13 answers
L
Student
Woodbridge, Virginia
7
Questions
Updated
2478 views
The best advice I have gotten when starting a new career or path is to become part of the conversation. How can I help pass this advice along?
Entering IT, I did not have a degree or background. Becoming conversational with IT, tech news, home lab projects, and nerd culture helped me learn by immersion. Fields like cybersecurity and AI require people to be immersed in information and to be connected by the culture. How can I demonstrate this to people trying to enter fields like AI, IT and cybersecurity? How can I share this idea to inspire new students/ workers or seasoned professionals? How can I apply this advice to different fields?
This specific question is because I find myself often being asked "how can I get into (usually AI or cybersecurity)". As someone who is actively touching both fields but is not an expert in either, I find myself sharing news, blogposts, videos, and books on the topics. After when I try to strike up a conversation about the topic I find many of them are simply uninterested in the topics and don't want to immerse themselves into current events and breakthroughs. Many of them want a credetial and a job but are uninterested in how the field is evolving or trying to bring active change to that field. How can I inspire self learning? How can I help kids in school that are eager to grow into a field understand self motivation and self learning?
13 answers
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
681
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
When helping others start in AI, IT, or cybersecurity, it's important to show them how to think and get involved, not just give them resources only. Turn information into conversations, break down ideas into simple terms, and encourage small steps like trying hands-on activities, writing summaries, or sharing personal insights to help them become active participants.
Real experience is also key. Encourage them to do informational interviews, shadow professionals, and watch how experts work to connect what they learn to real-world practice. Small projects and joining communities like GitHub, GitLab, Stack Overflow, and Kaggle help them learn by doing, not just reading. Not everyone will dive in right away, especially if they're only interested in credentials or job outcomes. The aim is to make learning visible and easy to access so that curiosity can grow naturally through participation, feedback, and repeated exposure.
Real experience is also key. Encourage them to do informational interviews, shadow professionals, and watch how experts work to connect what they learn to real-world practice. Small projects and joining communities like GitHub, GitLab, Stack Overflow, and Kaggle help them learn by doing, not just reading. Not everyone will dive in right away, especially if they're only interested in credentials or job outcomes. The aim is to make learning visible and easy to access so that curiosity can grow naturally through participation, feedback, and repeated exposure.
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
273
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
You're starting to hint at topics like Outreach and Mentoring. On this site, you're already in a great place to start passing things along, and you're potentially one of the few who could play the part from both sides of the fence. I would suggest you're well placed to also run a profile on here as a Professional, as well as your current profile as a student/learner - and start answering questions as well as asking. I believe you can swap your profile between the roles, but it might be beneficial to create a second account altogether, if the terms of service allow it.
On this student profile, you can ask the sort of questions you're asking - and potentially any others that you don't see getting asked but think would be valuable to be answered - even if it's something you feel like you have an answer for and don't feel the need to ask for your own benefit - it's probably worthwhile for someone else.
On the Professional profile, you can start answering these sorts of questions - share the sorts of resources you mention, and comment along the lines of how valuable you're found it to engage in keeping up to date with the news and current affairs of the topic - perhaps you have anecdotes of how having that awareness has helped in your work, or even led to new roles? Those would be key insights to share, and might go some of the way to inspiring people to take a similar approach.
On this student profile, you can ask the sort of questions you're asking - and potentially any others that you don't see getting asked but think would be valuable to be answered - even if it's something you feel like you have an answer for and don't feel the need to ask for your own benefit - it's probably worthwhile for someone else.
On the Professional profile, you can start answering these sorts of questions - share the sorts of resources you mention, and comment along the lines of how valuable you're found it to engage in keeping up to date with the news and current affairs of the topic - perhaps you have anecdotes of how having that awareness has helped in your work, or even led to new roles? Those would be key insights to share, and might go some of the way to inspiring people to take a similar approach.
--This is my professional profile! Its a completely separate account. I have a wonderful time here answering questions like "I'm 15 and I want a job" to "I just graduated and I want to get into...". I find the people answering questions on this site, such as yourself, extremely valuable and I want to learn as I am giving advice. I work with a lot of young, extremely motivated and talented people that ask the right questions, but don't jump in and try for themselves. Thank you for taking your time to reply to this!
