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How can I grow good tech skills in computer science and also get better at talking and working with others while in college I want to be ready to do well in both the tech parts and the team parts of a tech job in the future? #Spring25
I'm an 18 year old senior at Paschal high school and I've been in coding classes at school for the past 5 years. I've decided to major in computer science in college, and I want to learn how to get grow good tech skills in computer science while also working with my peers. #Spring25
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8 answers
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Steve’s Answer
The best way to grow your tech skills is by building stuff. Start small projects on your own or with friends. Build a website, automate something, or create a simple app that solves a problem you care about. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Use sites like freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, or CS50.
Look for chances to collaborate. Join coding clubs, hackathons, or group projects. You’ll get better at explaining technical stuff and listening to teammates, which is huge in tech jobs.
Look for chances to collaborate. Join coding clubs, hackathons, or group projects. You’ll get better at explaining technical stuff and listening to teammates, which is huge in tech jobs.
Paul Rogers
Solutions Engineer | Technical Consultant | Leadership Mentor
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Paul’s Answer
Hi David,
First off — you're thinking about the right things early, and that alone sets you up for a lot of future success!
To build strong tech skills:
Practice consistently: Build small projects outside of class. Real-world projects teach you how to apply what you learn — not just memorize it.
Learn how systems connect: Don't just study coding — understand how networks, databases, cloud, and security fit together. (Big skill in tech careers!)
To build strong people skills:
Work on small teams early: Whether it’s group projects, coding clubs, or internships — the best way to get better at teamwork is practicing it.
Learn how to communicate technical ideas simply: If you can explain something complicated in plain English, you're going to be very valuable in any tech company.
The best tech professionals aren't just great at the technology — they're great at connecting with people, solving real problems, and staying adaptable.
You're already asking the right questions — keep that hunger to grow, and you'll be ready for whatever opportunities come your way!
Join or start a small coding project team — even something casual with friends.
Practice explaining a project you built to someone not in tech.
Take one communication/public speaking course (even free on YouTube) — it’ll pay off hugely later.
First off — you're thinking about the right things early, and that alone sets you up for a lot of future success!
To build strong tech skills:
Practice consistently: Build small projects outside of class. Real-world projects teach you how to apply what you learn — not just memorize it.
Learn how systems connect: Don't just study coding — understand how networks, databases, cloud, and security fit together. (Big skill in tech careers!)
To build strong people skills:
Work on small teams early: Whether it’s group projects, coding clubs, or internships — the best way to get better at teamwork is practicing it.
Learn how to communicate technical ideas simply: If you can explain something complicated in plain English, you're going to be very valuable in any tech company.
The best tech professionals aren't just great at the technology — they're great at connecting with people, solving real problems, and staying adaptable.
You're already asking the right questions — keep that hunger to grow, and you'll be ready for whatever opportunities come your way!
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jisu’s Answer
Group projects can help you hone both coding and soft skills - learning how to work with others and communicate your ideas clearly. If you face any challenges in finding a good group project to join, you should explore local hackathons or hacker spaces. You will be able to find people who have similar passions and are looking for collaborators!
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Michael’s Answer
Try joining a club at school or just volunteer. Then make sure whatever you are doing, you try taking on different roles. So for example, if you are volunteering to feed the homeless, see if there is an opportunity to lead/plan the meal. Find out what ingredients are available and seek input from others. Elicit their suggestions but from a leader point of view. Not asking someone to take over. Then the next time take a different role and provide suggestions but let someone else lead. See what comes up for you. Shyness? Overly decisive? Confidence? Difficulty asserting yourself? Controlling? See everything you do as just data to improve. It's ok if you feel like you're not good at it. There's a magic in being conscious of your weaknesses (look up conscious incompetence). That means you can see where you are lacking and then do something about it.
You can really try this out in any situation, like school projects, with your family.
I agree with the other comment about taking a personality test. I'd look into MBTI to see how you perceive the world.
Good luck
You can really try this out in any situation, like school projects, with your family.
I agree with the other comment about taking a personality test. I'd look into MBTI to see how you perceive the world.
