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How should I independently prepare for a future degree and career in computer science while still in high school?

I'm currently a junior in high school, doing IB. Most of my IB subjects are irrelevant to CS (English, French, chemistry, biology, philosophy, psychology) except for math. In math, I am learning algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, probability and statistics, and calculus. So aside from this, what can I do independently that will better prepare me and help me succeed in computer science? I've already seen long lists of online resources, but they're confusing and overwhelming. I just want a simple and straightforward roadmap consisting of (online) resources that will help me develop skills applicable to any discipline in CS (data science, cybersecurity, web development, software engineering/development, etc.) In addition, I would like efficient resources or courses that wouldn't take up much time, because I have a demanding workload. Thanks in advance!

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Chris’s Answer

Rebecca has some good points. I have been recruiting Computer Professionals for ~25 years and think it is a great field of study and offers so many great possibilities. You can indeed do very little; however, you can also do a lot. Her suggestion to practice some programming is great and I would also suggest you look into what you enjoy within the Field of Computer Science or Engineering and that will give you a good head start.

Also, I like her suggestion to talk with others who have experienced the course material or a specific class as they can give you some great suggestions. Expectations are key and let me address this for a moment. Let me make the case, that math is important. It sounds like you are getting a strong foundation. It is not necessary per se; however, could be important. If you want to program and write code, I could say, it is more important. If you are thinking of doing networking or security or systems administration, probably less so.

Since, you are thinking ahead, spend a little time looking over some job descriptions and what the requirements are. For instance, do you want to be a System Administrator and work with Linux or Unix or Windows and Active Directory; or a Network Engineer working with Cisco or Firewalls or Security Policy or Oracle Database Administration or Programming or Website development, or Project Management, etc.

I recommend talking to your counselor and finding out what fields of study are out there and do some soul searching and find out what truly interests you. What are you passionate about? This might be more advanced but start a free LinkedIn account and search profiles and read about what they are doing and again, pursue what interests you; and since, you are taking advanced math, I would talk to some folks who are in the field already and talk to them about what they are doing day to day to see if it excites you or makes you yawn.

LinkedIn can be used for this as well and talk virtually or via TEAMS or ask your parents or their friends who are in IT, what they do and ask them questions. This is a great way to simply the process and see what they do and what you like about what they do and perhaps, what you don’t like as much. Again, use the resources available to you, like your counselors and your teachers and ask them if they have ever been in the professional arena doing networking or working with systems or programming. Looking into volunteer or intern opts where you could work with the IT folks at your school or at church or at a local organization and learn things that can help you determine what parts of Computer Science you wish to pursue.

Since there are so many areas within CS, you could spend some time on Kahn academy or YouTube or Google and research and see what you enjoy and wish to purse. I don’t know that there is any roadmap per se, but if you know what you enjoy ahead of time it will help you purse those aspects of CS that you already know you enjoy.
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Caryn’s Answer

I think it is great that you already know what career path you would like to pursue. That is the first step to gaining career momentum at a young age. As I am in the U.S., I do not know what kind of differences there may be in education and opportunities where you live, but I would like to applaud and also add to what the others who responded have said. My nephew is 13 and already knows that he wants to pursue Programming or another IT related field, and he has been taking online coding classes once per week through a third party company. They do cost money, at least here in the U.S., so I'm sure it depends on your resources, but that may be something to consider. I also know there are tons of YouTube videos related to learning all sorts of IT-related concepts. The other thing I always suggest is that you seek out adults who are in that industry and just talk to them about it, and see what they suggest. Perhaps your teachers' colleagues or your parents' friends, or friends' parents, may be able to offer additional advice. If you are comfortable with it, contacting IT Recruiters is always a good way to find out about what careers are in demand and usually they can offer advice on free training as well. Good luck and keep at it!

Caryn recommends the following next steps:

online videos
seek out free training
contact IT Recruiters
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Desiree’s Answer

Hi Fakaiha! IBM has pulled together free on-line training content for high school students just like you! Check out SkillsBuild for Students (formerly known an Open P-TECH) at: https://skillsbuild.org/students You can find different training module and roadmaps to allow you to explore different computer technology professions and skills. Good luck!

Desiree recommends the following next steps:

Visit https://skillsbuild.org/students
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Cung’s Answer

Your wanting to pursue a degree and career in Computer Science is the first step to be successful in this field. Most universities have offered degrees in Computer Science, but at this stage in your schooling, learning how to code using languages that are popular in AI, VR or AR ( Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, or Augmented Reality) can benefit you in the long run. And while having fun learning them. Also many private companies hire young students as interns or software testers for them. You could check them out to join those programs and learn new software skills while gaining internship experience while in college .
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Nicole’s Answer

To prepare for a career in computer science, you can:
1) Take classes in high school or local community college (ex. AP computer science, programming, math, physics)
2) Watch Youtube videos or take Coursera.org /Udemy.com classes to learn about programming
3) Seek opportunities to volunteer with non-profits or find internships; if not, start your own project and try building an app or a website
4) Join computer science clubs in high school
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Greg’s Answer

Some good online resources are Pluralsights and Wintellect webinars. StackOverflow is a great resource as well. CS is a very wide and varied space now. Interpersonal communication skills are important IMHO, lots of CS folks miss this one. You have to be able to communicate with all levels within an organization. Learn about process as well (Agile for example) and Project Management. I say take as many different classes as you can so you can figure out which part of CS you have a passion for. Everything is in or moving to the Cloud now, so I'd spend some time on that, as well as AI and data.
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Rebecca’s Answer

I am glad to hear that you are interested in Computer Science and start preparing for the course. In my experience, you do not need to do too much preparation before starting the college course. The college courses will start with some elementary concepts and then gradually moving to more advanced ones when you moving to differents levels. As long as you pay attention in the lecture and complete the assignment and projects in good quality, you can complete the college course.
If you really would like to do some preparation, you can consider to do some programming first. You may check what programming language the college course will start with. You can start learning the programming language and do some simple coding.
Also, if you know someone who are already studying in the same course, you can speak them. I believe they could share with you on the course expectation.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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