9 answers
Mubtasim
Student
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
1
Question
Updated
1363 views
HI, I just got admitted to united international university CSE subject. Although, I am familiar to coding, what should I care about from the start ? and what skill should I develop for my career ?
It's my first year.
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9 answers
Tracy Nunez
4
Answers
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Although it is important to focus on AI learning and topics related to automation, I would highly encourage you to strengthen your critical thinking and problem solving skills first. Technologies change very quickly, but the ability to analyze problems, think logically, and create efficient solutions will always remain valuable.
Try to focus on:
Understanding programming fundamentals deeply
Practicing problem-solving regularly
Learning how systems work instead of only memorizing code
Building consistency and discipline in learning
AI tools can help developers work faster, but strong logical thinking is what separates good engineers from average ones :)
Try to focus on:
Understanding programming fundamentals deeply
Practicing problem-solving regularly
Learning how systems work instead of only memorizing code
Building consistency and discipline in learning
AI tools can help developers work faster, but strong logical thinking is what separates good engineers from average ones :)
Bibin Gokuldas
IT Architect
3
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Bibin’s Answer
I would suggest to do couple of things at first.
1: Build strong fundamentals: Ensure that you learn how things work, it will not always be writing code, but learn more on data structures, algorithms, discrete maths and computer architecture.
2: The tech landscape will change by the time you graduate so it will bank up on your ability to pick up new skills quickly. Try to gain more hands-on experience through internships, contributing to opensource projects.
3: Problem-Solving skill : Practice on competitive programming platform like hackerrank, train your ability to decompose problems.
4: Learn one language like Python deeply, then broaden your reach.
5: Cloud DevOps basics - learn more about cloud architecture, understand how things connect and how things work.
Ensure that you do this early -
Start your internship early, don't wait for the final year for doing internships, try freelance projects or contribute to open-source platform.
Start networking with seniors and batchmates, take part in hackathons, coding clubs.
You are starting at a great position, familiarity with coding will give you a great head start. The key is consistency over intensity. Small deliberate efforts every week will compound something amazing by the time you graduate. All the best.
1: Build strong fundamentals: Ensure that you learn how things work, it will not always be writing code, but learn more on data structures, algorithms, discrete maths and computer architecture.
2: The tech landscape will change by the time you graduate so it will bank up on your ability to pick up new skills quickly. Try to gain more hands-on experience through internships, contributing to opensource projects.
3: Problem-Solving skill : Practice on competitive programming platform like hackerrank, train your ability to decompose problems.
4: Learn one language like Python deeply, then broaden your reach.
5: Cloud DevOps basics - learn more about cloud architecture, understand how things connect and how things work.
Ensure that you do this early -
Start your internship early, don't wait for the final year for doing internships, try freelance projects or contribute to open-source platform.
Start networking with seniors and batchmates, take part in hackathons, coding clubs.
You are starting at a great position, familiarity with coding will give you a great head start. The key is consistency over intensity. Small deliberate efforts every week will compound something amazing by the time you graduate. All the best.
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
137
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Mubtasim,
Since it’s your first year, focus on building strong fundamentals in programming, problem-solving, and data structures. Try to understand concepts deeply instead of only memorizing code.
At the same time, start building small projects and improve skills like communication, teamwork, and consistency. Learning tools like GitHub/Bitbucket early can also help you organize your work and build a portfolio for future internships and jobs.
Since it’s your first year, focus on building strong fundamentals in programming, problem-solving, and data structures. Try to understand concepts deeply instead of only memorizing code.
At the same time, start building small projects and improve skills like communication, teamwork, and consistency. Learning tools like GitHub/Bitbucket early can also help you organize your work and build a portfolio for future internships and jobs.
Utkarsh Singh
Service
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Utkarsh’s Answer
Hi Mubtasim,
Congratulations on getting into UIU CSE! Since you already know how to code, you have a great head start. However, a university degree requires moving from just "writing code" to thinking like an engineer. Here are a few points that you should focus on:
Master CS Fundamentals: Shift from just writing code to understanding how it works under the hood. Master OOPs principles, design patterns, and the mechanics of compilers and interpreters.
Track New Technologies: Stay updated with modern frameworks and tools, but don't just use them blindly. Dig deeper to understand their inner workings and architecture.
Focus on DS & Algo: Develop strong analytical and reasoned thinking by regularly practicing Data Structures and Algorithms. Mastering this problem-solving skill is the single most important factor for clearing technical interviews and landing a high-paying job.