Liam Rielly
Crystal Wong
Auditor
15
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Crystal’s Answer
Your passion and enthusiasm in AI and cybersecurity is very admirable and impressive! I suggest sharing your interest in these topics and learning by finding like-minded people. There are many platforms online nowadays where you can connect and form groups with people with similar interests and same level of passion so you and them can engage in fulfilling and productive discussion regarding AI and cybersecurity.
Additionally, with people who don't have the same level of interest yet, I believe it's always helpful to show them what's fun and/or the usefulness of your topics by explaining real-life examples that demonstrates the depth of your topics.
Additionally, with people who don't have the same level of interest yet, I believe it's always helpful to show them what's fun and/or the usefulness of your topics by explaining real-life examples that demonstrates the depth of your topics.
Reza Rasolroveicy
DevOps
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Reza’s Answer
Start by asking questions and identifying the most inspiring people in your field. Reach out to them and show that you've followed their methods but need some clarity. Don't stop at just one person; try to engage as many people as possible. Challenge different methods, and this will spark attention and curiosity.
Sanjeev Mehta
Consulting
16
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
Dear L,
This is a great question. I was not a technical graduate, but I was always very interested in technology. For me, learning technology came from reading, watching, and, most importantly, doing things hands-on. It started with building computers, working on guitars, and exploring anything I was curious about. I kept learning, experimenting, and improving over time. I have always loved Apple products and have been especially passionate about Macs. But I also understand the challenge of trying to talk about technology with others and feeling like people are not interested or are focused on something else.
One important lesson I learned early in life is that you have to understand how your audience learns before you can teach them something new. Their age, interests, and experiences matter. When my kids were younger, I had to find creative ways to teach them about spam, viruses, phishing, cyberbullying, and staying safe online. I started with topics they already cared about, then connected those interests to real stories and practical lessons. We discussed things happening in the news, talked about how to handle problems, and explored how technology could be used safely and responsibly. The key is to make learning interesting by connecting it to what people already care about. Once they become curious, they will want to learn more—and honestly, that is when the real learning begins. I hope this helps.
This is a great question. I was not a technical graduate, but I was always very interested in technology. For me, learning technology came from reading, watching, and, most importantly, doing things hands-on. It started with building computers, working on guitars, and exploring anything I was curious about. I kept learning, experimenting, and improving over time. I have always loved Apple products and have been especially passionate about Macs. But I also understand the challenge of trying to talk about technology with others and feeling like people are not interested or are focused on something else.
One important lesson I learned early in life is that you have to understand how your audience learns before you can teach them something new. Their age, interests, and experiences matter. When my kids were younger, I had to find creative ways to teach them about spam, viruses, phishing, cyberbullying, and staying safe online. I started with topics they already cared about, then connected those interests to real stories and practical lessons. We discussed things happening in the news, talked about how to handle problems, and explored how technology could be used safely and responsibly. The key is to make learning interesting by connecting it to what people already care about. Once they become curious, they will want to learn more—and honestly, that is when the real learning begins. I hope this helps.
Mario Ramirez
Sr. Leader, Customer Delivery
57
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hey L,
I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge! It means a lot that you're leading the charge and encouraging everyone to dive into those important topics that are so crucial across all industries these days.
Take some time to think about your goals, your audience, and the specific topics you want to focus on. Make sure that whatever you choose inspires you and is easy to share with others. And don’t forget, it’s super important to keep learning along the way!
If you’re ready to gain some hands-on experience, that’s definitely going to help you connect the dots and allow you to share your insights from the field. Plus, you’ll always discover something new in the process. Let’s keep this sharing journey going together!
I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge! It means a lot that you're leading the charge and encouraging everyone to dive into those important topics that are so crucial across all industries these days.
Take some time to think about your goals, your audience, and the specific topics you want to focus on. Make sure that whatever you choose inspires you and is easy to share with others. And don’t forget, it’s super important to keep learning along the way!
If you’re ready to gain some hands-on experience, that’s definitely going to help you connect the dots and allow you to share your insights from the field. Plus, you’ll always discover something new in the process. Let’s keep this sharing journey going together!
