
Coding Bootcamps: Participate in coding bootcamps, which can provide intensive, short-term training in programming.
Online Platforms: Use platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy to learn coding languages and build projects.
Open Source Projects: Contribute to open source projects on GitHub to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio.
Hackathons: Participate in hackathons to gain hands-on experience and network with other coders.
4. Internships and Part-Time Jobs:
Internships: Apply for internships, even unpaid ones, to gain experience and make industry connections.
Freelancing: Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find freelance coding jobs.
5. Networking:
Join Clubs and Organizations: Participate in coding clubs, tech meetups, and professional organizations.
LinkedIn: Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in the tech industry.
Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
6. High School Preparation:
Math and Science Focus: Continue excelling in math and science courses.
Coding Clubs: Join or start a coding club at your school.
Competitions: Participate in coding competitions and science fairs.
Additional Tips:
Time Management: Develop strong time management skills to balance your coursework, extracurricular activities, and self-study.
Portfolio: Build a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills to potential employers and colleges.
Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications in relevant technologies and programming languages.
By following these steps and staying focused, you can set yourself on a path to success in both your academic and professional journey in the tech industry.
1. Accelerated High School and College Path:
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Take as many AP courses as possible in subjects like Computer Science, Math, and Science. High scores on AP exams can earn you college credits.
Dual Enrollment: Enroll in college courses while still in high school. Many community colleges offer programs that allow high school students to take college courses.
Summer Courses: Use summer sessions to take additional courses.
Testing Out: Some colleges allow you to test out of certain courses if you can demonstrate proficiency.
2. Planning for a 2-Year College Completion:
Associate Degree Programs: Some community colleges offer associate degrees in fields like Computer Science that can be completed in 2 years or less. Afterward, you can transfer to a 4-year university to complete a bachelor's degree in less time.
Intensive Course Loads: Be prepared to take a heavier course load each semester and possibly attend summer sessions.
Online Courses: Consider accredited online courses that can be completed at your own pace.
3. Gaining Experience:
Coding Bootcamps: Participate in coding bootcamps, which can provide intensive, short-term training in programming.
Online Platforms: Use platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy to learn coding languages and build projects.
Open Source Projects: Contribute to open source projects on GitHub to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio.
Hackathons: Participate in hackathons to gain hands-on experience and network with other coders.
4. Internships and Part-Time Jobs:
Internships: Apply for internships, even unpaid ones, to gain experience and make industry connections.
Freelancing: Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find freelance coding jobs.
5. Networking:
Join Clubs and Organizations: Participate in coding clubs, tech meetups, and professional organizations.
LinkedIn: Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in the tech industry.
Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
6. High School Preparation:
Math and Science Focus: Continue excelling in math and science courses.
Coding Clubs: Join or start a coding club at your school.
Competitions: Participate in coding competitions and science fairs.
Additional Tips:
Time Management: Develop strong time management skills to balance your coursework, extracurricular activities, and self-study.
Portfolio: Build a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills to potential employers and colleges.
Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications in relevant technologies and programming languages.
By following these steps and staying focused, you can set yourself on a path to success in both your academic and professional journey in the tech industry.
Updated
Akber’s Answer
Hello Sumya, I would suggest you consider looking into this site listed below. This will give you various options to look into and see if that gets you the 2 year degree program you want to consider.
https://www.mydegreeguide.com/best-2-year-degrees/
Major colleges have 2 year Bachelor's program that you can look into for example University of Phoenix
https://www.phoenix.edu/info/earn-more.html?channel=srch&mktg_prog=NAT-0006509&keyword=affordable%20college&user2=nonbrand&pvp_campaign=160126_4887_9_95&provider=bing&s_kwcid=AL!11308!3!!b!!o!!affordable%20college&aid=8064917683&cid=396526613&adgid=1242448698242656&msclkid=b0a91c45b7981fd63c077ac0127ef942&gclid=b0a91c45b7981fd63c077ac0127ef942&gclsrc=3p.ds&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=!College%20RS&utm_term=affordable%20college&utm_content=College
Consider udemy for online learning platform for horn on your skills and keep learning going.
