What’s Next After Completing CS50 for a Beginner?

Focus on mastering the basics of programming first, like data structures and algorithms. While coding challenges can be helpful, applying algorithms to real projects tends to provide a better learning experience. Pick a programming language and area you’re interested in, then start building your own projects. They’ll teach you a lot and can also help you showcase your skills.

After finishing CS50, you should get into coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank to sharpen your problem-solving skills. It’s also a great idea to dive deeper into algorithms and data structures. Courses, especially MIT's Algorithms, are highly recommended. It might help to learn C++ too, as it’s widely used in coding contests. Participating in online competitions regularly can significantly enhance your speed and experience. Just some solid suggestions to help you along!

For your career progression, you’ll generally need two things: A degree or certification to get job interviews, and a solid portfolio of projects you've worked on. While a degree can make it easier to get your foot in the door, having a great portfolio will really demonstrate your capabilities. Make sure to leave comments in your code to show your understanding and thought process. It can be challenging to look for a job while studying, but both CS50 and any hands-on projects can help showcase your skills to potential employers.