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How best can I spend a gap semester/year in pursuit of a CS career?
I completed my 1st year at a competitive engineering university where all 1st year students take basic engineering classes and then apply for a specific engineering degree path. I applied for a CS path, but was given EE and ME options (as the CS path is, by far, the most competitive path). My passion is in CS and, unfortunately, the decision comes out after viable transfer deadlines for other universities had passed.
If I wish to seek a CS degree, the only option I have at my current school is to take a semester of "core" classes (unrelated to engineering and/or CS) and reapply with a likely low chance of success in being offered a CS path. Rather than waste a semester, I am now considering taking a gap semester/year and then applying to enter a CS degree path at a new university.
How best can I use this time to add real world experience and build out my experience in software development (I have been coding for years at this point). Open source coding projects? Finding an in-school-year internship (if such exist)? And, does this "non-linear" path hurt my chance of success in the job market after college?
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Updated
Gustensen’s Answer
## Make the Most of Your Gap Semester/Year
Want to boost your CS career? Here's a simple plan:
Get real-world experience: Work on projects, internships, or freelance jobs.
Learn new skills: Take online courses or attend coding bootcamps.
Build your network: Go to tech events, meet people, and collaborate.
In short: Do stuff, learn stuff, and meet people.
Want to boost your CS career? Here's a simple plan:
Get real-world experience: Work on projects, internships, or freelance jobs.
Learn new skills: Take online courses or attend coding bootcamps.
Build your network: Go to tech events, meet people, and collaborate.
In short: Do stuff, learn stuff, and meet people.
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi W,
I think others have commented, but one more question: If you continue to take other "base" courses at your current university, wouldn't these course credits simply transfer to another college, meaning you wouldn't need to retake it?
Regarding "non-linear" paths... that remark actually made me chuckle just a little. Do not think for a single solitary second that you must go "A" to "B" to "C".
Flexibility is actually a very valuable trait in this type of work. I've encountered SO MANY people who absolutely did not arrive at this destination by traveling the same roads as everyone else. Personally, I worked on a factory assembly line for about 15 years before embarking on a computer career. (I'd say that particular life experience made me focus even harder.)
Finally, as I've commented on other posts, believe in yourself. Your ideal situation will happen; just stay flexible and open to suggestions, and keep grinding. Good luck!
I think others have commented, but one more question: If you continue to take other "base" courses at your current university, wouldn't these course credits simply transfer to another college, meaning you wouldn't need to retake it?
Regarding "non-linear" paths... that remark actually made me chuckle just a little. Do not think for a single solitary second that you must go "A" to "B" to "C".
Flexibility is actually a very valuable trait in this type of work. I've encountered SO MANY people who absolutely did not arrive at this destination by traveling the same roads as everyone else. Personally, I worked on a factory assembly line for about 15 years before embarking on a computer career. (I'd say that particular life experience made me focus even harder.)
Finally, as I've commented on other posts, believe in yourself. Your ideal situation will happen; just stay flexible and open to suggestions, and keep grinding. Good luck!
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello W,
Making the Most of a Gap Semester/Year for a Computer Science Career
It's commendable that you're taking proactive steps to pursue your passion for CS. Let's break down how you can optimize your gap semester/year:
Building Real-World Experience
Open Source Contributions: This is an excellent way to showcase your coding abilities and collaborate with experienced developers.
Look for projects aligned with your interests, contribute regularly, and be active in the community.
Internships: While in-school internships might be limited, consider remote or part-time opportunities. Many startups and tech companies offer flexible arrangements.
Personal Projects: Develop your own applications or tools. This demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills. Consider building projects that address real-world issues or contribute to open-source initiatives.
Freelancing: Offer your coding services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and other remote platforms. This can provide valuable experience and income.
Enhancing Your Skillset
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Alison, edX, and Udemy offer a wide range of CS courses. Focus on areas like algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and specific programming languages.
Coding Challenges: Participate in platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codeforces to improve problem-solving and coding efficiency.
Networking: Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences. Build relationships with professionals in the field.
Other Considerations
Learn About the Tech Industry: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and company culture.
Develop Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential for success. Consider volunteering or taking courses to enhance these areas.
Addressing the "Non-Linear" Path
While a traditional academic path is often preferred, a gap year can be a significant advantage. Here's how to present it positively:
Demonstrate Passion: Clearly articulate your reasons for taking a gap year and how it aligns with your career goals.
Highlight Achievements: Emphasize the skills and experience gained during your gap year.
Showcase Growth: Quantify your progress in terms of projects completed, skills acquired, and contributions made.
Remember: The most important thing is to gain practical experience and demonstrate your passion for CS. A well-spent gap year can significantly boost your chances of success in the job market.
Best wishes!
Making the Most of a Gap Semester/Year for a Computer Science Career
It's commendable that you're taking proactive steps to pursue your passion for CS. Let's break down how you can optimize your gap semester/year:
Building Real-World Experience
Open Source Contributions: This is an excellent way to showcase your coding abilities and collaborate with experienced developers.
