4 answers
callum
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
348 views
How does one go about getting into computing and digital design?
What are some basic tips to finding jobs, applying to jobs and working in jobs in the technology field?
4 answers
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
67
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
First you need training - whether school/Community College/Bootcamp/University/Self-Taught/whatever...
Then you need to create a showcase (Portfolio) of your best work samples.
Hopefully you'll generate some work/jobs from that and you can put together a resume which builds over the years.
To find and apply to jobs take a look at the big jobs boards and also apply to companies directly.
Good luck!
Then you need to create a showcase (Portfolio) of your best work samples.
Hopefully you'll generate some work/jobs from that and you can put together a resume which builds over the years.
To find and apply to jobs take a look at the big jobs boards and also apply to companies directly.
Good luck!
Vikram Joglekar
User Experience Writer
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Vikram’s Answer
Hi, Callum. What level of schooling are you at? If you are in high school or lower, definitely major in some type type of computer-science field in college. That will help you get exposure to available computing internships/jobs. If you are in college already and majoring in a computer-based degree, I would literally work anywhere that has a job that is computer-based, regardless of whether it's a tech company or a hardware store or everything in between. From there, take on all computer work at your job that you can get your hands on and "earn while you learn." This will help build up your skills and resume. One of the pros at working at a small non-tech company is that you can probably work on all things computer related and really "get your hands dirty" so to speak. Good luck!
Ann Marie Bette
Sr. Data and Reporting Analyst
11
Answers
Plumsted Township, New Jersey
Updated
Ann Marie’s Answer
Good morning,
You don't mention what grade level you are in currently. If you are in middle school or high school and you have a technology program, I would recommend taking some courses. For example, prior to my current role, I taught high school technology classes and one of them was a Digital Design course. I also taught Video Game Design, Computer Applications, and Intro to Programming. So, if you are interested in these courses and your school offers them to you, I would highly recommend you enroll in them. If you are looking to further advance your knowledge, you can seek a college that offers these courses and program of studies. Some other ways you can enhance your knowledge, is to look for courses and trainings online. For example, Adobe offers a wide range of applications for Digital Design such a Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. and tutorials online. These applications are expensive to purchase. I would look for free counterparts such as Google Gimp, Google Draw, Sketch Up, etc. There's also a wide range of programming languages depending on the type of applications you would like to develop. Are you interested in Web Design? Web Development? Game Design? Applications Design? For instance, a web developer uses HTML5 (which isn't really a programming language) to organize text and CSS (also not a true programming language) to customize how that text displays. Then, they use JavaScript for client-side work (like checking to see if you've left the password field blank when signing in) and PHP for server-side behavior (such as searching for a term that the user entered).
If you are in MS or HS and have a guidance counselor, I would recommend you discuss your interests with them and plan your courses accordingly.
Best of luck!
You don't mention what grade level you are in currently. If you are in middle school or high school and you have a technology program, I would recommend taking some courses. For example, prior to my current role, I taught high school technology classes and one of them was a Digital Design course. I also taught Video Game Design, Computer Applications, and Intro to Programming. So, if you are interested in these courses and your school offers them to you, I would highly recommend you enroll in them. If you are looking to further advance your knowledge, you can seek a college that offers these courses and program of studies. Some other ways you can enhance your knowledge, is to look for courses and trainings online. For example, Adobe offers a wide range of applications for Digital Design such a Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. and tutorials online. These applications are expensive to purchase. I would look for free counterparts such as Google Gimp, Google Draw, Sketch Up, etc. There's also a wide range of programming languages depending on the type of applications you would like to develop. Are you interested in Web Design? Web Development? Game Design? Applications Design? For instance, a web developer uses HTML5 (which isn't really a programming language) to organize text and CSS (also not a true programming language) to customize how that text displays. Then, they use JavaScript for client-side work (like checking to see if you've left the password field blank when signing in) and PHP for server-side behavior (such as searching for a term that the user entered).
If you are in MS or HS and have a guidance counselor, I would recommend you discuss your interests with them and plan your courses accordingly.
Best of luck!
