4 answers
Aidan
Student
Tolleson, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How can I best prepare for a computer science major and how can I stand out as one?
I'm nervous I won't be hirable after my education and want to know tips to best prepare for my career.
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4 answers
Joseph Ford
221
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Awesome area of study. You can prepare by looking at free studies in the areas of Generative AI and Data Analytics. Also volunteer helping others in class they may need assistance and speak to instructor about other areas of volunteering.
Jarrel Thomas
Senior Support Engineer
11
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Jarrel’s Answer
First of all, great subject to pick to study in. I would say the two best things you can do now is:
1. Find a area of computer science you like (Software Dev, AI, Cybersecurity, etc.) and get really proficient in that area. Try to drill down as far as you can until your something like an AI Engineering of embodied and emotional Intelligence. Don't ignore common skills like programming, understand networking and even soft skills because those a needed for any job, but once you have a specialization on your resume that is uncommon you immediately start getting peoples attention.
2. Networking, often times in today's market the candidate for a job is already picked out days before the job is posted on Linkedin. Networking gives you insight into what companies/hiring managers are looking for and if you make a good impression has them thinking of you when they start opening new positions. If done well, you made never need to apply and will get contacted just based on the relationship you've established.
Some easy networking options would be: Attend tech conferences, free meetups and hackathons and talk with as many people as possible about what they are doing. Personally, I've been with MLH for the longest time and made some longtime friends in there that work in the industry https://mlh.io/
Other would be connecting on Linkedin with people and even doing some volunteering. Volunteer your current tech skills to non-profits and you may be surprised who notices you there.
1. Find a area of computer science you like (Software Dev, AI, Cybersecurity, etc.) and get really proficient in that area. Try to drill down as far as you can until your something like an AI Engineering of embodied and emotional Intelligence. Don't ignore common skills like programming, understand networking and even soft skills because those a needed for any job, but once you have a specialization on your resume that is uncommon you immediately start getting peoples attention.
2. Networking, often times in today's market the candidate for a job is already picked out days before the job is posted on Linkedin. Networking gives you insight into what companies/hiring managers are looking for and if you make a good impression has them thinking of you when they start opening new positions. If done well, you made never need to apply and will get contacted just based on the relationship you've established.
Some easy networking options would be: Attend tech conferences, free meetups and hackathons and talk with as many people as possible about what they are doing. Personally, I've been with MLH for the longest time and made some longtime friends in there that work in the industry https://mlh.io/
Other would be connecting on Linkedin with people and even doing some volunteering. Volunteer your current tech skills to non-profits and you may be surprised who notices you there.
Cliff Schreier
54
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Aidan,
It's great that you're asking this question - it's never too early to plan for this.
I agree with previous comments: Excellence in the STEM classes will help a lot - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Take all of these classes you can and do well at them to best prepare yourself.
Also, talk to friends, family, and people who are in comp science careers to hopefully zero in on what you would like to do since there are a LOT of different things you can do with a computer science degree... front end, back end, full stack, testing, AI, cybersecurity, DevOps, etc. etc.
Look at colleges that do a great job of placing students into BOTH internships and full-time jobs after graduation as both are very important. To stand out today, you will need at least 2 solid internships, a good GPA, some solid course work, and relevant volunteer activities would be helpful.
Talk to guidance counselors in both high-school and college to get their advice on how to approach things. Attend career fairs (dress up at least somewhat to make a good impression) and talk with companies that participate - it would be good to research companies you are interested in and be ready with questions. Make sure you are attentive to all the people you talk to.
Prepare a 1-page resume that has relevant information and helps you stand out. Talk to the career placement people to get help on this.
Start early so by your junior year you do stand out. Many companies hire juniors as interns, and they offer good candidates full time jobs before they return for their senior year.
Work hard and you will do well at whatever you put your mind to.
Good luck!
It's great that you're asking this question - it's never too early to plan for this.
I agree with previous comments: Excellence in the STEM classes will help a lot - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Take all of these classes you can and do well at them to best prepare yourself.
Also, talk to friends, family, and people who are in comp science careers to hopefully zero in on what you would like to do since there are a LOT of different things you can do with a computer science degree... front end, back end, full stack, testing, AI, cybersecurity, DevOps, etc. etc.
Look at colleges that do a great job of placing students into BOTH internships and full-time jobs after graduation as both are very important. To stand out today, you will need at least 2 solid internships, a good GPA, some solid course work, and relevant volunteer activities would be helpful.
Talk to guidance counselors in both high-school and college to get their advice on how to approach things. Attend career fairs (dress up at least somewhat to make a good impression) and talk with companies that participate - it would be good to research companies you are interested in and be ready with questions. Make sure you are attentive to all the people you talk to.
Prepare a 1-page resume that has relevant information and helps you stand out. Talk to the career placement people to get help on this.
Start early so by your junior year you do stand out. Many companies hire juniors as interns, and they offer good candidates full time jobs before they return for their senior year.
Work hard and you will do well at whatever you put your mind to.
Good luck!
Allan Thompson
Volunteer
17
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Allan’s Answer
First, excel in English and math. English so you can understand problems quickly and communicate with others. Math so you have a solid background for more math education. Use your English and math skills for logical thinking and problem solving which is the foundation of computer science.
Learn how to and practice talking to everyone and initiate conversations so you can communicate better and excel at working in teams. Build your leadership skills and confidence. Talk to your teachers and find mentors. Computer science is more than coding. It is also designing projects and organizing and leading the teams to build new products and features.
Learn how to and practice talking to everyone and initiate conversations so you can communicate better and excel at working in teams. Build your leadership skills and confidence. Talk to your teachers and find mentors. Computer science is more than coding. It is also designing projects and organizing and leading the teams to build new products and features.