I graduated with a computer science degree, but I relied heavily on AI for much of my coursework and now realize that my programming skills are weak. I've spent more than three years working in help desk and would like to start using my degree. I know I'll need practical projects and a portfolio, but I'm not sure what to learn first or how to structure my practice. Would applying for entry-level or junior roles several years after graduating look especially bad?
4 Answers
You could also consider adjacent paths that build on your current experience instead of aiming directly at application development. Systems administration, cloud operations, DevOps, identity and access management, security operations, and scripting-heavy IT roles can all lead to strong careers. Your help desk background gives you a foundation in troubleshooting and real-world systems, so you don’t have to discard it while learning to code.
Your degree doesn’t prove that you can build software, but it can still help you get considered. Start by choosing one language and learning the fundamentals properly: variables, control flow, functions, data structures, debugging, Git, and basic testing. Build a few small projects without having AI write them for you, then gradually make them more substantial. Your projects should be explainable line by line in an interview.
Yes, you can still apply for junior positions, but expect employers to evaluate you as someone who is junior technically rather than as an experienced CS graduate. Spend several months rebuilding your skills and creating a small portfolio before applying broadly. Be honest about your background, focus on what you can do now, and prepare seriously for coding exercises and technical interviews.
Your help desk experience is more valuable than you may think. Look for ways to move toward development inside your current organization: automate repetitive support tasks, write scripts for reporting or account management, work with internal systems, or collaborate with developers and IT administrators. That gives you real examples of solving problems and may create a path into a junior automation, systems, or development role.
AI can still be useful, but treat it like a tutor. Try the problem yourself first, ask for hints or explanations when stuck, and make sure you can reproduce the solution without copying it.