Jorge Alberto Landaverde
Frontend Software Engineer
1
Answer
Tigard, Oregon
Updated
Jorge Alberto’s Answer
Hello Callum,
The "how" depends on where you are on you education and what you mean by "computing and design" or "technology field."
I will try to answer this question making a few assumptions. I hope this is helpful to you. :)
To me working in the technology field means working for companies like Google and Apple. In general it means using software development skills to create a digital product like mobile apps, web apps or video games. You can also create physical products like cellphones, or computers.
I think by "computing" you mean programming or coding and I think by "design" you mean UI design that defines how an mobile app or web app would look. It could be character or model design for video games.
I'm able to answer the "computing" part of you question. So my answer will only address that.
If you are in Middle School or High school and want to become a software developer/coder/programmer you can start learning online. There are plenty of online resources. If your school offers any programming classes then you should take them if you can. In high school you can take AP Computer Science.
If you are out of High School and College is not an option you want to pursue then you can learn to code on your own or bootcamps. Work on personal projects and the experience you gain by completing them will help you in your interviews.
If you are in college or considering college then you should major in Computer Science or similar Majors. During the summer you should focus on doing summer internships. Many technology companies have internship opportunities and attend career fairs that cater towards college students.
After gaining the skills you need then it is time to find your first job.
1. Thinking of companies you want to work for.
This helps you define a goal and focus on achieving it.
2. Look at job description and find the skill requirements.
This helps you find jobs that fit your skills or learn what skills you still need to acquire to do that job.
One problem with jobs descriptions is that they are full of bloated requirements and unrealistic years of experience. If you are a partial match you should apply anyway.
3. Apply and prepare for you interviews.
Preparation usually involves solving problems on leetcode, hackerrank or cracking the coding interview.
Continue to work on projects because the experience you get can help answer interview questions.
PS: Programming is not the only way to work in the technology field. A team of talented individuals in needed to make a product a reality.
* People manager - Help manage the project and gather requirements
* UX Designer - Help define what the product experience is, button placements, forms and screen flows
* Content Designer - Help define the language to be used in the product so it is easy to understand
* Data analyst - Help find the problems solve base on user behavior or other datasets
These are among the people that help define the problems to be solved with programming.
The "how" depends on where you are on you education and what you mean by "computing and design" or "technology field."
I will try to answer this question making a few assumptions. I hope this is helpful to you. :)
To me working in the technology field means working for companies like Google and Apple. In general it means using software development skills to create a digital product like mobile apps, web apps or video games. You can also create physical products like cellphones, or computers.
I think by "computing" you mean programming or coding and I think by "design" you mean UI design that defines how an mobile app or web app would look. It could be character or model design for video games.
I'm able to answer the "computing" part of you question. So my answer will only address that.
If you are in Middle School or High school and want to become a software developer/coder/programmer you can start learning online. There are plenty of online resources. If your school offers any programming classes then you should take them if you can. In high school you can take AP Computer Science.
If you are out of High School and College is not an option you want to pursue then you can learn to code on your own or bootcamps. Work on personal projects and the experience you gain by completing them will help you in your interviews.
If you are in college or considering college then you should major in Computer Science or similar Majors. During the summer you should focus on doing summer internships. Many technology companies have internship opportunities and attend career fairs that cater towards college students.
After gaining the skills you need then it is time to find your first job.
1. Thinking of companies you want to work for.
This helps you define a goal and focus on achieving it.
2. Look at job description and find the skill requirements.
This helps you find jobs that fit your skills or learn what skills you still need to acquire to do that job.
One problem with jobs descriptions is that they are full of bloated requirements and unrealistic years of experience. If you are a partial match you should apply anyway.
3. Apply and prepare for you interviews.
Preparation usually involves solving problems on leetcode, hackerrank or cracking the coding interview.
Continue to work on projects because the experience you get can help answer interview questions.
PS: Programming is not the only way to work in the technology field. A team of talented individuals in needed to make a product a reality.
* People manager - Help manage the project and gather requirements
* UX Designer - Help define what the product experience is, button placements, forms and screen flows
* Content Designer - Help define the language to be used in the product so it is easy to understand
* Data analyst - Help find the problems solve base on user behavior or other datasets
These are among the people that help define the problems to be solved with programming.
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