7 answers
Sanuth
Student
Maidenhead, England, United Kingdom
1
Question
Asked
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How can I deepen my knowledge and skills in AI, programming, and cybersecurity while studying A-level maths and computer science I'm aiming for a top university and want to build a strong foundation—what should I focus on now, and are there any resources or project ideas you'd recommend??
Hey! I’m a Year 12 student really interested in computer-related fields, especially AI, programming, and cybersecurity. I’m also studying maths and computer science for A-levels and want to build a strong foundation so I can get into a top university.
I’d love some guidance on how to go deeper into these areas, what skills or projects I should focus on now, and how to prepare for uni and real-world applications. Any advice or resources you recommend?
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7 answers
Cung Nguyen
52
Answers
Updated
Cung’s Answer
That's a fantastic field to explore for a career! Start by learning programming languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, Julia, and C++. AI and large language models are in high demand. Mastering these skills can make it easier to get a job at an AI company. Aim to study computer science in college and earn your Bachelor's degree. Joining professional organizations like IEEE, ACM, or AI groups can help you meet industry experts and understand what they seek. Networking is key to finding a job in your desired field. Best of luck, and let us know how you're doing!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Sanuth
Shreya Toliya
Oracle HCM Cloud Consultant
30
Answers
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Updated
Shreya’s Answer
To deepen your knowledge in AI, programming, and cybersecurity alongside your A-level maths and computer science studies, focus on strengthening your understanding of key mathematical concepts (like statistics, probability, and linear algebra) and mastering a programming language such as Python. Explore online courses, participate in coding challenges, and work on small projects—like building a chatbot, creating a personal website, or trying basic cybersecurity labs on platforms like TryHackMe. Document your work on GitHub to build a portfolio, join relevant clubs or online communities, and balance your extracurricular learning with strong academic performance to prepare for top university applications.
Thank you so much, Shreya!
Sanuth
vinkal desai
L4 software development
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
vinkal’s Answer
Hi Sanuth
You are already on track to achieve this with your study of A-level maths and computer science.
For now, you can focus on pre requisites to get into top university of your choice. For example in Canada
Uni of waterloo likes grade 12 students who have compete in CEMC contests - https://cemc.uwaterloo.ca/contests
Field you have chosen is very dynamic, so you have to have very strong base at least in one of the programming language for example Python and then build your skills around that. Be curious as every year the technology changes these days. Currently its AI, after 2-3 years something else will come up.
So build your interest in learning new skills as new tech comes to market. I am not aware how much coding you know and if you are into coding, also learn how to use AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, Claude etc. which are upcoming these days along with ChatGpt and all.
Basic AI foundation certification can help as well to ad to your portfolio. Let me know if you want more info on this.
Try to join some Tech communities like AWS, Google, Microsoft Azure or any other local UK based communities and attend their events they are normally free to join.
Good luck with your goals to get into top university for now, that should be your focus as of now.
You are already on track to achieve this with your study of A-level maths and computer science.
For now, you can focus on pre requisites to get into top university of your choice. For example in Canada
Uni of waterloo likes grade 12 students who have compete in CEMC contests - https://cemc.uwaterloo.ca/contests
Field you have chosen is very dynamic, so you have to have very strong base at least in one of the programming language for example Python and then build your skills around that. Be curious as every year the technology changes these days. Currently its AI, after 2-3 years something else will come up.
So build your interest in learning new skills as new tech comes to market. I am not aware how much coding you know and if you are into coding, also learn how to use AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, Claude etc. which are upcoming these days along with ChatGpt and all.
Basic AI foundation certification can help as well to ad to your portfolio. Let me know if you want more info on this.
Try to join some Tech communities like AWS, Google, Microsoft Azure or any other local UK based communities and attend their events they are normally free to join.
Good luck with your goals to get into top university for now, that should be your focus as of now.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Sanuth
Leela Adhvaryu
10
Answers
Updated
Leela’s Answer
Here are some steps you can take to get started:
1. Learn the Basics: Download Python, as it’s open source, and start learning. Focus on AI and machine learning concepts like Retrieval Augmented Generation and prompt engineering. Many online resources and tools are available, and affordable courses on Udemy and O'Reilly can help.
2. Start a Project: Use what you learn to create a small project that solves a real problem. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of AI and ML. If you run into technical issues, check out Stack Overflow for help.
3. Seek Internships: Contact tech companies to find internship opportunities, especially around summer. Networking through people you know can also help you find openings.
Take action and enjoy the learning journey!
1. Learn the Basics: Download Python, as it’s open source, and start learning. Focus on AI and machine learning concepts like Retrieval Augmented Generation and prompt engineering. Many online resources and tools are available, and affordable courses on Udemy and O'Reilly can help.
2. Start a Project: Use what you learn to create a small project that solves a real problem. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of AI and ML. If you run into technical issues, check out Stack Overflow for help.
3. Seek Internships: Contact tech companies to find internship opportunities, especially around summer. Networking through people you know can also help you find openings.
Take action and enjoy the learning journey!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Sanuth
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
17
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Sanuth,
There is constant talk about the safety and future of AI. I am very excited to hear the future of technology is already thinking about the security of new technology. The field of AI is one that has great opportunities and is it good to hear you are looking for experience to fulfill your potential.
Start to get to know what is going on in the field. Research top companies and some of their competitors to see what they are working on. There are tons of innovations in many different parts of the world. You can get familiar with different work within cybersecurity that is being done, what you might be interested in, and what you can start to work on.
It is never too early to seek an internship. This will be a great way to start your resume and to gain experience. Whether the internship is an exciting position or not, if it is in an environment you enjoy, see it as a way to observe how you can make your way to a position. Show your ambition and eagerness to learn. You can even try asking for a tour and a small example of what they do, or perhaps even a video call. Send a short and concise message of your strong interest, follow up 2-3 weeks later only once. There is a chance London might have a larger population selection of companies to look at.
Great question and best of luck!
There is constant talk about the safety and future of AI. I am very excited to hear the future of technology is already thinking about the security of new technology. The field of AI is one that has great opportunities and is it good to hear you are looking for experience to fulfill your potential.
Start to get to know what is going on in the field. Research top companies and some of their competitors to see what they are working on. There are tons of innovations in many different parts of the world. You can get familiar with different work within cybersecurity that is being done, what you might be interested in, and what you can start to work on.
It is never too early to seek an internship. This will be a great way to start your resume and to gain experience. Whether the internship is an exciting position or not, if it is in an environment you enjoy, see it as a way to observe how you can make your way to a position. Show your ambition and eagerness to learn. You can even try asking for a tour and a small example of what they do, or perhaps even a video call. Send a short and concise message of your strong interest, follow up 2-3 weeks later only once. There is a chance London might have a larger population selection of companies to look at.
Great question and best of luck!
Thank you, Phill!
Sanuth
Nicole Johnson Heck
Technical Customer Support Manager
3
Answers
Laguna Beach, California
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Great question! I would recommend trying to take advantage of free resources on these topics. You can explore LinkedIn Learning, educational videos on YouTube, join relevant communities and more. You could also explore sites like Coursera which has a pay-per-course model. The more you can learn now, the better. You may also want to see if you can do a summer internship for a company or person who specializes in a related field. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much!
Sanuth
David Allen
Consultant
51
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
That’s a great mindset to have in Year 12—you’re already ahead by thinking long-term. Since you're studying A-level Maths and Computer Science, you're on the right academic track. To deepen your understanding of AI, programming, and cybersecurity, start by building strong fundamentals in Python, as it's widely used across all three areas. Practice coding regularly on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codeforces to sharpen problem-solving skills. Simultaneously, strengthen your mathematical reasoning, especially in discrete maths, probability, and linear algebra, as these are essential for AI and security.
To apply what you're learning, try small but meaningful projects. In AI, create a basic chatbot using Python and a library like TensorFlow or scikit-learn. For programming, build a personal website or a productivity app with a simple front-end (HTML/CSS/JS) and back-end (Flask or Django). In cybersecurity, explore CTFs (Capture the Flag challenges) on sites like Hack The Box or TryHackMe, and start with basics like encryption, web security, and ethical hacking. Document your projects on GitHub, which also shows initiative when applying to uni or internships.
Finally, take advantage of free, high-quality resources. For AI, check out fast.ai, Google’s AI Crash Course, and Kaggle’s learning tracks. For cybersecurity, follow CyberStart, The Cyber Mentor (YouTube), and the OWASP Top 10. Read books like “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python”, “Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn”, and “The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook”. Join online communities like r/learnprogramming, Discord tech servers, or even local university outreach programs. By combining structured learning, practical projects, and community involvement, you’ll build a strong, well-rounded foundation that top universities (and future employers) will notice.
To apply what you're learning, try small but meaningful projects. In AI, create a basic chatbot using Python and a library like TensorFlow or scikit-learn. For programming, build a personal website or a productivity app with a simple front-end (HTML/CSS/JS) and back-end (Flask or Django). In cybersecurity, explore CTFs (Capture the Flag challenges) on sites like Hack The Box or TryHackMe, and start with basics like encryption, web security, and ethical hacking. Document your projects on GitHub, which also shows initiative when applying to uni or internships.
Finally, take advantage of free, high-quality resources. For AI, check out fast.ai, Google’s AI Crash Course, and Kaggle’s learning tracks. For cybersecurity, follow CyberStart, The Cyber Mentor (YouTube), and the OWASP Top 10. Read books like “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python”, “Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn”, and “The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook”. Join online communities like r/learnprogramming, Discord tech servers, or even local university outreach programs. By combining structured learning, practical projects, and community involvement, you’ll build a strong, well-rounded foundation that top universities (and future employers) will notice.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Sanuth