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What are some tips to navigating a computer science career?

I am high school senior and I plan on pursuing a degree in computer science. I hope to find a job as a computer programmer after college. What are some tips and things I should try to do in order to increase my chances of getting a job after graduating? #computer-science

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Dr. Drew’s Answer

Learn a programming language such as Java or C++. An object oriented language it preferred. You will learn some programming in college as part of a Computer Science degree, but knowledge of the language beforehand will help.


Kartik Ayyar, an engineer at Google, lists some good advice on Quora for college as a computer science major. https://www.quora.com/What-advice-would-you-give-to-a-Computer-Science-major-student-that-you-wish-you-were-given-when-you-started-learning-Computer-Science


Participate in an open source project. It can help you learn how to work with other programmer and how to manage a project.


Create some programs on your own. They do not have to be extensive, just enough to show potential employers that you know the basics.


Be humble. Even the best programmers still have things to learn. You should be prepared to learn things throughout your career.

Thank you comment icon Dr. Drew - Thank you for your answer. We need more advice like this, now more than ever! There are more than 1k unanswered questions on CV right now. Hoping you'll answer a few more this week! Jordan Rivera, Admin COACH
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Julie’s Answer

To follow-up on Dr. Drew's advice, as part of the do not procrastinate, try to find a place to volunteer to get that experience under your belt.

Additionally, if you can find meetups to join (I know that can be hard in the current environment) you will have the opportunity to network with other folks who are in various stages in their careers but in the same field you are interested in. https://www.meetup.com/

Also, start to follow folks on twitter who are in the field you are looking to join, for example if you are interested in learning more about devops check out who is tweeting with the devops devopsdays etc...

Julie recommends the following next steps:

Look for a meetup or conference to attend remotely
Sign up for github
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Nida’s Answer

It has been many years since I have been in the job market (20 years). So I hope my answers are still relevant.

To add to Dr Drew's answers, I would definitely recommend becoming an intern at any company that is looking for IT people while you are approaching the end of your college (maybe 3rd - 4th year). Also, connections are valuable here. If you know or your family knows anyone who is working for a company looking for IT positions, just ask. It never hurts. Most likely, that company will like you so much they will ask you to work for them full time once you graduate.

Once you do land a job or internship, I have these pointers:

Be a team player. I cannot stress this enough.

Be self-reliant. Instead of asking for help from other colleagues, try your best to find the solution yourself. Managers love that.

Work hard and talk less. I cannot speak for all managers, but the ones I have worked for all prefer people whose work speak more themselves than their mouths do.

Best of luck to you and hope you land your dream job soon!
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