I'm 16 and just starting to explore computer software engineering and coding. I don't have any prior experience and it's new to me. I have a few questions: Do I need a college degree to become a software engineer? Is pursuing this field worthwhile? Is AI really taking over jobs like people claim? How competitive is the job market? What can I do right now to begin my journey? Thanks for any advice!
2 Answers
Starting with the basics is key! Check out the subreddit r/learnprogramming for tons of resources. It's suggested to attend college if you can, especially given the current job competitiveness. AI isn’t as big of a threat as it seems; look at it as a tool that can enhance your skills instead of replacing them. You'll want to keep honing your abilities!
You might need a bachelor's degree in the US if you're aiming for traditional software engineering roles. However, it’s totally possible to self-teach and learn coding on your own. If you enjoy it, that’s what really matters!
As for AI, it's definitely not taking over completely. Many folks exaggerate the impact. AI can assist in coding but it's just another tool, not a replacement for programmers.
The job market has gotten quite competitive lately, which can be tough for newbies. But remember, you’ve got some time before you graduate and enter the job force, so things might shift by then.
To kick off your learning, try platforms like Scratch to understand programming logic before diving deeper into real coding.
Definitely utilize Reddit to find good beginner resources. They have a sidebar with tons of info to help get started.