Good luck
Updated
Ivy (Xinrui)’s Answer
It’s fantastic that you’re already thinking ahead about both the technical and interpersonal sides of a tech career. As you start your computer science studies in college, you’ll have many opportunities to deepen your technical skills—by taking challenging courses, working on personal or group coding projects, and getting involved in research or internships. To really grow as a programmer, try to go beyond the classroom: join coding clubs or hackathons, contribute to open-source projects, or build your own apps or websites. These experiences will expose you to real-world problem-solving and new technologies, helping you become a well-rounded developer.
Equally important is developing your ability to communicate and collaborate with others, since most tech jobs require teamwork. You can build these skills by participating in group projects, both in your classes and through extracurricular activities like robotics clubs, student organizations, or tech meetups. Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles or volunteer to present your team’s work—these experiences will help you get comfortable sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and working through challenges together. If your college offers courses or workshops on communication, teamwork, or leadership, consider taking them as well. By actively seeking out both technical and collaborative experiences, you’ll be well prepared for the demands of a tech job and ready to succeed in any team environment.
Equally important is developing your ability to communicate and collaborate with others, since most tech jobs require teamwork. You can build these skills by participating in group projects, both in your classes and through extracurricular activities like robotics clubs, student organizations, or tech meetups. Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles or volunteer to present your team’s work—these experiences will help you get comfortable sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and working through challenges together. If your college offers courses or workshops on communication, teamwork, or leadership, consider taking them as well. By actively seeking out both technical and collaborative experiences, you’ll be well prepared for the demands of a tech job and ready to succeed in any team environment.
Updated
Simon’s Answer
I love your question!
As a hiring manager for Software Engineers, I aim to build a team with a vision for the next three years. With technology and AI changing so quickly, specific skills are less important than your ability to learn and adapt. The job you'll be doing in three years might not even exist yet, and you'll likely use tools that are still being developed.
Having a strong background and passion for technology is a great start. I'm also interested in how you work with others, your teamwork, and empathy. These soft skills are timeless, and showing yourself as a team player helps me see how you could fit into the team in the future.
As a hiring manager for Software Engineers, I aim to build a team with a vision for the next three years. With technology and AI changing so quickly, specific skills are less important than your ability to learn and adapt. The job you'll be doing in three years might not even exist yet, and you'll likely use tools that are still being developed.
Having a strong background and passion for technology is a great start. I'm also interested in how you work with others, your teamwork, and empathy. These soft skills are timeless, and showing yourself as a team player helps me see how you could fit into the team in the future.
Updated
Benedetta’s Answer
Computer Science Skills: Focus on the Skills of Tomorrow
To thrive as a software engineer, it's crucial to develop a strong foundation in key programming languages and technologies. Emphasize learning by doing, which means engaging in hands-on projects and coding exercises. This approach allows you to learn at your own pace and tailor your education to your interests. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and build a network of peers and mentors who can support and challenge you.
Working in Teams: Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is essential for effective teamwork. Understand how you present yourself at work and how others perceive you. Consider taking personality and emotional intelligence assessments to gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. This self-awareness is the first step in managing stress and enhancing your interpersonal skills.
To further develop these skills, seek out hands-on experiences such as volunteering, participating in hackathons, or engaging in new activities both in and outside of high school. These experiences will expose you to diverse perspectives and help you build resilience and adaptability.
Research skills of tomorrow
hackathon
personality test
To thrive as a software engineer, it's crucial to develop a strong foundation in key programming languages and technologies. Emphasize learning by doing, which means engaging in hands-on projects and coding exercises. This approach allows you to learn at your own pace and tailor your education to your interests. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and build a network of peers and mentors who can support and challenge you.
Working in Teams: Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is essential for effective teamwork. Understand how you present yourself at work and how others perceive you. Consider taking personality and emotional intelligence assessments to gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. This self-awareness is the first step in managing stress and enhancing your interpersonal skills.
To further develop these skills, seek out hands-on experiences such as volunteering, participating in hackathons, or engaging in new activities both in and outside of high school. These experiences will expose you to diverse perspectives and help you build resilience and adaptability.
Benedetta recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Alex’s Answer
To achieve both of these goals, try teaming up with classmates for projects. This way, you can learn to work well with others and gain the technical skills you need to succeed. All Software Engineers collaborate with different people to tackle challenges. The tricky part is identifying the real problem and finding the best solution. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect, and the best practice is working with others to solve problems. You might even find competitions to join that offer valuable hands-on experience. You've got this!