Hey everyone! I'm currently a software engineering student, and when I started this journey, I was really excited about the idea of creating anything I wanted. Now that I've completed a year, I've learned the basics of Python and C, but I feel kind of lost. Most of my classmates seem unmotivated beyond just getting their degrees, and I haven't found anyone to share ideas or inspiration with, making things feel really stagnant. My courses haven't pushed me much for hands-on programming either; it's mostly been easy LeetCode problems. I want to improve, but I'm not sure how to get motivated again. I've tried a few small coding projects, but they never feel complex enough or challenging. I'm just looking for some guidance on how to get better and generate ideas for projects. Thanks for any help!
5 Answers
It's a bummer that your teachers aren't more involved with your motivation. If I were you, I'd definitely approach them for more engaging discussions. During breaks, consider starting a fun project—your first ones don’t have to be original! Just build something existing to get your hands dirty and learn from it.
Haha, I've been there! Sometimes I look up project ideas and they all seem so boring. Just wondering if I should force myself to push through anyway.
You're limiting yourself by searching for predefined project ideas. Remember, any software you've used can be your project! Try making simple games like Pong or Flappy Bird, or even animations! The sky's the limit if you expand your search!
I’m having a blast with Advent of Code, but making a game sounds exciting! Pong has a nice vintage feel to it, I'll definitely check that out!
You’re on the right track by wanting to learn beyond your classes. To get started, consider building something simple that you often use, like a to-do list app. Over time, you can enhance it with features, turning it into a more complex full-stack application. This is how you build up skills to tackle any future projects!
If you're not getting enough from your classes, consider looking for internships or junior developer roles now. Check job listings for the most in-demand skills, and tailor your learning to fit those. You could also look into creating plugins for games you enjoy, like OpenOSRS. It’ll help improve your coding skills and make it fun!
Sounds like a great idea! I never considered making my own plugin. Though the project suggestions seem intimidating, I'll give them a shot once I gain more confidence.
I can relate to the feeling of a lack of motivation when your environment feels uninspiring. Rather than stressing over getting the perfect project idea, focus on something small and practical that you’d actually use. Find an annoyance in your daily life and create a tool to fix it—build it small and real! Don't lean too much on classmates; instead, explore online communities to keep your inspiration alive.
Thanks for the support! I built a script to convert YouTube videos to MP3s because shady sites worried me, and it felt great! Just need to find the next project.
That makes sense! I feel a bit stuck in my math-heavy classes too, which don't really involve projects yet. It’s hard when you’re just being taught to pass exams.