Richard Hall
IT Leader
7
Answers
Harrogate, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Richard’s Answer
It's a great question. I thinks it really powerful to connect with teenagers in school and inspire them. Contact local schools and colleges to see if they want people to attend sessions with the young people to share career's advice and stories. Meeting is powerful and inspiring, also when in a room with you it's hard to escape (rather than trying to be heard on Youtube or other social channels)!
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
325
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
Share this on professional platforms like LinkedIn by posting a quick story about how "joining the conversation" boosted your own career.
Mentor juniors by encouraging them to actively ask questions in industry forums, online communities, and local networking events.
Lead by example in your daily work by inviting newcomers into meetings, demonstrating firsthand how to find a seat at the table.
Mentor juniors by encouraging them to actively ask questions in industry forums, online communities, and local networking events.
Lead by example in your daily work by inviting newcomers into meetings, demonstrating firsthand how to find a seat at the table.
Conor Irvine
Technical Architect
2
Answers
Hertford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Conor’s Answer
In situations like this where you (and others) will benefit from knowledge sharing, collaboration and a 'hive mind' mentality where you're able to learn from each other I think you have 2 key options.
Firstly seek out thought leaders and existing communities that you're able to connect to
and secondly (as cheesy as it sounds) be the change you want to see - post on platforms like LinkedIn with your learnings, opinions and advice, start the conversations and create an environment around you that fosters the same values and outcomes you want.
I hope that helps!
Firstly seek out thought leaders and existing communities that you're able to connect to
and secondly (as cheesy as it sounds) be the change you want to see - post on platforms like LinkedIn with your learnings, opinions and advice, start the conversations and create an environment around you that fosters the same values and outcomes you want.
I hope that helps!
Karen Russell
Project/Product Manager | Business Analyst | Technical Writer
5
Answers
Hackensack, New Jersey
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You can volunteer. I did a short workshop on career day at my child's middle school and volunteered at a coding non-profit. I also frequently make social media posts on different tech topics and belong to a number of tech groups and industry associations. Any one of those should help get you where you are trying to go. Good luck!
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
325
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
A strong strategy is to build clarity in stages: explore options, develop foundational skills, get real feedback from professionals, and reflect on what energizes you. This evidence-based process helps you choose confidently and grow steadily.
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
146
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello there,
I think the best way to pass this advice along is to emphasize that careers are built through curiosity, not just credentials. People who thrive in fields like AI, IT, and cybersecurity are usually the ones who stay engaged, ask questions, follow industry trends, and keep learning even when nobody requires them to.
You can inspire others by sharing your own journey and showing how being part of the conversation helped you grow. Ultimately, you can't force curiosity, but you can demonstrate that continuous learning and genuine interest are often what separate people who enter a field from those who truly succeed in it.
I think the best way to pass this advice along is to emphasize that careers are built through curiosity, not just credentials. People who thrive in fields like AI, IT, and cybersecurity are usually the ones who stay engaged, ask questions, follow industry trends, and keep learning even when nobody requires them to.
You can inspire others by sharing your own journey and showing how being part of the conversation helped you grow. Ultimately, you can't force curiosity, but you can demonstrate that continuous learning and genuine interest are often what separate people who enter a field from those who truly succeed in it.
Kumar Rishav
Engineer
49
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Kumar’s Answer
Hi L,
I think you should shift the focus from passive consumption to active building—Proof of Work drives true immersion. Sharing articles is a good way to prove your knowledge and strengths but you should also challenge yourself to build. Deploy open-source tools, design basic micro-services, or script simple AI models on GitHub.
When you inevitably encounter runtime errors or scalability bottlenecks, you get forced to engage with developer communities for debugging. Framing tech as a hands-on puzzle rather than a textbook makes self-motivation a natural outcome of execution. In engineering, shipping functional code is the ultimate entry into the conversation.
Hope This Helps!
I think you should shift the focus from passive consumption to active building—Proof of Work drives true immersion. Sharing articles is a good way to prove your knowledge and strengths but you should also challenge yourself to build. Deploy open-source tools, design basic micro-services, or script simple AI models on GitHub.
When you inevitably encounter runtime errors or scalability bottlenecks, you get forced to engage with developer communities for debugging. Framing tech as a hands-on puzzle rather than a textbook makes self-motivation a natural outcome of execution. In engineering, shipping functional code is the ultimate entry into the conversation.
Hope This Helps!
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