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What's the main thing needed to start a career as a computer sciencetist?
I'm a graduate of computer science,i just a track to choose my career wisely
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Updated
Anu’s Answer
As you embark on your job search journey as a computer science graduate, it's crucial to consider this vital element:
Self-Discovery: In the expansive realm of computer science, what truly piques your interest? Is it the intricate puzzle-solving aspect of coding? The creation of user-friendly interfaces? Or perhaps the application of algorithms and data to address real-world issues? Recognizing your own passions can guide you towards the right career path. If technology truly captivates you, invest time in honing your technical skills instead of opting for non-technical management roles. This is especially true for FANG companies, which prioritize hands-on developers as you ascend the corporate ladder (a lesson I've learned firsthand).
Essential Steps to Take:
Exploration and Trial:
Don't hesitate to venture into different areas through projects, e-learning courses, or even informational discussions with industry professionals.
Consider specializations: From artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development, data science, to web development, the choices are endless! Which ones ignite your passion?
Focused Skill Development:
While a degree lays the groundwork, the tech industry highly values specific, provable skills.
Concentrate on the programming languages, tools, and frameworks that are most relevant to your areas of interest.
Personal projects serve as a valuable learning tool and a means to build a portfolio of your work.
The Importance of Networking:
Never overlook the power of connections in the tech world.
Participate in meetups, join online communities that align with your interests, and connect with mentors within your university's alumni network.
Reflective Questions to Consider:
"Reflecting on your university experience, which courses or projects invigorated you the most?"
"If you were to envision your perfect workday, what kind of problems would you be tackling and what technologies would you be utilizing?"
"Let's discuss some feasible initial steps you can take to explore a field like [potential area of interest]."
"Do you have any connections in your network who work in [potential field]? Would you be okay with me crafting a brief introductory email to them?"
Self-Discovery: In the expansive realm of computer science, what truly piques your interest? Is it the intricate puzzle-solving aspect of coding? The creation of user-friendly interfaces? Or perhaps the application of algorithms and data to address real-world issues? Recognizing your own passions can guide you towards the right career path. If technology truly captivates you, invest time in honing your technical skills instead of opting for non-technical management roles. This is especially true for FANG companies, which prioritize hands-on developers as you ascend the corporate ladder (a lesson I've learned firsthand).
Essential Steps to Take:
Exploration and Trial:
Don't hesitate to venture into different areas through projects, e-learning courses, or even informational discussions with industry professionals.
Consider specializations: From artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development, data science, to web development, the choices are endless! Which ones ignite your passion?
Focused Skill Development:
While a degree lays the groundwork, the tech industry highly values specific, provable skills.
Concentrate on the programming languages, tools, and frameworks that are most relevant to your areas of interest.
Personal projects serve as a valuable learning tool and a means to build a portfolio of your work.
The Importance of Networking:
Never overlook the power of connections in the tech world.
Participate in meetups, join online communities that align with your interests, and connect with mentors within your university's alumni network.
Reflective Questions to Consider:
"Reflecting on your university experience, which courses or projects invigorated you the most?"
"If you were to envision your perfect workday, what kind of problems would you be tackling and what technologies would you be utilizing?"
"Let's discuss some feasible initial steps you can take to explore a field like [potential area of interest]."
"Do you have any connections in your network who work in [potential field]? Would you be okay with me crafting a brief introductory email to them?"
Updated
Rory’s Answer
Hey Kurtf,
Get Your Bachelor's Degree:
To kickstart your career in computer science, a bachelor's degree in the field or something related is a good starting point. This basic education will give you the tools you need to grasp concepts like algorithms, programming languages, and how to design systems.
Hone Your Coding Skills:
Being a whiz at coding is key. Make sure to spend time writing code, tackling problems, and getting your head around data structures and algorithms. Try your hand at different languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript. The broader your coding abilities, the brighter your future looks.
Think About Further Education:
While a bachelor's degree is usually enough, going for a graduate or doctoral degree could give you an edge. These higher degrees can lead to opportunities in research, specialized areas, and even leadership roles.