https://www.mydegreeguide.com/best-2-year-degrees/
Major colleges have 2 year Bachelor's program that you can look into for example University of Phoenix
https://www.phoenix.edu/info/earn-more.html?channel=srch&mktg_prog=NAT-0006509&keyword=affordable%20college&user2=nonbrand&pvp_campaign=160126_4887_9_95&provider=bing&s_kwcid=AL!11308!3!!b!!o!!affordable%20college&aid=8064917683&cid=396526613&adgid=1242448698242656&msclkid=b0a91c45b7981fd63c077ac0127ef942&gclid=b0a91c45b7981fd63c077ac0127ef942&gclsrc=3p.ds&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=!College%20RS&utm_term=affordable%20college&utm_content=College
Consider udemy for online learning platform for horn on your skills and keep learning going.
Updated
Christie’s Answer
Seek out coding meetup groups (you can have a look on meetup.com) and don't be afraid to go along to an event! It's a great way to see what information/knowledge is being shared, and a terrific way to build up your network. You could go a step further and ask someone to pair program with you. If you'd like to find a local Salesforce community group, visit www.trailblazercommunitygroups.com.
Join a meetup
Find a coding buddy for pair programming
Attend a Salesforce community group meetup
Christie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
Hello Sumya,
I was in the same position with the same goal, of graduating at an early age from college, a few years back and now that I have gone through the college process and done that, here is some things I wish I knew back then. As a high school student who is looking to graduate early from college, I would suggest looking into AP courses, Dual-Enrollment Courses or CLEP Exams. If your school doesn't have access to these resources, just know that you can always sign up for exams and self prepare for the exams (they offer them at different schools/colleges). To answer your question about joining the industry without any experience, I would suggest doing internships while in college or even high school. Some resources I would suggest for interview prep/studying for these internships will be LeetCode, Youtube Videos, and make sure to do personal projects to showcase that you are displaying the skills you are learning in college.
I was in the same position with the same goal, of graduating at an early age from college, a few years back and now that I have gone through the college process and done that, here is some things I wish I knew back then. As a high school student who is looking to graduate early from college, I would suggest looking into AP courses, Dual-Enrollment Courses or CLEP Exams. If your school doesn't have access to these resources, just know that you can always sign up for exams and self prepare for the exams (they offer them at different schools/colleges). To answer your question about joining the industry without any experience, I would suggest doing internships while in college or even high school. Some resources I would suggest for interview prep/studying for these internships will be LeetCode, Youtube Videos, and make sure to do personal projects to showcase that you are displaying the skills you are learning in college.
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Breaking into the tech world can be challenging, given its popularity. However, abundant opportunities exist to hone your skills and gain experience. During your high school and college years, immerse yourself in coding. Push your boundaries and write more code. Experiment with different languages and platforms to cultivate a diverse knowledge base for future use. If possible, aim to earn certifications for platforms such as Google Cloud or AWS. Familiarize yourself with project management strategies like Agile and Waterfall, as they are vital in software development. Success in this field is not just about coding skills, which makes up about 10% of it, but also about effective communication and understanding client needs, which constitutes the remaining 90%. But remember, that 10% is still essential!
Updated
Giacomo’s Answer
Study statistics , data base, programming, math and the main languages. Maybe on coursera , edx etc. Certificate them
Updated
LaShawn’s Answer
You would want to start internal to see if there are programs like a vocational school that you can go to while in high school. I remember when I was in high school we had something called vo-tech. I was able to get good training in computer science back in the 90's that helped to prepare me for college. You can also take college courses while in high school and possibly graduate with an associates degree from high school. Again, I would start with a meeting with your counselor to see what options your high school offers, the answer could litterally be right around the corner for you.