You’re thinking of changing careers to Computer Science. How do you know if it’s the right choice?

To answer this question, you must ask yourself what are your goals? How can you associate them with computer science? Withing this question "Why computer science?" must lie the answer to what drives you, what are your goals, how are they connected with this discipline and how can it help you achieve your goals. Another questions you might ask yourself is are you curious. Being curious about how things work is what drives us all towards understanding topics and technologies.

I believe the first thing a person should ask themselves in all brutal honesty is what do I like to do? and what are my abilities? This is a challenging career. It requires a considerable amount of logical thinking and problem-solving. There are no formulas. So, if a person likes to solve complex problems AND has problem-solving abilities, then the next step is to have a taste of coding. If doing so excites the person and wants to do more, Computer Science is a good career choice. If not, the person should consider other alternatives.

If you enjoy puzzles and languages then I would say you made the right choice in picking computer science. This field will help you to learn how things people take for granted really work.

You never know if it is the right choice or not until you Do IT! The practical way to check whether it's the right choice for you is to start learning computer science along with whatever you do. Build something in your desired field let's say you are a finance professional and interested in Data Science then choose some dataset and build a data science project. If it is what excites you and aligns with your passion and purpose then proceed with getting deeper knowledge in it and then switch your career accordingly. The tech world needs skills and if you have got the passion to learn something new every day it will be a smooth transition for sure.

When you see interest in the creativity and challenging then computer science will be a better option. And there are lot of oportunity in the computer science world where everything is moving towards computer science.

One of my preferred answers: "It depends!" A software developer could be a person who has learned how to code through boot camps, has field experience, or is studying some other major (i.e. math, engineering, etc.) However, this path usually falls short of the scientific foundations of computer science. So, a Computer Science university degree would train a person in software development (coding and then building small and medium-sized applications), CS foundations (programming languages, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture). By having all this formation (training) the graduate should have the ability to adapt to future programming languages and frameworks. This is because, they understand how it works.

To embark on a career in computer science, certain requisites stand paramount. Firstly, consider pursuing a degree, certificate, bootcamp, or self-taught program in computer science or a related field. Mastery of programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript is indispensable. Understanding data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, and software engineering fundamentals is equally crucial. Moreover, cultivate soft skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. Additionally, delve into domain-specific skills like web development, data science, machine learning, or cybersecurity.

In my opinion, the main requirement is that you enjoy computer science! Having a genuine interest in computer science and programming will mean putting in the work to up-skill and ramp up into a new career area won’t feel like a chore or obligation. After that, I would prioritize any kind of practical, hands on approach to learning the skills. In my experience, the best programmers are the ones who have undertaken personal projects or taken courses with a focus on practical or project driven work.

This question is very deep indeed. If we look back a few years ago, the basic requirement was to have an understanding and passion for Maths, Statistics and Probability which is still required but has become granular. Computer science has been broken into more specific areas of studies that focus and makes students specialize in a particular field. From ML/AI to data science, there are different tools and languages available to practice and build. Above all, there is drastic requirement of high soft skills as well which vary from presentation to understanding and suggesting the clients for their businesses as this has been cited as one of the major reasons for many companies to fail.

To pursue a career in computer science, understanding the requirements is crucial. The educational path can vary, ranging from completing a degree in computer science or a related discipline to obtaining certificates, attending coding bootcamps, or engaging in self-taught programs. Gaining proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript is essential, along with mastering fundamentals such as data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, and software engineering. Beyond technical skills, developing soft skills is equally important. Communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity contribute to success in collaborative work environments.

This is a short answer: by doing! You can learn how to code from a course or from a book; but you don't really know it until you sit down and write 1000's of lines of code and actually solve problems. You can learn how to design a Web-App from a course, from a book; but you don't really know it until you have actually deployed one on the web, it works, and it doesn't crash. You learn by doing, by problem-solving, by testing your ideas, by making mistakes, a lot of mistakes, by learning from those mistakes, and by studying continuously as this is an ever-evolving field.

Learning computer science will involve utilizing a variety of resources, such as online courses, books, and videos, to gain knowledge. Engaging with communities allows for collaboration and guidance from peers and mentors. Hands-on projects play a crucial role in reinforcing theoretical concepts and honing problem-solving skills. Additionally, seeking feedback and continuously challenging oneself contribute to continual growth and proficiency in the field.

