Contributed by TheCoderSchool
Are you looking forward to pursuing a career in computer science? Getting a degree is a critical step that will help you learn how to code and prepare for a career in the field. Before enrolling in a university, you first need to prepare to endure all the challenges. Pre-university preparation is valuable and extremely crucial to all students.
While most high schools offer classes for computer science, they only scratch the surface. For an all approach learning that will distinguish you from the crowd, you’ll need an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college. First, find your area of interest, whether algorithms, software engineering, or computer security. Whichever path you choose, remember this career requires a lot of studying and dedication. Here are tips to help you prepare to become a computer science major.
1. Build a Skill Set and Sharpen Your Craft
It goes without saying that knowledge and technical skills are what distinguishes anyone in any career. At the university level, the pace of lessons is fast, and you may find it strenuous to catch up. For this reason, don’t procrastinate on anything. You probably have heard “don’t procrastinate” a million times.
But we will repeat it. Don’t procrastinate on projects, studying for exams, or studying. At this level, procrastination is the worst possible thing you can do. In fact, give yourself a head start by learning through massive open online courses. These courses are flexible and free online classes that can help you gain new skills.
2. Look for Resources
Before enrolling in a university, look for popular resources, such as eBook textbook versions. Although various universities provide hard copies, the internet has plenty of resources and information that are beneficial.
Other resources such as programming language basics and online tutorials come in handy in problem-solving. You can get them from a platform such as YouTube, Coding Tech, LevelUpTuts, Coding Tutorials360, and learnCode.academy.
3. Go into It Whole-heartedly
Anyone interested in computer technology, 3D animation, or video games may go into computer science, only to get bored with intense programming. That doesn’t mean computer programing is by any means boring, but if programming isn’t your thing, then this course will seem boring. If your main interest lies in animation, video games, then other paths such as GraphicArt and Computer Game Design will suit you best. If you decide to pursue computer science, be eager and ready to start programming.
4. Do Not Cram
As mentioned before, procrastination won’t work in computer science. The same is true when it comes to cramming. Cramming information a night before a deadline, whether exam or project, won’t work. Much of the work in this course is practical, and you need thoughts, understanding, and time. Expert in this field recommends training yourself in mental-disciple.
Programming is not easy, and you will need to formulate a work habit to avoid cramming. It could be having a cup of coffee or listening to music via headphones while studying. That’s not to say that you spend all your time reading, but rather study consistently throughout the academic calendar.
5. Network with as Many People as Possible
Self-motivation and the ability to study independently are imperative, but to work in a team is equally important. Networking with schoolmates, seniors, and alumni when studying computer science comes with many benefits. You will get valuable insights into certain concepts from experienced people in the same field. Also, you will learn to work as part of a team.
Your ideas and codes may not always be correct, but through networking, you can improve them. Other benefits include:
- Learning becomes fun
- Cover more topic and material
- Share talent and knowledge
- Review errors
- Efficiency in studying for exams
Once you complete your studies and join the workplace, you are also likely to work in a team. What’s more, through networking, you could land your first job after graduation.
6. Learn Math
Mathematics and computer science go hand in hand. For instance, software engineering relies on discrete math when working on the efficiency and complexity of algorithms. Also, computer hardware engineering relies on imperative and discrete math to design finite state machines and circuits. Additionally, computer science researchers depend on statistics and probabilities based on math to do comparisons and measurements.
This means that if you don’t like mathematics, you will find the course challenging. Math does not end at high school, hence keep all your math material and resources.
7. Try Different Preparation Ideas
Ensure you learn more than just writing codes. To discover what works for you, experiment with different niches. Try volunteering to create websites for non-profits organizations or create YouTube videos with different concepts. Also, try learning to write other things apart from code – could be putting comments within your code.
You could also volunteer to teach coding to children and teenagers in coding schools. Through experimentation, you gain confidence in your skills, and with time you can handle complex and tedious tasks. You also discover opportunities that could propel you to greater heights.
Conclusion
The points discussed above are just a few of what you need when it comes to computer science. There are other plans such as joining online communities and learning to use GitHub. Remember, a university is just a place to gain marketable skills for the job market. Your main aim should be a lifelong career other than attending a university.
