7 answers
Alison
Student
Monroe, IN
1
Question
Asked
382 views
How can I get started in computer science to know if i'm interested??
im not sure if thats the field i want to go into, so how can i experiment?
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7 answers
Nuno Santos
Systems Integration
1
Answer
Lisbon, Portugal
Updated
Nuno’s Answer
Hi Alison,
As many people will tell you, Computer Science embraces many topics and eventually you can find yourself interested and realised professionally.
Don't simply wait for the site or the topic to go. Curiosity and research is a great skill for an Engineer to find it's own answers and path to go.
Studies (vendors and universities offers courses) are the more obvious and recommended approaches. Check the details of each offer.
I started my path in school getting to know Operating Systems, moved later for vendor's certifications and studying Systems Information in University, changing to Networks and Security in my early career and later changing to Telecommunications. Each one can be a world on it's own.
As technologies and market demands evolve, every day is a learning day. It is also a day for you to adapt, try new things and rethink if this is what really interests you.
As many people will tell you, Computer Science embraces many topics and eventually you can find yourself interested and realised professionally.
Don't simply wait for the site or the topic to go. Curiosity and research is a great skill for an Engineer to find it's own answers and path to go.
Studies (vendors and universities offers courses) are the more obvious and recommended approaches. Check the details of each offer.
I started my path in school getting to know Operating Systems, moved later for vendor's certifications and studying Systems Information in University, changing to Networks and Security in my early career and later changing to Telecommunications. Each one can be a world on it's own.
As technologies and market demands evolve, every day is a learning day. It is also a day for you to adapt, try new things and rethink if this is what really interests you.
Eddie F
Product Manager
2
Answers
Sammamish, Washington
Updated
Eddie’s Answer
Hi Alison,
I recommend considering a basic application that would be useful to you, and then utilizing one of the various user-friendly coding platforms to build it, such as Replit, CodeSandbox, Glitch, or GitHub Codespaces.
This experience will help you start in computer science and see if it interests you. As a bonus, you'll have a functional application that serves a useful purpose. Additionally, you can add this project to your resume if you pursue a job in the field.
I recommend considering a basic application that would be useful to you, and then utilizing one of the various user-friendly coding platforms to build it, such as Replit, CodeSandbox, Glitch, or GitHub Codespaces.
This experience will help you start in computer science and see if it interests you. As a bonus, you'll have a functional application that serves a useful purpose. Additionally, you can add this project to your resume if you pursue a job in the field.
Jessica Ortiz, PHR, MBA, MPA
7
Answers
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Research computer science positions online and look for current job openings in your area.
Check out job description minimum qualifications to determine what skills you have and what skills you need to acquire.
You may want to schedule an appointment with a college advisor to help you explore specific programs.
Also, you may want to look at project management degree/certification because it can help you be more competitive regardless of the industry.
Check out job description minimum qualifications to determine what skills you have and what skills you need to acquire.
You may want to schedule an appointment with a college advisor to help you explore specific programs.
Also, you may want to look at project management degree/certification because it can help you be more competitive regardless of the industry.
Rogerio Rizzi de Oliveira
Vice President, Corporate Strategy
2
Answers
Windermere, Florida
Updated
Rogerio’s Answer
Check out this short video from code.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU1xS07N-FA
It is really awesome and provides a taste of what computes science entails.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU1xS07N-FA
It is really awesome and provides a taste of what computes science entails.
Solomon Woldemichael
20
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Solomon’s Answer
Hi Alison
I think a good place to start for you is to first have some understanding of what computer science is. I have a link for you to look at to get more information about computer science.
There are many websites on the internet where you can get started learning some aspects of computer science like coding. Remember, computer science is not just about coding. It involves math and mathematical constructs, theory of computing, logic, problem-solving , critical-thinking , writing skills, reading skills, and many more.
All the best,
Solomon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science
I think a good place to start for you is to first have some understanding of what computer science is. I have a link for you to look at to get more information about computer science.
