8 answers
lubangakene
Student
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
1
Question
Updated
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how can I learn computer science
Switching careers from being a chef to a computer science field try to change the because life is not going as planed and my just 27 years old were should l start from
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7 answers
Jackson Lagerwey
Consulting
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Hey lubangakene,
I’d recommend you use ChatGPT since its free (or $20/month for ChatGPT premium) to start off and improve your coding skills. If I were in your position, I would do this and apply the following methodology:
Start by asking ChatGPT to create a step by step learning plan tailored to someone switching into computer science. Then, use back and forth conversation to refine the plan by asking it to break lessons into daily exercises, provide practice problems, and suggest resources. As you progress, ask it to quiz you, simulate interviews, and recommend the next skill to learn. This way, you are not just consuming information, but actively engaging with a tool that personalizes the learning process and keeps you moving forward.
After that, the best way to legitimize your chances of getting a job is to build a portfolio of projects on GitHub and create a simple website to showcase your work (which you should all be able to do for free). A few relevant certifications can also help. Networking on LinkedIn and applying to internships, entry-level roles, or freelance gigs will also give you practical experience.
As a fallback, if you feel you need more structure or want a stronger credential, you could pursue a coding bootcamp, an online program through platforms like Coursera or edX, or even go back to college for a computer science degree depending on your long-term goals.
I think in general, try to do as much research as possible on others that have done something similar to you and how they have found success. Try to find a mentor if possible as well.
Hopefully this helps!
I’d recommend you use ChatGPT since its free (or $20/month for ChatGPT premium) to start off and improve your coding skills. If I were in your position, I would do this and apply the following methodology:
Start by asking ChatGPT to create a step by step learning plan tailored to someone switching into computer science. Then, use back and forth conversation to refine the plan by asking it to break lessons into daily exercises, provide practice problems, and suggest resources. As you progress, ask it to quiz you, simulate interviews, and recommend the next skill to learn. This way, you are not just consuming information, but actively engaging with a tool that personalizes the learning process and keeps you moving forward.
After that, the best way to legitimize your chances of getting a job is to build a portfolio of projects on GitHub and create a simple website to showcase your work (which you should all be able to do for free). A few relevant certifications can also help. Networking on LinkedIn and applying to internships, entry-level roles, or freelance gigs will also give you practical experience.
As a fallback, if you feel you need more structure or want a stronger credential, you could pursue a coding bootcamp, an online program through platforms like Coursera or edX, or even go back to college for a computer science degree depending on your long-term goals.
I think in general, try to do as much research as possible on others that have done something similar to you and how they have found success. Try to find a mentor if possible as well.
Hopefully this helps!
Ram Kotta
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Ram’s Answer
Hi! My name is Ram. When I was in university, I pivoted from pursuing a medical career to computer science. I got a computer science degree. This helped put me on the right track (building strong fundamentals and ability to learn new technologies quickly). If you are able to afford the time and money to pursue a degree, I think it is a good way to build a solid background.
Before pursuing the computer science degree, I first wanted to make sure this was a right fit for me. I started by trying out Code Academy, which is a free online learning platform for coding. I was engaged by the different lessons because many of them were geared around making games and I quickly realized that the problem solving and creative thinking were much more engaging for me than what I was getting from medicine. I really recommend Code Academy or something similar to learn the basics of programming.
In my first job, I met others who had switched career pursuits as well. One person switched from pursuing a career in English literature to computer science. Someone else switched from philosophy to computer science. Neither of these individuals had a degree in computer science. They learned by enrolling in a coding bootcamp. I recommend looking into coding bootcamps, which tend to be several month-long training programs, to kickstart a career in computer science. You learn programming in a very short time and they also sometimes help connect you with tech companies for interships or full-time positions. One example is LaunchCode.
Best of luck - switching careers can be daunting, but making small steps in the right direction can help ease the pivot. Hope this helps!
Before pursuing the computer science degree, I first wanted to make sure this was a right fit for me. I started by trying out Code Academy, which is a free online learning platform for coding. I was engaged by the different lessons because many of them were geared around making games and I quickly realized that the problem solving and creative thinking were much more engaging for me than what I was getting from medicine. I really recommend Code Academy or something similar to learn the basics of programming.
