So I’m getting my associates this semester, technically under compsci. Can’t really do much with an associates though, and I need a job in the mean time, so I’ve been studying CompTIA certs (A+, NET+, and soon I’ll be taking a course for Sec+).

Except, I don’t really know where to go from there. Like, sure I get my associates, then these certificates, and start my bachelor’s, except I’m lost in the sauce about anything after that. If I’m honest, I don’t even really know what I could do or what options are available to me with a CS degree. My relevant skills so far are basically none; I mean I grew up around computers and I’ve installed Linux mint on my daily laptop, but it’s not like I know how to do much other than surface level or just above surface level stuff. I don’t even really know how to code.

I guess, I’m just kinda lost. I don’t really know what to do and I’d like some answers but don’t even know where to start looking for them. Does anyone have any advice?

  • FizzyOrange@programming.dev
    2·
    9 days ago

    I would recommend trying coding, and see if you like it. There are a gazillion options out there to learn online. You don’t need to pay anyone. Here are some examples:

    • Do a micro-controller project using Arduino. This is actually C++ which is a pretty advanced language, but they only use very simple C++ features so it’s still beginner friendly.
    • Make a game of some kind. I’m not really a game developer so I don’t know what the good options are there, but maybe something like https://phaser.io/ ? Or Pygame if you hate yourself.
    • Make a web site. I’ve used all sorts of things for this and my favourite method at the moment is Fresh.

    Anyway, try and get a taste of it and you’ll probably know if you like it. If you do, definitely just work on a project in your free time. You don’t need any qualifications to get a programming job, just skill. (In fact I’d say they are a bit of a red flag.)

    Programming is a great career if you like it - very high pay for very little responsibility (outside game development anyway).