Hey everyone,
I just graduated from high school and I'm about to start my university journey in IT, which includes programming, networking, and more. I've dabbled in various aspects of programming, especially backend development with PHP and databases, and I've also enjoyed working with a robotic arm using C++ and Raspberry Pi. Making small games in Unity with C# was a blast too, even though I still feel like a newbie when it comes to building full applications.
While I'm excited about digging deeper, I don't really like frontend development or UI/UX design. I'm really curious about how things work behind the scenes — like data flow and system communication — but I don't have a clear idea of where to go from here.
I'm looking for advice on:
- What steps should I take next?
- Should I focus on learning a specific programming language or field, considering my interests?
- How did you figure out your programming direction?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
5 Answers
If you're looking for a solid start, check out CS50x — it's a free online course that covers the fundamentals in C. It’ll really help ground you in programming concepts. You mentioned PHP and databases; doing some hands-on projects with SQL and APIs will also complement your skills well. Starting with one language will indeed ease the transition into exploring other areas later.
Don’t forget to balance tech skills with life skills. Hit the gym, learn to cook, and join some clubs outside tech. Networking in university is super important, both with peers and professors. The technical stuff will fall into place, but make sure you connect with people!
You might want to consider getting into AI or machine learning — those fields are going to be super impactful in the future! If you’ve got a basic understanding, there are plenty of online resources to help deepen your knowledge, like Python courses or AI-focused tutorials. Just start exploring and see what excites you!
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve had a taste of AI in school, so it sounds like a great path to pursue further.
Feeling lost right after high school is really common, so don’t stress too much about it! I’d suggest picking one programming language to focus on and start small. Python is a great choice for beginners and you can build fun projects like a file manager or a simple converter. The key is to learn a little every day and to build things that excite you. Just remember, it’s okay to feel confused sometimes — everyone goes through that stage.
Good point! But I think it’s also important to learn about different languages. Master one, yet get a taste of others. It’ll really open doors down the line.
Make sure to get your math skills in check, especially if you're heading into computer science. Strengthening your algebra and taking calculus in your first semester will help you as you delve into more complex topics in programming. Plus, your interests could shift as you take more classes — I started with robotics and ended up loving cybersecurity!
Great suggestion! I actually found a free Java course that kicks off with the basics too, which might also be worth checking out.