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How to be successful in studying and pursuing a career towards software development/computer science ?
Full guide on being a computer or software specialist
My name is Leslie and I’m19 years old still in college and pursuing a career in computer science or software development and I need a full guide on what to do towards being successful in the course
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4 answers
Izi Goldenberg
Senior Manager, Lab Support Engineering
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Updated
Izi’s Answer
Here are some improved suggestions for you:
- Get involved with an open source project. This will not only allow you to learn from the existing code, but also provide an opportunity for you to contribute your own work.
- It's also recommended to maintain an active GitHub profile. This way, potential employers can easily view and assess your coding skills.
- Get involved with an open source project. This will not only allow you to learn from the existing code, but also provide an opportunity for you to contribute your own work.
- It's also recommended to maintain an active GitHub profile. This way, potential employers can easily view and assess your coding skills.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Sign up for as many internship opportunities as you can. That will be the best way to see what you will be doing once you graduate.
Updated
Tadeusz’s Answer
Hi Leslie,
That’s a great question! Pursuing a career in computer science or software development can be incredibly rewarding (also in the era of AI or maybe especially in the era of AI).
Here’s some guidelines coming from my 30-year experience in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) business. Maybe will help you succeed in your course and future career (and not only in computer science, like soft skills, health or ethics are common):
1. Build a Strong Foundation
Understand the Basics: Make sure you have a solid grasp of fundamental concepts in computer science, such as algorithms, data structures, and programming languages.
Mathematics: Strengthen your knowledge in mathematics, especially in areas like discrete mathematics, calculus, and linear algebra, as they are crucial for understanding computer science concepts.
2. Learn Programming Languages
Start with Popular Languages: Begin with languages like Python, Java, or C++. These are widely used and will give you a good foundation.
Explore Others: Once you’re comfortable, explore other languages like JavaScript, Ruby, or Go, depending on your interests and career goals.
3. Practical Experience
Projects: Work on personal or open-source projects. This will help you apply what you’ve learned and build a portfolio.
Internships: Try to get internships or part-time jobs in the field. Real-world experience is invaluable.
4. Stay Updated
Follow Trends: Technology evolves rapidly. Follow tech news, blogs, and forums to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements.
Continuous Learning: Take online courses, attend workshops, and participate in hackathons to keep your skills sharp.
5. Networking
Join Communities: Participate in online communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit. Join local meetups or tech clubs at your college.
Mentorship: Find a mentor who can guide you through your academic and professional journey.
6. Soft Skills
Communication: Work on your communication skills. Being able to explain your ideas clearly is crucial.
Teamwork: Learn to work effectively in teams. Most software development projects are collaborative efforts.
7. Career Planning
Set Goals: Define your short-term and long-term career goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
Resume and LinkedIn: Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated. Highlight your skills, projects, and experiences.
8. Health and Well-being
Balance: Maintain a healthy balance between studies, work, and personal life. Burnout can be a significant issue in this field.
Exercise and Diet: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve your focus and productivity.
9. Ethics and Responsibility
Ethical Coding: Understand the ethical implications of your work. Strive to create software that is beneficial and does no harm.
Security: Learn about cybersecurity principles to ensure the software you develop is secure.
10. Feedback and Improvement
Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback on your work from peers, mentors, and professors.
Reflect and Improve: Reflect on the feedback and work on areas that need improvement.
=====
Resources
Books: “Introduction to Algorithms” by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein; “Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer excellent courses in computer science and software development.
Coding Practice: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal are great for practicing coding problems.
Remember, the journey to becoming a successful software developer is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy the process!
That’s a great question! Pursuing a career in computer science or software development can be incredibly rewarding (also in the era of AI or maybe especially in the era of AI).
Here’s some guidelines coming from my 30-year experience in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) business. Maybe will help you succeed in your course and future career (and not only in computer science, like soft skills, health or ethics are common):
1. Build a Strong Foundation
Understand the Basics: Make sure you have a solid grasp of fundamental concepts in computer science, such as algorithms, data structures, and programming languages.
Mathematics: Strengthen your knowledge in mathematics, especially in areas like discrete mathematics, calculus, and linear algebra, as they are crucial for understanding computer science concepts.
2. Learn Programming Languages
Start with Popular Languages: Begin with languages like Python, Java, or C++. These are widely used and will give you a good foundation.
Explore Others: Once you’re comfortable, explore other languages like JavaScript, Ruby, or Go, depending on your interests and career goals.
3. Practical Experience
Projects: Work on personal or open-source projects. This will help you apply what you’ve learned and build a portfolio.
Internships: Try to get internships or part-time jobs in the field. Real-world experience is invaluable.
4. Stay Updated
Follow Trends: Technology evolves rapidly. Follow tech news, blogs, and forums to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements.
Continuous Learning: Take online courses, attend workshops, and participate in hackathons to keep your skills sharp.
5. Networking
Join Communities: Participate in online communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit. Join local meetups or tech clubs at your college.
Mentorship: Find a mentor who can guide you through your academic and professional journey.
6. Soft Skills
Communication: Work on your communication skills. Being able to explain your ideas clearly is crucial.
Teamwork: Learn to work effectively in teams. Most software development projects are collaborative efforts.
7. Career Planning
Set Goals: Define your short-term and long-term career goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
Resume and LinkedIn: Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated. Highlight your skills, projects, and experiences.
8. Health and Well-being
Balance: Maintain a healthy balance between studies, work, and personal life. Burnout can be a significant issue in this field.
Exercise and Diet: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve your focus and productivity.
9. Ethics and Responsibility
Ethical Coding: Understand the ethical implications of your work. Strive to create software that is beneficial and does no harm.
Security: Learn about cybersecurity principles to ensure the software you develop is secure.
10. Feedback and Improvement
Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback on your work from peers, mentors, and professors.
Reflect and Improve: Reflect on the feedback and work on areas that need improvement.
=====
Resources
Books: “Introduction to Algorithms” by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein; “Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer excellent courses in computer science and software development.
Coding Practice: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal are great for practicing coding problems.
Remember, the journey to becoming a successful software developer is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy the process!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you want to develop your career in computer science. There are many different careers in technology/ development, eg web developer, apps developer, ERP developer, system developer, etc.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Find out more development related careers. There are plenty of information online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to professors and alumni to seek their advice
4. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore any intern opportunities working in technology companies
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Find out more development related careers. There are plenty of information online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to professors and alumni to seek their advice
4. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore any intern opportunities working in technology companies
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!