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what prequisite skills would be handy prior to going into IT/computer science?
im currently enrolled at jobcorps looking to IT for a future career in software engineering and am looking forward to it.
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8 answers
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Kajuan, you should know that before starting a career in IT or computer science, especially if you're aiming for software engineering, there are several key skills that would be helpful to have. Since you’re already in Job Corps and planning to move into IT, you’re on the right path. Here are some specific skills that would give you a strong foundation:
1. It's important to know at least one programming language before diving into software engineering. Python is a great starting point because it’s widely used and easy to learn. Other popular languages include Java, C++, and JavaScript. You can start learning these through free online resources like Codecademy - https://www.codecademy.com or freeCodeCamp - https://www.freecodecamp.org.
2. Knowing how computers work, both in terms of hardware and software, is essential. You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding components like CPUs, RAM, storage, and operating systems will help you grasp how software interacts with hardware. Websites like HowStuffWorks - https://computer.howstuffworks.com can provide easy-to-understand explanations of these concepts.
3. In software engineering, you’ll spend a lot of time solving complex problems. Developing strong problem-solving skills early on is key. Learning how to break down a problem, research solutions, and troubleshoot are valuable skills for any IT career. Websites like HackerRank - https://www.hackerrank.com offer coding challenges that will help sharpen your problem-solving abilities.
4. Software engineering often involves math, especially areas like algorithms, data structures, and logic. Brushing up on algebra, discrete math, and basic logic concepts will be helpful. Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org is a great resource for free math courses that can prepare you for the technical aspects of computer science.
5. Knowing how to navigate different operating systems—especially Windows, Linux, and macOS—is beneficial. Linux is particularly important for software developers because it’s widely used in programming environments. You can learn more about Linux through resources like Linux Academy - https://www.udemy.com/course/linux-for-beginners/ or Udemy - https://www.udemy.com.
6. Most software engineers use version control systems like Git to manage changes to their code. Getting familiar with Git before starting your studies will give you a head start in your software engineering career. Websites like GitHub - https://github.com offer plenty of resources to learn version control.
Building these skills will give you a strong foundation for your future in IT and software engineering. It’s great that you’re already planning ahead, and there are many free or low-cost resources online that can help you get started before you even begin formal training.
1. It's important to know at least one programming language before diving into software engineering. Python is a great starting point because it’s widely used and easy to learn. Other popular languages include Java, C++, and JavaScript. You can start learning these through free online resources like Codecademy - https://www.codecademy.com or freeCodeCamp - https://www.freecodecamp.org.
2. Knowing how computers work, both in terms of hardware and software, is essential. You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding components like CPUs, RAM, storage, and operating systems will help you grasp how software interacts with hardware. Websites like HowStuffWorks - https://computer.howstuffworks.com can provide easy-to-understand explanations of these concepts.
3. In software engineering, you’ll spend a lot of time solving complex problems. Developing strong problem-solving skills early on is key. Learning how to break down a problem, research solutions, and troubleshoot are valuable skills for any IT career. Websites like HackerRank - https://www.hackerrank.com offer coding challenges that will help sharpen your problem-solving abilities.
4. Software engineering often involves math, especially areas like algorithms, data structures, and logic. Brushing up on algebra, discrete math, and basic logic concepts will be helpful. Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org is a great resource for free math courses that can prepare you for the technical aspects of computer science.
5. Knowing how to navigate different operating systems—especially Windows, Linux, and macOS—is beneficial. Linux is particularly important for software developers because it’s widely used in programming environments. You can learn more about Linux through resources like Linux Academy - https://www.udemy.com/course/linux-for-beginners/ or Udemy - https://www.udemy.com.
6. Most software engineers use version control systems like Git to manage changes to their code. Getting familiar with Git before starting your studies will give you a head start in your software engineering career. Websites like GitHub - https://github.com offer plenty of resources to learn version control.
Building these skills will give you a strong foundation for your future in IT and software engineering. It’s great that you’re already planning ahead, and there are many free or low-cost resources online that can help you get started before you even begin formal training.
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Soft skills is a must i.e. people skills, good communication, if you've worked in retail or a customer service role this will give you a good base along
with strong troubleshooting ability.
I would say the best certifications to gain if your just starting out or thinking of getting into IT is CompTIA A+, Microsoft 365 fundamental's, Microsoft azure fundamentals & CompTIA Network+
This will give you a rounded view of the basics in IT and 99% of business use Microsoft's platforms and applications so have knowledge of them will be very helpful, and build on from there looking at the different certs and areas of IT and see which one peaks your interest the most.
