15 answers

Updated Jul 31 2212 views

what can i start and how ?

I was doing bachelors in computer science but after few semesters due to some reasons i left the university and started focusing on my buiseness that failed but now i want to gain good grip on tech from where can i start

technology computer-science programming careergrowth cyber-security learntocode machinelearning webdevelopment lifelonglearning cloudcomputing opensource

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15 answers

Updated Jul 30

Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore the university whether they would allow you to resume your study
2. Find a tech related job and explore the opportunities to continue your study part time basis
3. Consider to take working holidays overseas
4. Reconsider whether you still develop in tech or other industries. If other industries, you may need to attend courses in relevant industries.
Hope thys helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!

Your advice was so helpful! faraz Jul 31

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Updated Aug 14

Rajesh Kumar’s Answer

You can definitely get back into tech. Leaving university and having a business that didn’t work out doesn’t mean you have to start from zero—you already have some Computer Science exposure and real-world experience.

I would suggest this path:

1. Choose one direction first:
Don’t try to learn everything. Good options are Software Development, Data/AI, Cloud/DevOps, or Cybersecurity. If you’re unsure, start with Software Development + Python because it gives you a strong foundation.
2. Rebuild the basics.
Spend 2–3 months learning Python, Git/GitHub, SQL, basic data structures, APIs, and how web applications work. FreeCodeCamp, CS50, and YouTube can be good starting points.
3. Build instead of only watching courses:
Create 2–3 small projects—for example, an expense tracker, simple website/API, or an AI-powered application. Put your code on GitHub.
4. Then specialize:
Once your basics are strong, choose an area and go deeper. For example, if AI interests you, learn Python → SQL → data analysis → machine learning → LLM/AI application development.

Most importantly, don’t spend the next year just collecting certificates. Learn something, build something with it, and then move to the next level.

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Updated Aug 01

Ahmed’s Answer

Hi Faraz!

First off, do not beat yourself up over leaving university or having a business fail. Starting a business gives you real-world problem-solving experience that most computer science students never get. That entrepreneurial mindset, combined with solid tech skills, is actually a lethal combination.

Since you already have some university exposure to CS, you do not need to start entirely from square one. You just need a structured, step-by-step approach to get your momentum back, build real skills, and regain confidence.

The biggest trap when restarting is trying to learn everything at once like Python, Web Dev, AI, and Cyber all at the same time. Pick one clear path to focus on for the next four to six months. If you want to build products fast or get a job relatively quickly, go with Full Stack Web Development using JavaScript, React, and Node.js. If you enjoy working with data, go with Python, SQL, and data analytics. If you want to rebuild your core CS foundation, focus on Python or Java, data structures, and algorithms.

Once you pick a path, stick to free, structured resources instead of buying random courses. If you pick web development, look up The Odin Project or Full Stack Open because they are completely free and hands-on. If you want a quick refresher on computer science concepts to get your confidence back, watch Harvard's CS50 course on YouTube. You can also check out roadmap.sh to see clear visual paths for whatever topic you choose.

The key to actually mastering this is shifting from watching tutorials to building things. Learn a concept for a little bit, then spend most of your time building messy projects. Use your past business experience here! Build a small tool or app that solves a real problem you faced during your business venture. Do not worry about writing perfect code at first, just make things work and improve them later.

Since you do not have a finished degree right now, your portfolio is your degree. Put every single project on GitHub so people can see your work, and consider sharing short updates on LinkedIn about what you are building each week. It creates accountability and gets you noticed by recruiters or potential co-founders.

To start today, keep it super simple. Pick your single track, set up your coding environment, and commit to spending two focused hours coding every single day. Consistency matters far more than burning yourself out in one day. You have already taken the hardest step by deciding to come back, so pick your path and take it one day at a time. Good luck!

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Updated Aug 05

Shawn’s Answer

Taking a different path is perfectly okay. Many people step away from university, gather life experiences, and return to tech with a clearer focus.

