Hi there! I'm a 19-year-old girl from South Africa, and I'm eager to dive into studying Software Engineering or Software Development. I really want this space to be honest and informative, as I need guidance on where and how to begin my educational journey. I've been considering my options, but I think advice from you all could be immensely helpful.
I don't have a strong science background; my subjects in school included Biology, CAT, EGD, and Math Literature, which has me concerned that I might be missing some prerequisites. Is it possible to work around this? For instance, would taking a foundation course be beneficial, and if so, which ones would you recommend?
Moreover, I'm open to studying not just in South Africa (specifically Cape Town) but also in the US, as I aim to secure a job there after completing my degree as an international student. I'm also looking for financial advice regarding sponsorships, costs, or any other assistance available for studying either here or abroad.
To summarize, I'm seeking guidance on:
- Where should I start?
- What are my options?
- What financial aid could I explore?
3 Answers
Make sure to research scholarship opportunities and the application requirements for universities, especially if you're considering studying abroad. Websites like roadmap.sh can help you outline your learning path, so you can focus on one programming language first and practice consistently on platforms like HackerRank.
You should definitely start with the free CS50 course offered by Harvard. It’s a great introductory course to computer science, and it’ll give you a solid understanding of the fundamentals. Plus, it’s perfect for diving into coding! Here’s the link: [CS50 Introduction to Computer Science](https://pll.harvard.edu/course/cs50-introduction-computer-science). Don't worry if it's under computer science—it's very applicable to software engineering too!
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve heard good things about CS50, but I was skeptical since it's listed as computer science. I'm glad to hear it can still be useful for my path!
A good starting point is by using resources like The Odin Project to get practical coding experience. After that, take a look at Data Structures and Algorithms—many resources are free and can help you ace interviews! Just remember to practice a lot, especially when you're ready to apply for jobs. Good luck!
Thanks! Just to clarify, what does imho mean? I see it mentioned a lot.