There are many websites on the internet where you can get started learning some aspects of computer science like coding. Remember, computer science is not just about coding. It involves math and mathematical constructs, theory of computing, logic, problem-solving , critical-thinking , writing skills, reading skills, and many more.
All the best,
Solomon
Solomon recommends the following next steps:
Jhanvi Bhatia
Product Deisgner
7
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Jhanvi’s Answer
Hi Alison,
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share some thoughts on how to determine if you’re truly interested in a particular field. One effective approach is to engage in mini projects and take beginner courses—there are plenty available on platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
These mini projects allow you to dive into hands-on experiences, helping you to explore various aspects of a field and gain practical skills. They can also give you a clearer picture of what your day-to-day responsibilities might look like in a specific profession.
In addition to that, I found watching "Day in the Life of" videos on YouTube incredibly insightful. When I was studying product design, these videos provided real-time examples of what a designer's work entails, helping me visualize the role more clearly. Seeing professionals talk about their experiences can help you understand the challenges and rewards of different careers.
Here are a few more tips to enhance your exploration:
1. Networking: Reach out to professionals in the field. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights and personal experiences that you won’t find in courses or videos.
2. Online Communities: Join forums or social media groups related to your interests. Engaging with others can help you discover resources, advice, and even opportunities.
3. Volunteering or Internships: Look for short-term volunteer opportunities or internships. This can provide immersive experience and help you build a network in the industry.
4. Skill Development: As you explore, focus on building transferable skills that are valuable across various professions, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
5. Self-Reflection: After each experience, take time to reflect on what you enjoyed and what you didn’t. This can help guide your next steps.
I hope these suggestions help you on your journey of exploration! Let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss this further.
Best,
Jhanvi
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share some thoughts on how to determine if you’re truly interested in a particular field. One effective approach is to engage in mini projects and take beginner courses—there are plenty available on platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
These mini projects allow you to dive into hands-on experiences, helping you to explore various aspects of a field and gain practical skills. They can also give you a clearer picture of what your day-to-day responsibilities might look like in a specific profession.
In addition to that, I found watching "Day in the Life of" videos on YouTube incredibly insightful. When I was studying product design, these videos provided real-time examples of what a designer's work entails, helping me visualize the role more clearly. Seeing professionals talk about their experiences can help you understand the challenges and rewards of different careers.
Here are a few more tips to enhance your exploration:
1. Networking: Reach out to professionals in the field. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights and personal experiences that you won’t find in courses or videos.
2. Online Communities: Join forums or social media groups related to your interests. Engaging with others can help you discover resources, advice, and even opportunities.
3. Volunteering or Internships: Look for short-term volunteer opportunities or internships. This can provide immersive experience and help you build a network in the industry.
4. Skill Development: As you explore, focus on building transferable skills that are valuable across various professions, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
5. Self-Reflection: After each experience, take time to reflect on what you enjoyed and what you didn’t. This can help guide your next steps.
I hope these suggestions help you on your journey of exploration! Let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss this further.
Best,
Jhanvi
Nicolas Chan
Software Engineer
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
A great thing about computer science is that you can get started programming and experimenting on your own computer!
You can build anything you're interested in, but I think coding a website by hand (no templates) is a great place to start. And at the end you will get something you can also share with others. Personally, I started by making HTML websites learning from W3Schools. Once I had a good understanding of HTML I started learning JavaScript to add more interactive features. I also read the Java for Dummies book because I wanted to learn Java to make Minecraft mods!
Best of luck on your journey. Coding and debugging error messages can be frustrating at times but it's also incredibly rewarding to see something you made come to life!
You can build anything you're interested in, but I think coding a website by hand (no templates) is a great place to start. And at the end you will get something you can also share with others. Personally, I started by making HTML websites learning from W3Schools. Once I had a good understanding of HTML I started learning JavaScript to add more interactive features. I also read the Java for Dummies book because I wanted to learn Java to make Minecraft mods!
Best of luck on your journey. Coding and debugging error messages can be frustrating at times but it's also incredibly rewarding to see something you made come to life!