To build a strong foundation, focus on hands-on learning. Start by creating a home lab and working on real projects. Set up virtual machines and practice skills like networking, Windows/Linux administration, Active Directory, vulnerability scanning, log analysis, SIEM tools, and basic security monitoring.

Begin with the basics:

- Computer networking (like TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing)
- Windows and Linux administration
- Basic scripting (Python or PowerShell)
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Cloud basics (Azure or AWS)

As you learn, document your projects on GitHub or a personal blog. Real-world projects will show your practical skills to employers better than just completing courses.

Consistency is important. Spending a few hours each day on learning and practice can help you build strong tech skills over time.

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Updated Jul 29

Sian’s Answer

When you're looking to jump back into tech—especially after a detour like running a business—the sheer volume of options can cause total paralysis.

The best place to start isn't picking a trendy programming language; it’s figuring out how you actually enjoy learning. Ask yourself: Do you absorb information best by listening to podcasts and lectures, reading documentation and books, or jumping straight into hands-on building? Understanding your preferred style naturally filters out 80% of the noise and stops you from forcing a study method that will just lead to burnout.

Once you know how you learn best, pick one practical problem to solve. In fact, a great playground is the business you tried to run—what is one tool or feature you wished you could have built back then? Use your preferred learning style to build just that one thing.

Also, don't write off your past few years. Having CS fundamentals combined with real-world business attempt gives you a practical edge that pure academics don't have. Focus on how you learn, pick one small project, and build from there.

Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. faraz Jul 31

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Updated Jul 30

Brindha’s Answer

I would suggest you to identify what you want to do. Continue your studies or find a job first. You can also do part time education if full time is not an option.

Few tips to help you figure out what you want - understand what you can do for the next 15 years atleast. Is the choice you are making giving you happiness?

If you want to work on a specific area, find people who are already working in that area and connect with them. Networking will expose you to a lot of new areas that you might not be aware of at the moment.

Good luck :) Hope you shine in your life!

Thank you for giving me advice. faraz Jul 31

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Updated Jul 29

Sijoy’s Answer

Hi Faraz,

I really admire your bravery in starting fresh after challenges. It shows resilience, a key skill in the tech world. As you work on building a strong base in computer science and technology, here are some steps to guide you:

1. Refresh the Basics: Start with programming basics. Python is a great choice because it's easy to learn and very useful.

2. Structured Learning: Check out free or low-cost courses on sites like Coursera, edX, or Udemy. Harvard’s CS50 “Introduction to Computer Science” is a popular option.

3. Hands-On Practice: Don't just learn — create. Start small with projects like a calculator, a to-do list app, or a simple website. These will help you understand better.

4. Explore Specializations: Once you are comfortable, look into fields like web development, data science, cybersecurity, or AI to find what you love.

5. Community & Networking: Join coding communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or local tech meetups. Sharing your progress and asking questions will help you learn faster.

Skills to Help You Grow:

1. Problem-solving and logical thinking
2. Persistence (debugging can be tough, but it's part of learning)
3. Creativity in developing solutions
4. Communication and teamwork, as tech often involves working with others

Remember, your past experiences, even in business, are valuable. They give you a unique view on problem-solving and resilience. In tech, persistence really pays off, and with steady effort, you'll soon be back on track. Wishing you all the very best.

I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. faraz Jul 31

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Updated Aug 12

Celeste’s Answer

Hi Faraz,

Honestly, the first thing I'd say is don't spend too much energy looking backward. A lot of people leave university, try something else, fail, learn a ton from it, and then come back with much more clarity than they had at 18 or 19.

The question isn't really "Where should I start?" It's more "Where can I create the most value and stay motivated long enough to get good?"

Before choosing a learning path, take a step back and assess yourself:

What parts of tech actually interest you?
Do you enjoy building things, analyzing data, solving puzzles, working with people, or improving business processes?
Looking at your business experience, what problems do you understand better than the average developer?
If you spent the next 2 years learning something deeply, what would make you excited to wake up and work on it?

