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How can I find a job related to computer science

I am in grade 8.
I love watching soccer
And I love computer science

Thank you comment icon For now focus more on learning your school subjects, the curriculum offers a solid foundation until you are fully grounded to take a job. Remember you must learn before you earn. Theddius Adaaku

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Subject: Career question for you

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Jey!

How to Find a Job Related to Computer Science as an 8th Grader

Finding a job related to computer science at your age may seem challenging, but there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself and explore opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Build Your Skills

Learn the Basics of Computer Science:

Start with online resources like Codecademy, Khan Academy, or freeCodeCamp. These platforms offer interactive courses on programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS.
Consider joining coding clubs or after-school programs that focus on computer science. Many schools offer these types of extracurricular activities.

Engage in Projects:

Create small projects that interest you. For example, if you love soccer, you could build a simple website about your favorite team or players using HTML and CSS.
Participate in hackathons or coding competitions. Websites like Code.org often host events for students where you can collaborate with others and learn new skills.
2. Explore Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

Look for Local Opportunities:

Research local businesses or non-profits that might need help with their websites or software. Offer to volunteer your skills; this will give you practical experience and enhance your resume.
Some tech companies have internship programs for students as young as middle school. Check if any local tech firms offer such programs.

Online Internships:

Websites like Internshala or LinkedIn occasionally list internships suitable for younger students. While many positions may require older candidates, some organizations are open to mentoring younger individuals interested in technology.
3. Network and Seek Mentorship

Connect with Professionals:

Attend local tech meetups or workshops where you can meet professionals in the field of computer science.
Use platforms like LinkedIn (with parental guidance) to connect with individuals who work in areas of computer science that interest you.

Find a Mentor:

A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your interests in computer science. This could be a teacher, family friend, or someone from a local tech community.
4. Continue Your Education

Focus on Relevant Subjects:

In school, pay attention to subjects that relate to computer science such as mathematics and science. Strong foundational knowledge in these areas will benefit your understanding of programming concepts later on.

Consider Advanced Classes:

If available at your school, enroll in advanced classes related to technology or mathematics that can prepare you for high school-level computer science courses.
5. Stay Updated on Trends

Follow Tech News:

Keep up with the latest trends in technology by reading blogs, watching YouTube channels focused on programming tutorials, or following tech news sites like TechCrunch or Wired.

Join Online Communities:

Participate in forums such as Stack Overflow or Reddit’s r/learnprogramming where you can ask questions and share knowledge with others interested in computer science.
6. Prepare for Future Opportunities

Build a Portfolio:

As you complete projects and gain experience, create an online portfolio showcasing your work. This could include links to websites you’ve built or code snippets from projects you’ve completed.

Practice Interview Skills:

Although it might be early for formal job interviews, practicing how to talk about your skills and experiences will prepare you for future opportunities when you’re older.

By taking these steps now while you’re still in grade 8, you’ll set yourself up for success when you’re ready to pursue jobs related to computer science later on!

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Codecademy: An interactive platform offering coding classes in various programming languages.
Khan Academy: A nonprofit educational organization providing free online courses across multiple subjects including computer programming.
LinkedIn: A professional networking site where users can connect with industry professionals and explore internship opportunities tailored for students.

God Bless You!
JC.
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Jey:

It's great to hear that you have passion for Computer Science. When you love what you do, it's not a job. There are numerous areas of Computer Science to pursue: Software Developer, Web Developer, Computer Systems Analyst, Data Science, Network Developer, Video Game Developer, Computer Programmer, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, etc. You can combine your love of soccer with Computer Science and go into the field of Sports Analytics dealing with data.

According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Computer Science major:

- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- University of Washington
- Cornell University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- University of Texas (Austin)

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/computer-science-rankings

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Best wishes for your education and career path in Computer Science!
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Biplab’s Answer

Hi Jey! You're a rock star for already thinking about a future in computer science.

For now, as others have said, it'd be best for you to continue to learn about a lot of different areas of knowledge and gain skills like the ability to work well with others, think critically, problem solve, and communicate.

You can consider courses such as AP Computer Science in high school to test the waters for a serious look at a CS career and tinker around with programming tutorials in your free time if you would like to.

Stay positive and keep learning and you will find whether this is something you really want to pursue and you can still keep your other options open.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in computer science. There are many careers in technology, eg web developer, apps developer, ERP developer, system developer, system administrator, database administrator, application support, network engineer, etc
Below are my suggestions:
1. Find out more tech related careers. There are plenty of information online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend information session hosts by computer science department.. Speak to the professors or alumni if you can
4. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
5. Explore the entry criteria of computer science in colleges. Work hard on your academic to meet the criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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brittany’s Answer

You can apply onto certain job sites and put what you are looking for they go around and apply for you and then when you get and interview they call you and let you know
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Caroline’s Answer

Honestly this Is a really good field to go Into. There are several options examples would be A Web Developer, IT, Computer System Analysis, Database Administrator, Data Scientist, Software Engineer Honestly it really depends on what section within Computer Science you are interested in specifically. Also what type of Company were you interested in working with Healthcare? Finance? Manufacturing? As far as pay goes would depend on the Buisness along with area in which you reside however these positions usually pay very well. I hope that this helps you.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Jey !

This is a great question that shows you've already developed an interest for a future career and that is awesome ! At the age of 13 and in the 8th grade, there are many age-friendly activities that you can participate in now. People of your age are not able to legally work in California until they are 14 and that would be only on days that you don't have school. Once you are 18, you can work at a company full time at something that you are qualified to do. Since you live right there in the Computer World Hub, there are many things that you can do right now to be around computer science, but yes, you'll have to wait and obtain college and experience before you would be qualified for a career job for this field.

So, right now you can participate in these activities and educational opportunities for children: Code With Us located in Campbell for classes for children 6 - 12, The Coder School South Bay for ages 7 -14, Youth Science Institute - Summer Science Camps in Los Gatos for ages 6 - 12. Your school district also offers computer classes so check with your principal if it's that you're new to your school.

There are also some resources that you can be aware of that will help you in your desire to learn computers. If you do not have a computer of your own and your family meets financial eligibility requirements, you can obtain a computer of your own from RRR Computer. I have left the link for them below that your parents can apply to. J Access: Digital Skill & Tech Devices is a website that you can learn computers taking it at your own pace. Have one of your parents look into this for you or go to their website link I left for you below. So remember, right now you need computer education, access, and skill-building. It is a fun process that will help you for high school, college and your first career job.

Continue to reach out about the things that you can do now and reach out to your current school as they may have a computer lab that you may not know about yet. Best wishes in all you do and have fun as you begin to learn the many things that are involved in computer science !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

RRR COMPUTER FOR DONATED (FREE) COMPUTER FOR YOU RRRcomputer.org
SJ ACCESS: DIGITAL SKILLS AND TECH DEVICES THROUGH THE SAN JOSE PUBLIC LIBRARY https://www.sjpl.org/sjaccess/
LOW COST INTERNET SERVICE AND COMPUTERS https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers-sanjose
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