Go After Open Positions:
Start by applying for beginner roles such as a software developer, IT technician, or system analyst. This is where you'll gain hands-on experience, learn from those who've been in the game for a while, and contribute to actual projects.
Remember, the world of computer science is always changing and growing. Stay eager, keep on learning, and adapt to new tech developments. Your enthusiasm and commitment will steer you towards a rewarding career!
Get Your Bachelor's Degree:
To kickstart your career in computer science, a bachelor's degree in the field or something related is a good starting point. This basic education will give you the tools you need to grasp concepts like algorithms, programming languages, and how to design systems.
Hone Your Coding Skills:
Being a whiz at coding is key. Make sure to spend time writing code, tackling problems, and getting your head around data structures and algorithms. Try your hand at different languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript. The broader your coding abilities, the brighter your future looks.
Think About Further Education:
While a bachelor's degree is usually enough, going for a graduate or doctoral degree could give you an edge. These higher degrees can lead to opportunities in research, specialized areas, and even leadership roles.
Go After Open Positions:
Start by applying for beginner roles such as a software developer, IT technician, or system analyst. This is where you'll gain hands-on experience, learn from those who've been in the game for a while, and contribute to actual projects.
Remember, the world of computer science is always changing and growing. Stay eager, keep on learning, and adapt to new tech developments. Your enthusiasm and commitment will steer you towards a rewarding career!
Updated
Gil’s Answer
While I might not fully grasp your question, here's a handy tip that can generally be beneficial.
Folks who opt for a career in computer science usually progress in one of two ways.
If you're the type who loves diving deep into specific areas, your career path might involve becoming a specialist in a few closely related fields. For instance, you could immerse yourself in the subtleties of a particular programming language, database technology, or user interface design. To advance in this path, you might learn a new programming language, explore APIs, and so on. The essence here is that you find joy and fulfillment in becoming a master of a few highly sought-after skills. You might also appreciate the somewhat routine nature of this path as it involves doing similar tasks year after year.
If that seems too restrictive, you could consider the other popular route, as Rory suggested. Basically, you start by mastering one area and gradually expand to others. This is how I progressed in my career. I started as a computer programmer for a decade, during which I also led projects. From there, I transitioned into system engineering, working on individual applications and across multiple ones. Then, I began logical data modeling, first at the application level and later at a broader business domain level. I leveraged my experience to create and teach courses. Now, I'm a scrum master. In each role, my past experience has helped me excel in my current position.
Being a scrum master who communicates effectively with all team members has been rewarding for me, especially because I've done the work they do.
You don't have to immediately decide which of these broad models best fits your personality. More often than not, you'll stumble upon exciting opportunities that pique your interest, and before you know it, you'll find yourself following one of these paths after 5 or 10 years.
Wishing you the best of luck and a fulfilling career journey. Enjoy every step as your career flourishes.
Folks who opt for a career in computer science usually progress in one of two ways.
If you're the type who loves diving deep into specific areas, your career path might involve becoming a specialist in a few closely related fields. For instance, you could immerse yourself in the subtleties of a particular programming language, database technology, or user interface design. To advance in this path, you might learn a new programming language, explore APIs, and so on. The essence here is that you find joy and fulfillment in becoming a master of a few highly sought-after skills. You might also appreciate the somewhat routine nature of this path as it involves doing similar tasks year after year.
If that seems too restrictive, you could consider the other popular route, as Rory suggested. Basically, you start by mastering one area and gradually expand to others. This is how I progressed in my career. I started as a computer programmer for a decade, during which I also led projects. From there, I transitioned into system engineering, working on individual applications and across multiple ones. Then, I began logical data modeling, first at the application level and later at a broader business domain level. I leveraged my experience to create and teach courses. Now, I'm a scrum master. In each role, my past experience has helped me excel in my current position.
Being a scrum master who communicates effectively with all team members has been rewarding for me, especially because I've done the work they do.
You don't have to immediately decide which of these broad models best fits your personality. More often than not, you'll stumble upon exciting opportunities that pique your interest, and before you know it, you'll find yourself following one of these paths after 5 or 10 years.
Wishing you the best of luck and a fulfilling career journey. Enjoy every step as your career flourishes.