Hey everyone! I'm currently in my third year of studying computer science, and I'm starting to feel like I'm falling behind. My main worry is that I might not land a job before I finish my degree, and I'd really appreciate some honest advice from those who have been through this.
Here's where I'm at: I have a solid grasp of Python and have gone through Fred Baptiste's Deep Dive into Python course on Udemy, along with a couple of other beginner courses. I know some HTML and CSS, but it's just basic stuff. I haven't explored Sass or any more advanced front-end technologies yet.
Additionally, I completed a couple of JavaScript courses by Mosh Hamedani, but I still don't feel confident using it. Unfortunately, I don't have real projects to showcase, and my GitHub is pretty empty.
I understand that just learning theory isn't going to cut it anymore. I want to start building real projects and boost my skills enough to feel employable, hopefully before I graduate.
What should I be focusing on learning next? A roadmap or even a general direction would be super helpful. Also, if anyone has suggestions for small to medium-sized projects, that would be great. I'm ready to put in serious effort and want to make the most of my time. Thanks to anyone who read this far!
6 Answers
If you're in your third year, you should have a firm grasp of data structures and basic algorithms. If you don’t, that's your first priority! These are key to doing well in coding interviews and landing internships, which are super important for your career progression.
Have you applied any theoretical concepts from your classes in practical projects yet? Try creating small projects that cover topics like Algorithms, Operating Systems, Networking, or even Database design. These basics are crucial for moving forward and will look great on your resume.
Honestly, don’t worry too much about your GitHub right now. Focus on getting internships—that's what really matters. You should be shifting your mindset towards being adaptable between languages instead of just memorizing syntax. If you can demonstrate that, you'll be much better off in interviews!
Yeah, that's definitely the way to go!
It sounds like you might be lacking some foundational skills in object-oriented design. Make sure to study OOD concepts; they were a big part of my learning. If you haven’t gotten into these yet, it might be worth considering whether your current school is the best fit for you in terms of the curriculum.
I’d recommend expanding your skills beyond Python. Consider taking classes in data structures, systems programming (like C++), and functional programming. These will not only help you learn new languages but also deepen your understanding of how computers work. Definitely check online courses if your university doesn't offer them! If you get a chance, take the 'Intro to Computer Systems' class; it's a great way to learn low-level programming. Here are some resources to help you out!
It's great that you're aware of the importance of practical skills! Remember, as a third-year student, you should focus on understanding core concepts and problem-solving rather than just the syntax of languages. If you have a good handle on programming principles like loops and OOP, you’re on the right track. As for projects, try building a maze solver using basic algorithms like DFS or BFS. It’ll give you practice with both front-end UI and logic!
Got it! I'll prioritize internships and focus on projects that let me learn different languages.