I would also advise to build a home lab if you can i.e. use virtual machines (virtual box or VMware)
There is also things like cisco packet tracer for learning networking & security (its free and can be found on their netcad website)
Reach out to local business or company's ask what they like to see in new hires i.e. try to find out what you would need to study or which certs to gain etc within your chosen field.
IT is a great industry to be in, no two days are the same & you'll constantly be learning new things and adapting your skill set
with strong troubleshooting ability.
I would say the best certifications to gain if your just starting out or thinking of getting into IT is CompTIA A+, Microsoft 365 fundamental's, Microsoft azure fundamentals & CompTIA Network+
This will give you a rounded view of the basics in IT and 99% of business use Microsoft's platforms and applications so have knowledge of them will be very helpful, and build on from there looking at the different certs and areas of IT and see which one peaks your interest the most.
I would also advise to build a home lab if you can i.e. use virtual machines (virtual box or VMware)
There is also things like cisco packet tracer for learning networking & security (its free and can be found on their netcad website)
Reach out to local business or company's ask what they like to see in new hires i.e. try to find out what you would need to study or which certs to gain etc within your chosen field.
IT is a great industry to be in, no two days are the same & you'll constantly be learning new things and adapting your skill set
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Pursuing a career in IT and software engineering is a rewarding journey in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape. To establish a solid foundation, it's helpful to master the following essential skills before diving deeper into computer science and software engineering:
Basic Computer Skills: Become proficient with operating systems (Windows/Linux), file management, and basic hardware/software concepts.
Programming: Learn a language like Python or JavaScript. Focus on core concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.
Problem Solving: Sharpen your coding skills by solving challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, Codewars, CodeCombat, and Exercism.
Mathematics: Strengthen your foundation in basic algebra and discrete math (sets, logic, graphs), as they are integral to programming and algorithm design.
Version Control (Git): Master Git for version control and become familiar with platforms like GitHub for managing code and collaborating on projects.
Database Fundamentals: Learn SQL and understand how relational databases function, including creating queries and managing data.
Networking: Gain knowledge of how computers communicate over networks (e.g., HTTP, TCP/IP) and the basics of web protocols.
Development Tools: Get comfortable with IDEs (e.g., Visual Studio Code) and debugging tools to streamline coding and troubleshooting.
Soft Skills: Effective communication, teamwork, and time management are key to success in any IT role.
Software Development Methodologies: Learn about Agile/Scrum and understand the software development lifecycle, including how software is designed, built, tested, and deployed.
By mastering these skills, you’ll set yourself up for a bright and successful future in IT. Best of luck!
Basic Computer Skills: Become proficient with operating systems (Windows/Linux), file management, and basic hardware/software concepts.
Programming: Learn a language like Python or JavaScript. Focus on core concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.
Problem Solving: Sharpen your coding skills by solving challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, Codewars, CodeCombat, and Exercism.
Mathematics: Strengthen your foundation in basic algebra and discrete math (sets, logic, graphs), as they are integral to programming and algorithm design.
Version Control (Git): Master Git for version control and become familiar with platforms like GitHub for managing code and collaborating on projects.
Database Fundamentals: Learn SQL and understand how relational databases function, including creating queries and managing data.
Networking: Gain knowledge of how computers communicate over networks (e.g., HTTP, TCP/IP) and the basics of web protocols.
Development Tools: Get comfortable with IDEs (e.g., Visual Studio Code) and debugging tools to streamline coding and troubleshooting.
Soft Skills: Effective communication, teamwork, and time management are key to success in any IT role.
Software Development Methodologies: Learn about Agile/Scrum and understand the software development lifecycle, including how software is designed, built, tested, and deployed.
By mastering these skills, you’ll set yourself up for a bright and successful future in IT. Best of luck!
Updated
Dinesh’s Answer
Before starting in IT or Computer Science, it's helpful to have foundational skills in:
Computer Literacy – Understanding OS, file systems, and command-line basics.
Mathematics & Logical Thinking – Basic algebra, Boolean logic, and problem-solving.
Programming Fundamentals – Learning languages like Python or JavaScript, data structures, and algorithms.
Problem-Solving & Debugging – Breaking down problems and troubleshooting effectively.
Cybersecurity Awareness – Basic security concepts, encryption, and data protection.