Congratulations on getting into UIU CSE! Since you already know how to code, you have a great head start. However, a university degree requires moving from just "writing code" to thinking like an engineer. Here are a few points that you should focus on:
Master CS Fundamentals: Shift from just writing code to understanding how it works under the hood. Master OOPs principles, design patterns, and the mechanics of compilers and interpreters.
Track New Technologies: Stay updated with modern frameworks and tools, but don't just use them blindly. Dig deeper to understand their inner workings and architecture.
Focus on DS & Algo: Develop strong analytical and reasoned thinking by regularly practicing Data Structures and Algorithms. Mastering this problem-solving skill is the single most important factor for clearing technical interviews and landing a high-paying job.
Laura Burns
Executive Communications
2
Answers
Malvern, Pennsylvania
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Congratulations on getting admitted! Since you're already familiar with coding, you're starting with a great foundation.
In your first year, I'd focus not only on learning programming languages, but also on building problem-solving skills and consistency. Try to really understand the basics like data structures, algorithms, logic, and how code works rather than just memorizing syntax. Start building projects, even small ones, to apply what you learn and explore different fields early (web development, AI, cybersecurity, app development, etc...) to discover what interests you most. Also, don't compare yourself to others too much in the beginning. Everyone learns at a different pace and comes with their own experience. Staying curious, practicing consistently, and building real projects will help you grow a lot over the next few years.
Best of luck to you! CS is a great major with a lot of opportunities.
In your first year, I'd focus not only on learning programming languages, but also on building problem-solving skills and consistency. Try to really understand the basics like data structures, algorithms, logic, and how code works rather than just memorizing syntax. Start building projects, even small ones, to apply what you learn and explore different fields early (web development, AI, cybersecurity, app development, etc...) to discover what interests you most. Also, don't compare yourself to others too much in the beginning. Everyone learns at a different pace and comes with their own experience. Staying curious, practicing consistently, and building real projects will help you grow a lot over the next few years.
Best of luck to you! CS is a great major with a lot of opportunities.
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
670
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
Start by building a strong base in data structures, algorithms, databases, and networking. Learn how to use version control tools like Git and GitHub. Regularly practice solving problems on sites like Exercism, HackerRank, LeetCode, and Codewars. Use your new skills to create personal projects, making sure your code is clean and easy to read. Improve your debugging skills too. Join coding clubs or student groups and take part in hackathons, coding competitions, and tech events to boost your teamwork and problem-solving abilities and get real-world exposure.
Gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, freelancing, or contributing to open-source projects. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and join discussions on Stack Overflow. Build your portfolio on GitHub. Stay consistent in learning and keep up with new technology trends, including AI. By following these steps, you'll develop a strong technical and professional foundation. This will prepare you for a successful career and help you become a confident, industry-ready software engineer.
Gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, freelancing, or contributing to open-source projects. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and join discussions on Stack Overflow. Build your portfolio on GitHub. Stay consistent in learning and keep up with new technology trends, including AI. By following these steps, you'll develop a strong technical and professional foundation. This will prepare you for a successful career and help you become a confident, industry-ready software engineer.
Thank you for the advice, Teklemuz Ayenew.
Mubtasim
Claudio Cocorocchia
Business Management
5
Answers
Geneva, Switzerland
Updated
Claudio’s Answer
My opinion: The industry is moving in the direction of AI doing all the coding for you, or no-code application/software building tools, so the more you can hone-in on learning about these and becoming an expert of these types of tools, the better you are positioning yourself for the future.
Minigrace Silibadas
12
Answers
Updated
Minigrace’s Answer
Hi Mubtasim,
Focus on mastering key ideas like object-oriented programming (OOP). Start using Git and GitHub right away. They are essential for keeping track of changes and connecting with others in software engineering. Since you already have some coding skills, use your first year to build a strong foundation. You're off to a great start!
Focus on mastering key ideas like object-oriented programming (OOP). Start using Git and GitHub right away. They are essential for keeping track of changes and connecting with others in software engineering. Since you already have some coding skills, use your first year to build a strong foundation. You're off to a great start!
Jumanah Al Asadi
Senior Software Engineer
12
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Jumanah’s Answer
I would build foundational knowledge in system design, solution designing, and best practises in the tech stack you are in. Stay up to date with trends. Learn how to use Claude and AI to automate your work flow. Showcase 2-3 projects on your portfolio and the tech stack you used to build them.
Software engineering is moving towards efficiency, show them what you can do (with the help of ai)!
Software engineering is moving towards efficiency, show them what you can do (with the help of ai)!