To learn computer science effectively: Utilize Online Resources: Engage with online courses, books, and videos tailored to different levels of expertise. Join Communities: Participate in forums, networks, and groups for support, feedback, and mentorship. Practice: Work on real-world projects and challenges to apply theoretical knowledge practically. Showcase Your Work: Build a portfolio or a GitHub account to demonstrate your skills and achievements. Exploring a mix of these strategies will help you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in computer science.

Learning computer science involves exploring various resources, methods, and strategies to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. A plethora of options, such as online courses, books, podcasts, blogs, videos, forums, and communities, are available for self-directed learning. Joining networks of learners and professionals can provide valuable support, feedback, and mentorship, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Hands-on practice is essential in mastering computer science skills. Engaging in projects, challenges, and exercises that replicate real-world scenarios enhances problem-solving abilities and practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Learning by doing drives the computer science community, because it is very easy to get the error and also solve it, in computer science. Normally one can learn from large pool of freely available video courses, books and practice problem websites.

Once again: it all depends! If you want to have a "high-end" job, like Google or the like, then be ready to compete with the best of the best. The interviews are going to be hard, and they are going to test you on everything you learned through your education, and they are going to give you impossible problems. Then, once you are in, it will be a competitive environment. You will need to meet tight deadlines, etc. If you want a software development job in a non-tech company (like Walmart or a Car Dealer), then it will not be as competitive to find a job. It may not be in a major city, but the job could potentially be flexible.

Embarking on a career in computer science comes with its share of challenges that warrant consideration. The field often entails a steep learning curve, requiring individuals to continuously update their skills to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The industry is marked by intense competition and high expectations from employers and clients, necessitating a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Long working hours and tight deadlines can impact work-life balance, posing challenges to maintaining personal well-being.

Embarking on an exciting self-study journey in Computer Science through the Open Source Society University! ?? Currently immersing myself in the world of tech with resources like the Harvard CS50 course on YouTube and the edX IBM Full Stack Application Development MicroBachelors program, thanks to a scholarship opportunity. Grateful for the chance to learn and grow in this dynamic field! #SelfStudy #TechJourney #GratefulOpportunities

One thing that I love about CS is the flexibility to serve everyone. You can work for a law firm, a hospital, NASA, or your parents' hardware store! Everybody needs software. Everything uses software! It is a good profession, it is currently well paid, it is flexible, and it is fun.

Computer science is now revolution towards a more hi tech future, by learning this technology, it gives the people upper hand over others and by using tech we are able to automate and accelerate in our work .

A great benefit of such a career is the ability to move around between industries, as long as you have a good foundation of CS; it is feasible to work on a system, db, etc. You know the principles are the same, just the data being manipulated through those systems is what changes. Always have the opportunity to keep learning new things not just in the tech side but how they will relate and impact what you do!

Computer Science, to me, is a means and not an end. Consider a career that you would like to have, and Computer Science will empower you to achieve your goals. Historically speaking, what has pushed computer science forward is its broad applications (e.g. Alan Turing breaking the enigma encryption or the internet being developed to speed up communications). The flexibility is there to do anything you need, just find what you are passionate about and that will give you the necessary resolve to become a great computer scientist.

Embarking on a career in computer science comes with a host of compelling benefits. Firstly, the field provides a broad spectrum of options, granting individuals the flexibility to choose their own path, specialize in a preferred niche, and explore various industries. Notably, computer science professionals are in high demand, leading to competitive salaries and attractive benefits, making it a financially rewarding career choice. The inherent creative aspect of computer science is another significant benefit. Building something useful, innovative, and meaningful can be immensely satisfying and fulfilling.

Don't come into the computer science field because of its glare. Have clear cut purpose to achieve something out of it. Make it a mean to an end rather than end itself. Because it will test your patience a lot. You will have to keep learning new frameworks, platforms to stay competitive.

In considering a career in computer science, it's crucial to acknowledge the global impact and interconnected nature of the field. Computer science professionals have the opportunity to contribute to advancements that transcend geographical boundaries, shaping the future of technology on a global scale. The collaborative nature of the tech community fosters connections with professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich and inclusive environment. Additionally, the field provides the chance to engage in interdisciplinary projects, collaborating with experts in fields such as healthcare, finance, and environmental science.