Hardware & Networking – Understanding CPUs, RAM, storage, and networking basics.
Software Development & DevOps – Version control (Git), Linux commands, and CI/CD pipelines.
Soft Skills – Adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication.
FreeCodeCamp, Harvard CS50, TryHackMe, Cisco Networking Academy
Computer Literacy – Understanding OS, file systems, and command-line basics.
Mathematics & Logical Thinking – Basic algebra, Boolean logic, and problem-solving.
Programming Fundamentals – Learning languages like Python or JavaScript, data structures, and algorithms.
Problem-Solving & Debugging – Breaking down problems and troubleshooting effectively.
Cybersecurity Awareness – Basic security concepts, encryption, and data protection.
Hardware & Networking – Understanding CPUs, RAM, storage, and networking basics.
Software Development & DevOps – Version control (Git), Linux commands, and CI/CD pipelines.
Soft Skills – Adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication.
Dinesh recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Dinesh’s Answer
Before starting in IT or Computer Science, it's helpful to have foundational skills in:
Computer Literacy – Understanding OS, file systems, and command-line basics.
Mathematics & Logical Thinking – Basic algebra, Boolean logic, and problem-solving.
Programming Fundamentals – Learning languages like Python or JavaScript, data structures, and algorithms.
Problem-Solving & Debugging – Breaking down problems and troubleshooting effectively.
Cybersecurity Awareness – Basic security concepts, encryption, and data protection.
Hardware & Networking – Understanding CPUs, RAM, storage, and networking basics.
Software Development & DevOps – Version control (Git), Linux commands, and CI/CD pipelines.
Soft Skills – Adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication.
Thanks!
FreeCodeCamp, Harvard CS50, TryHackMe, Cisco Networking Academy
Computer Literacy – Understanding OS, file systems, and command-line basics.
Mathematics & Logical Thinking – Basic algebra, Boolean logic, and problem-solving.
Programming Fundamentals – Learning languages like Python or JavaScript, data structures, and algorithms.
Problem-Solving & Debugging – Breaking down problems and troubleshooting effectively.
Cybersecurity Awareness – Basic security concepts, encryption, and data protection.
Hardware & Networking – Understanding CPUs, RAM, storage, and networking basics.
Software Development & DevOps – Version control (Git), Linux commands, and CI/CD pipelines.
Soft Skills – Adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication.
Thanks!
Dinesh recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rosalind’s Answer
What a wonderful question on what are the best skills for you to be developing for a career in IT.
The first may be a surprise but it's communication, being able to clearly write and speak to get your points across. Being able to read quickly and effectively and quickly summarize what you have learned. This will help you as you wish to move up in your career, you need to be able to clearly explain situations and advocate for yourself.
Second is to become a continuous learner. Focus on building up your drive for learning more, understanding how things work, and what is going on in the world that will impact or is part of the IT landscape. As someone in IT you will have to deal with the continuous changing technology and so learning to adapt and evolve your skills will be important.
Third build your analytical and problem solving skills. These will help you as you do your daily work to help build solutions and test them as well as fix problems that arise. There will always be problems learning to deal with them and learn from them is key.
Forth is the understanding of the current technology, how do computers actually work, you don't have to learn to be an assembler programmer, but you do need to understand the fundamentals of how the computers work below the high level languages you will likely be writing in. Learning a number of languages to be able to understand the how they work and what they are best for. Python, Java, C, C++, and maybe a few less used languages like prolog. Seven languages in Seven weeks by Bruce Tate is an example of a book to help understand the various differences and benefits to those differences. The point is, languages change and evolve you should not tie yourself to one language but be able to easily move between them depending on what you are working on or what the language of the team you are working with is. Learn Linux as an operating system as it is the base of most systems today and it is easy to get an open source version to learn on. Learn the security aspects of the system and how to secure the environment.
Lastly learn the current tools used, git and any git server, pipeline tools, and IDEs such as vscode.
The best way to learn is by doing, get involved in an open source project you are excited about. This will not only help you learn, but also allow you to build up your external eminence and provide a portfolio of activities for any future employer to see.
The first may be a surprise but it's communication, being able to clearly write and speak to get your points across. Being able to read quickly and effectively and quickly summarize what you have learned. This will help you as you wish to move up in your career, you need to be able to clearly explain situations and advocate for yourself.
Second is to become a continuous learner. Focus on building up your drive for learning more, understanding how things work, and what is going on in the world that will impact or is part of the IT landscape. As someone in IT you will have to deal with the continuous changing technology and so learning to adapt and evolve your skills will be important.