Look for projects aligned with your interests, contribute regularly, and be active in the community.
Internships: While in-school internships might be limited, consider remote or part-time opportunities. Many startups and tech companies offer flexible arrangements.
Personal Projects: Develop your own applications or tools. This demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills. Consider building projects that address real-world issues or contribute to open-source initiatives.
Freelancing: Offer your coding services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and other remote platforms. This can provide valuable experience and income.
Enhancing Your Skillset
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Alison, edX, and Udemy offer a wide range of CS courses. Focus on areas like algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and specific programming languages.
Coding Challenges: Participate in platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codeforces to improve problem-solving and coding efficiency.
Networking: Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences. Build relationships with professionals in the field.
Other Considerations
Learn About the Tech Industry: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and company culture.
Develop Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential for success. Consider volunteering or taking courses to enhance these areas.
Addressing the "Non-Linear" Path
While a traditional academic path is often preferred, a gap year can be a significant advantage. Here's how to present it positively:
Demonstrate Passion: Clearly articulate your reasons for taking a gap year and how it aligns with your career goals.
Highlight Achievements: Emphasize the skills and experience gained during your gap year.
Showcase Growth: Quantify your progress in terms of projects completed, skills acquired, and contributions made.
Remember: The most important thing is to gain practical experience and demonstrate your passion for CS. A well-spent gap year can significantly boost your chances of success in the job market.
Best wishes!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, W !
As for transferring to a different college, right on, that is what I would advise. Transfer and major in Computer Science. That is your best bet. Take the gap year but go to the new college and see if they offer evening classes and take one class either in general ed requirement or in computer science. That is just one thing you can do while you await applying for the new college full time.
Besides that, I would suggest applying for on site or remote computer jobs. Getting experience for the job market is important but it is a process that consists of many experiences not just what one does during a gap year, but you can fill your time with things that will benefit your skills and knowledge. Seek employment opportunities online or at your local Department of Labor which usually has opportunities available in person as well as listings online. You could also consider registering with temporary agencies since you would be leaving any full time job when your gap year is over to attend college full time. I will leave some resource links for you below.
I can share my experience with gap time but everyone needs to fill that time based on what is happening in their lives at the time. I had a semester gap to start with because I moved 3,000 miles away and had to adjust to the very new environment, get a drivers license and car and obtained a part time job. I couldn't wait to go to college, so in lieu of waiting it out for not paying out of state tuition, I enrolled full time with four classes and paid out of state tuition. I was eager to start. Then, between my sophomore and junior year I filled it pretty well. That was a gap year because I was thinking about moving 400 miles away to transfer to a different school but didn't end up doing that. Instead of relocating that time, I took a full time job, took one course at college at night for my minor, enrolled in a small community training school (not a college) connected to my major. I quit the full time job before the summer of my junior year and got a temporary summer job teaching a subject in my major. So my gap year was really busy and I still had time for socialization and swimming and enjoying the time.
The feeling you may be having is that you want to be active and not waste the time during the gap year. I believe that you will find things to do, and it will go fast, and before you know it, you will start your new college path and everything will be situated. So assess what you actually need right now and think about doing any certifications online if you think you'd like to. But gap years go by seemingly fast and it will be a time for anything you want to do.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
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As for transferring to a different college, right on, that is what I would advise. Transfer and major in Computer Science. That is your best bet. Take the gap year but go to the new college and see if they offer evening classes and take one class either in general ed requirement or in computer science. That is just one thing you can do while you await applying for the new college full time.
Besides that, I would suggest applying for on site or remote computer jobs. Getting experience for the job market is important but it is a process that consists of many experiences not just what one does during a gap year, but you can fill your time with things that will benefit your skills and knowledge. Seek employment opportunities online or at your local Department of Labor which usually has opportunities available in person as well as listings online. You could also consider registering with temporary agencies since you would be leaving any full time job when your gap year is over to attend college full time. I will leave some resource links for you below.
I can share my experience with gap time but everyone needs to fill that time based on what is happening in their lives at the time. I had a semester gap to start with because I moved 3,000 miles away and had to adjust to the very new environment, get a drivers license and car and obtained a part time job. I couldn't wait to go to college, so in lieu of waiting it out for not paying out of state tuition, I enrolled full time with four classes and paid out of state tuition. I was eager to start. Then, between my sophomore and junior year I filled it pretty well. That was a gap year because I was thinking about moving 400 miles away to transfer to a different school but didn't end up doing that. Instead of relocating that time, I took a full time job, took one course at college at night for my minor, enrolled in a small community training school (not a college) connected to my major. I quit the full time job before the summer of my junior year and got a temporary summer job teaching a subject in my major. So my gap year was really busy and I still had time for socialization and swimming and enjoying the time.
The feeling you may be having is that you want to be active and not waste the time during the gap year. I believe that you will find things to do, and it will go fast, and before you know it, you will start your new college path and everything will be situated. So assess what you actually need right now and think about doing any certifications online if you think you'd like to. But gap years go by seemingly fast and it will be a time for anything you want to do.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: