Takeaways From Alumni Panel
Major Takeaways/Insights From the Event:
-
Keep a positive mindset and you will get through
-
Will like comp sci if you like problem solving
-
CS is important to learn
-
Even if you go into aerospace you still need to understand programming
-
Programming is important in many fields other than CS
-
APCSA helps with making your own games and other programs
-
Some of the projects you create with CS can be used to change the world
-
Keep your motivation!
-
Tell yourself that there is a solution on the Internet, which has the greatest advice for computer science
-
Focus on your own path when it comes to CS
-
Don’t worry about what other people are doing
-
Having a purpose to apply CS to can be very helpful
-
Google can answer all of your syntax questions! :)
-
Make sure that you don’t cut corners, as having the mindset to go above and beyond can help you solve bigger problems in the long run
-
Computer science will not always have a rigid or specific structure
-
Be willing to get started on coding
-
Project-based learning classes will not go away
-
Studying in groups and working with other people can help improve your understanding of certain topics that your teacher may not be able to give you one-on-one attention on
-
Coding will be everywhere, no matter what you are majoring in
-
Having an interaction with code can be helpful
-
In order to apply for a job, you should look at/put together your resume, as that is one of the first requirements of job applications
-
Knowledge of Linux + other operating systems can come in handy when doing internships
-
Applying yourself, learning, and taking the class seriously will take you far
-
It is good to have your own personal projects and clubs outside of school, as that can set you apart from all the others students
-
It is difficult to get into the CS major at UCSD
-
To get an internship, you should have a resume and know when to apply for one
-
Referrals can be useful for getting jobs
Main Takeaway: Listening to what former students had to say and their tips on how to get far in CS now inspires me to change the attitude I have towards this class and computer science in general. If I am able to possess qualities of keeping a positive mindset, expecting to fail along the way, and keeping my motivation, it will definitely take me far in the astonishing field of computer science.