In my first job, I met others who had switched career pursuits as well. One person switched from pursuing a career in English literature to computer science. Someone else switched from philosophy to computer science. Neither of these individuals had a degree in computer science. They learned by enrolling in a coding bootcamp. I recommend looking into coding bootcamps, which tend to be several month-long training programs, to kickstart a career in computer science. You learn programming in a very short time and they also sometimes help connect you with tech companies for interships or full-time positions. One example is LaunchCode.
Best of luck - switching careers can be daunting, but making small steps in the right direction can help ease the pivot. Hope this helps!
Simran Ajwani
Product Manager
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Simran’s Answer
Begin by learning a computer science language. You can do this by taking an Intro to Computer Science class, watching YouTube videos, or reading Computer Science 101 books. Practice is key, so complete exercises and try beginner Leetcode questions as you learn. Build on these skills to create something bigger, like an app or a website. Choose a specific area to focus on, as there are many online resources. If you're interested in AI or LLMs, plan your learning path toward that field. Good luck!
Chetan Khetani
Computer Technology
1
Answer
Monte Sereno, California
Updated
Chetan’s Answer
Create a simple app using Cursor. Then build on it. Learn by doing as compared to going into a structured program.
Michelle Duke
Developer Relations
8
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Think about "what isn't going as planned". Is it the workload, are you finding the learning tough, is it difficult to think about jobs you might want to do.
Re-evaluating what you find difficult about the transition will help find the answers to your thoughts on the career shift. If this is something you're passionate about, then you'll find ways to work around things (ie. if time is a constraint, think about what you might be able to change and shift around to pursue your passion).
If you're thinking the difficult part is not enjoying the transition, then think about why you decided to transition to computer science. Is it for the career opportunities, is it something else.
The why is a very important part when shifting careers, so think about your why. Happy to provide more context if you let us know what's not going quite as planned.
Re-evaluating what you find difficult about the transition will help find the answers to your thoughts on the career shift. If this is something you're passionate about, then you'll find ways to work around things (ie. if time is a constraint, think about what you might be able to change and shift around to pursue your passion).
If you're thinking the difficult part is not enjoying the transition, then think about why you decided to transition to computer science. Is it for the career opportunities, is it something else.
The why is a very important part when shifting careers, so think about your why. Happy to provide more context if you let us know what's not going quite as planned.
Abdullah Iqbal
Student
2
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Abdullah’s Answer
Start with the basics: learn a beginner-friendly language like Python, study core CS concepts (algorithms, data structures), and practice by building small projects. Use free resources like CS50 or freeCodeCamp. Stay consistent (even 1 hour daily), then explore areas like web dev, data science, or AI once you’re comfortable. At 27, you’ve got plenty of time—focus on steady progress.
Cliff Schreier
54
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Lubangakene,
It's a good thing to re-evaluate your life at your age and you're young enough to make a change, so I applaud you for thinking about this.
There are multiple ways to work towards a career in the tech industry. There are a number of options:
1. Talk to family and friends about different options - you should be able to find someone who can help
2. If you went to a college, you should be able to talk to your career counselors from your school. If not, ask someone who did go to college to find some pointers for you.
3. Take some of the online quizzes to help zero in on some career options in tech. I found a few just with a simple google search.
4. Visit a local community college or some online colleges and talk to some counselors there. You will likely be able to take night or online classes for this.
I have a nephew who took a 9 month course and got a great job with an insurance company. He was working 3 jobs in the music field working nights and weekends. He's making more now just doing 40 hours a week with core hours - he loves it a lot.
Good luck with your search and decisions. You can do this!
It's a good thing to re-evaluate your life at your age and you're young enough to make a change, so I applaud you for thinking about this.
There are multiple ways to work towards a career in the tech industry. There are a number of options:
1. Talk to family and friends about different options - you should be able to find someone who can help
2. If you went to a college, you should be able to talk to your career counselors from your school. If not, ask someone who did go to college to find some pointers for you.
3. Take some of the online quizzes to help zero in on some career options in tech. I found a few just with a simple google search.
4. Visit a local community college or some online colleges and talk to some counselors there. You will likely be able to take night or online classes for this.
I have a nephew who took a 9 month course and got a great job with an insurance company. He was working 3 jobs in the music field working nights and weekends. He's making more now just doing 40 hours a week with core hours - he loves it a lot.
Good luck with your search and decisions. You can do this!