Third build your analytical and problem solving skills. These will help you as you do your daily work to help build solutions and test them as well as fix problems that arise. There will always be problems learning to deal with them and learn from them is key.
Forth is the understanding of the current technology, how do computers actually work, you don't have to learn to be an assembler programmer, but you do need to understand the fundamentals of how the computers work below the high level languages you will likely be writing in. Learning a number of languages to be able to understand the how they work and what they are best for. Python, Java, C, C++, and maybe a few less used languages like prolog. Seven languages in Seven weeks by Bruce Tate is an example of a book to help understand the various differences and benefits to those differences. The point is, languages change and evolve you should not tie yourself to one language but be able to easily move between them depending on what you are working on or what the language of the team you are working with is. Learn Linux as an operating system as it is the base of most systems today and it is easy to get an open source version to learn on. Learn the security aspects of the system and how to secure the environment.
Lastly learn the current tools used, git and any git server, pipeline tools, and IDEs such as vscode.
The best way to learn is by doing, get involved in an open source project you are excited about. This will not only help you learn, but also allow you to build up your external eminence and provide a portfolio of activities for any future employer to see.
Updated
Mario’s Answer
-Patience & the ability to troubleshoot things with or without help.
Example: something broke - will you A) give up and say it broke therefore I can't do anything or B) investigate and see how you can fix it.
-Ability to communicate.
Example: something broke - will you A) give up and not tell anyone or B) tell people and collaborate with others to see if you can come to either get around it or fix it.
- Tinkering with things
Example: you got a new gadget - will you A) take at face value the instructions. or B) play around with it to understand how it works even if you risk breaking it. You could communicate with others to see understand how it works.
- Empathy
Real life example: we released a feature and the customer didn't know how to use it. Instead of saying you are using it wrong we tried to understand how they thought it should be used. So we built it around their understanding. A lot of money revolves around doing just that. Products can often fail because the company didn't care to empathise with the customer.
Another real life example: A fresh graduate we hired was having a hard time with something they had been tasked with. Instead of telling them why don't you understand you should know this, I tried to get their view on it. End of the day it was a misunderstanding and now that fresh grad. is a successful engineering.
As you can tell those are a lot of soft skills. We often hire people based off of soft skills because that can make or break a team.
Hard skills for computing science would be math. Once you complete CompSci you are only a handful courses away from getting a Math minor.
You don't have to love math, you just can't loath it.
Example: something broke - will you A) give up and say it broke therefore I can't do anything or B) investigate and see how you can fix it.
-Ability to communicate.
Example: something broke - will you A) give up and not tell anyone or B) tell people and collaborate with others to see if you can come to either get around it or fix it.
- Tinkering with things
Example: you got a new gadget - will you A) take at face value the instructions. or B) play around with it to understand how it works even if you risk breaking it. You could communicate with others to see understand how it works.
- Empathy
Real life example: we released a feature and the customer didn't know how to use it. Instead of saying you are using it wrong we tried to understand how they thought it should be used. So we built it around their understanding. A lot of money revolves around doing just that. Products can often fail because the company didn't care to empathise with the customer.
Another real life example: A fresh graduate we hired was having a hard time with something they had been tasked with. Instead of telling them why don't you understand you should know this, I tried to get their view on it. End of the day it was a misunderstanding and now that fresh grad. is a successful engineering.
As you can tell those are a lot of soft skills. We often hire people based off of soft skills because that can make or break a team.
Hard skills for computing science would be math. Once you complete CompSci you are only a handful courses away from getting a Math minor.
You don't have to love math, you just can't loath it.
Updated
BEYZA’s Answer
As a software engineering student I think I can answer this question with ease.To summarize it up Software Engineering is all about learning and building. The learning period will never end , so you must constantly follow the newest technologies.Therefore passion to gain information is essential.The second skill would be will and willpower , there are 3 basic periods to get something done : to research, to learn, and finally build. All these verbs need patience,so will and willpower is very important.Producing a product , a project or a game might sound fun but you will go through several semesters to even start coding let alone finishing a product and publish it.Another skill I find useful is theoretical information the fundamentals of software and engineering.When I first started college I didn't find them necessary but oh boy they were! You understand the need of them when you start building.There are so many resources online.Dont fall into the tutorial hell.Just start building.You will always learn while building so there is no reason not to just get started.Thats all to summit all up!