Rebuild your foundations
Learn Python
Learn SQL
Understand basic data structures and algorithms
Get comfortable with Git

Explore before specializing Spend a few weeks trying:
Web development
Data analytics
AI/automation
Cloud technologies

Don't just watch videos. Build something small in each area.

Pay attention to energy, not just difficulty The area where you find yourself voluntarily spending extra hours is usually a strong signal. That's often where your greatest impact will be.

A few excellent resources:

CS50 by Harvard
Python for Everybody
The Odin Project (for web development)
Microsoft's Learn platform for cloud and AI topics

One thing that stands out is that you've already run a business. Even if it didn't work out, that experience is valuable. You understand customers, problems, and execution. Many technical people struggle with those things. Your biggest opportunity may be at the intersection of technology and business, not necessarily becoming the most hardcore engineer.

My suggestion: spend the next 60-90 days rebuilding fundamentals and experimenting with different areas. By the end of that period, ask yourself:

"Where do my skills, interests, and experiences overlap, and where can I make the biggest difference?"

That's usually where the right career direction starts to become obvious.

The good news is you're not starting from zero. You're starting with technical exposure, life experience, and lessons learned from building something yourself. That's a much stronger position than you may realize.

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Updated Jul 30

Luis’s Answer

I don't think your biggest challenge is that you left university or that your business failed. Your biggest challenge is deciding where to focus.
Tech is too broad to learn everything.

As a Lead Product Designer, one lesson I've learned is that great careers are built by solving problems—not by collecting courses or certificates.

My advice would be:
- Master the fundamentals first. Learn programming (I'd recommend Python or JavaScript), Git, databases, networking, and how the web works. Strong fundamentals make every specialization easier.
- Choose one direction. Whether it's software engineering, cybersecurity, AI, cloud, or UX, commit to one path for at least six months instead of jumping between technologies.
- Build things. The fastest way to learn is by creating projects. Even simple projects teach you more than dozens of tutorials. Share them on GitHub and document what you learned.
- Think like a problem solver. In product design, we don't start with solutions—we start by understanding the problem. Apply that mindset to your learning: understand why a technology exists and what problem it solves.
- Stay consistent. Two focused hours every day for a year will take you much further than occasional bursts of motivation.

Don't see your past as lost time. Studying computer science gave you a foundation, and running a business taught you resilience, decision-making, and how to deal with uncertainty—qualities that are incredibly valuable in tech.
The industry doesn't reward perfect backgrounds; it rewards people who can learn continuously, solve real problems, and demonstrate their skills. --> Focus on becoming one of those people.

Hope this helps you a bit. Best of luck in your career!

Thanks for the help. faraz Jul 31

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Updated Jul 30

Daniel’s Answer

You're not starting from scratch.

You've already studied computer science for a few semesters, tried to start a business, and learned from failure. This experience is more valuable than it seems. Even though the business didn't succeed, you've gained resilience, better judgment, and a clearer sense of what you want next.

Don't try to learn everything in tech at once. Choose one path and start building.

Consider starting with software development:

Refresh your basics with Python: variables, functions, data structures, APIs, databases, and simple algorithms.
Learn Git and GitHub to manage and share your work.
Build three small projects instead of just watching courses. Start with a simple automation script, then a web application, and finally a project that solves a real business problem.
Use AI tools as a tutor and coding partner, but be sure you understand and can explain the code they produce.
Put every project on GitHub with a brief explanation of the problem, what you built, and what you learned.

Your first project could be inspired by your business experience. Think about something repetitive, slow, or difficult in that business. Create a small tool to improve it. This hands-on approach will teach you more than another semester of passive study, as you'll combine technical skills with real-world understanding.

For the next 90 days, aim for two focused hours each day. Spend one hour learning and one hour building. Don't wait until you feel fully prepared. You'll become prepared by doing the work.

A university degree can help, and you might choose to return later, but it's not the only path into tech. The immediate goal is to prove to yourself—and eventually to employers or customers—that you can understand a problem, build something useful, and keep improving it.

Your previous attempt didn't set you back. It gave you a starting point. Choose one problem, open your laptop, and start today.

Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! faraz Jul 31

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Updated Jul 30

Daniel’s Answer

You are not starting from scratch.

You've already studied computer science for a while, tried to start a business, and learned from failure. This experience is more valuable than you might think. Although the business didn't succeed, you gained resilience, better judgment, and a clearer idea of your next steps.

Don't try to learn all of technology at once. Choose one area and start building.

Start with software development:

Review the basics using Python: variables, functions, data structures, APIs, databases, and basic algorithms.
Learn Git and GitHub to save, manage, and share your work.
Instead of just watching courses, build three small projects. Begin with a simple automation script, then a web app, and finally a project that solves a real business issue.
Use AI tools as a tutor and coding partner, but ensure you understand and can explain the code they generate.
Upload each project to GitHub with a brief explanation of the problem, what you built, and what you learned.

Your first project could be inspired by your business experience. Think of something repetitive, slow, or difficult in that business. Create a small tool to improve it. This will teach you more than another semester of passive study because you'll be combining technical skills with real-world understanding.

For the next 90 days, aim for two focused hours each day. Spend one hour learning and one hour building. Don't wait until you feel fully prepared. You become prepared by doing the work.

A university degree can help, and you might return to it later, but it's not the only way into technology. The immediate goal is to prove to yourself—and eventually to employers or customers—that you can understand a problem, build something useful, and keep improving it.

Your previous attempt wasn't a setback; it was a starting point. Choose one problem, open your laptop, and start today.

Thank you for the advice. faraz Jul 31

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Updated Jul 30

Sahida’s Answer

Your business didn't fail—it taught you valuable lessons.

While many graduates know how to code, not everyone understands how businesses work, how customers think, or how to bounce back from challenges.

By combining your entrepreneurial experience with strong technical skills, you can become more than just a developer. You can create technology that truly solves problems.

Your past doesn't limit your future. What shapes it is your commitment to learning, creating meaningful projects, and constantly improving. Just one year of focused effort can change your career path entirely.

Here's a practical 12-month plan:

Months:
1–2: Focus on programming, Git, Linux, SQL
3–4: Learn data structures, algorithms, OOP
5–6: Dive into backend development and REST APIs
7–8: Work on frontend and full-stack projects
9: Understand Docker and cloud basics
10: Complete an advanced project with deployment
11: Prepare for interviews and learn system design basics
12: Apply for jobs, internships, or freelance work

Projects demonstrate your skills. Start with:

- To-do app
- Expense tracker
- Blog website
- Authentication system
- Student management system

Then progress to:

- E-commerce application
- Chat application
- Inventory system
- Task management app
Make sure each project is on GitHub with a clear README.

Don't wait until you feel "ready." Start with:

- Freelance projects
- Open-source contributions
- Internships
- Volunteer work
- Building software for local businesses

Real-world experience speeds up your learning.

Thanks for the help. faraz Jul 31

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Updated Jul 30

Jonathan’s Answer

Your question has been answered well, but I want to highlight something important.

The best chances to learn often come from what some might see as failures. I believe a "failure" only happens if you don't learn from it. I encourage you to welcome these moments. They help you become more adaptable and resilient.

Wishing you all the best as you move forward and use the great advice given.

Your advice was so helpful! faraz Jul 31

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Updated Aug 20

Gwen’s Answer

AI and Cyber Security are very popular right now! Start by exploring basic AI courses and keep building your skills. The more you learn about AI, the more valuable you'll become, especially if you can use your knowledge to solve real problems. Cyber Security is another exciting area where you'll always find job opportunities, as it will always be needed as long as the internet exists.

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Updated Aug 15

Eria Othieno’s Answer

Hi Faraz, it's fantastic that you're thinking about your next steps in tech. Starting your own business took courage, and it's great that you're ready to dive back into the tech world. There are plenty of online platforms, courses, and programs, both free and paid, to help you build your skills. First, think about what area in tech excites you the most, like programming, cybersecurity, or system administration. Once you choose a path, try to find a mentor, even online. They can guide you, suggest resources, and help keep you motivated. You've got this!

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