Content

• Steps
• Advice

Today, using computers is a very useful skill in many areas of life, from work to school and social activities. Computer science takes it to the next level, helping you not only know how to use it, but also understand how computers work and how to make them complete new tasks efficiently. More and more people are learning about computer science and with their acquired knowledge, reaping success in careers in many fields such as business, healthcare, engineering, ... As a hobby or career calculator, here are a few ways you can get started.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Study computer science as a hobby

1. 

   Find free online courses. If you cannot or do not want to take part in computer training programs at colleges or universities, you will be surprised and satisfied with the online courses that are offered free of charge.
   • For example, you can sign up for a computer science related course in Coursera.
   • You should also check out OpenCourseWare issued by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is an informative gold mine for those who want access to computer science at an academic level without having to pay tuition.

2. 

   
   
   Choose a topic to study. Depending on your existing knowledge, you can choose a topic that interests you and research it online or from a library.
   • If you are just starting out, you should read books, magazines or websites on topics like computer hardware, the internet and basic computer programming.
   • As you read about these fundamental topics, you will find a field of particular interest - the subject of which you can delve further. Some in-depth topics include security, encryption technology, Turing Machines and the Stop Problem, set theory, operating systems, hardware architecture, visual and concurrency communication, computer networks and protocols. network, database and model information.
   • You can also do an online search for a complete list of recommended topics by Professor Matthew Might, a professor of computer science at the University of Utah.

3. 

   
   
   Try programming. Basic programming is simple, easy to learn and a great gateway to more computer science knowledge. Plus, programming experience will be a plus in your resume, even if it's not a real programming job yet.
   • There are many different programming "languages" - systems that use unique programming code. If you don't know where to start, Python is a good language for beginners. It is intuitive and easy to learn. You might also consider C or Java.
   • If you've learned imperative languages ​​in the past, try getting familiar with functional languages ​​like Haskell. They are advanced languages.
   • Whichever way you decide to approach, you can search the internet for all-you-need articles or videos. In the search bar, type the name of the programming method and the phrase "beginners instructions" (eg "Java tutorials for beginners").
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Method 2 of 3: Study computer science in college or university

1. 

   
   
   Prepare from high school. If you get to know your passion for computer science early, focusing on subjects that will benefit you during college and your career from high school will be very helpful.
   • Try to focus on subjects like math, news, and science.
   • It is likely that you have already focused a lot on these subjects. But if not, ask yourself if computer science is really for you. Computer scientists must be gifted with science, math, information, problem solving, and logical thinking.
   • Maintain good GPA and standardized test scores for entry into the industry's top curricula.

2. 

   Submit your application for computer science academic program. This is the best start to serious learning about computer science, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to get a position in the industry. You will have access to the best resources and a team of experienced instructors.
   • If you know what specific field you want to study, find a school with the highest ranking in the industry. Or, find a school that is strong in information technology in general with the support of professors when choosing a major.

3. 

   Get appropriate work experience. Experience involved in using some of the basic computer science concepts that can help you learn more about the subject and, at the same time, consolidate your profile, helping you find a good job by leaving school. .
   • Try looking for a part-time job, summer job, or work while studying computer-related, engineering, math or other engineering disciplines. You may not be able to practice real computer programming at first. However, just by working in the same room as computer scientists, you will have the opportunity to establish relationships, ask questions and learn more. Consider positions such as the computer lab or library assistant.
   • Find internships that can give you hands-on experience in computer science, such as at a software development company or IT support at a large corporation or university.

4. 

   Take a class and get your degree. Most computer scientists have a bachelor's degree or higher. However, some fields will accept applicants with only an intermediate degree. In general, an intermediate degree is equivalent to a two-year program and a bachelor's degree requires four years of training.
   • Your study program will focus on math, science and technology. However, you should also take classes in English (or other mainstream language of the country you study and plan to work in), essay writing, and humanities.

5. 

   Career orientation in computer science. There are many options for a computer science degree, including systems analysis, data management, hardware engineer, data science, support technician, and more.
   • Online reference career consulting websites, jobs or websites of specific companies. Many business websites offer positions in computer science under "Support" or "IT" (Information Technology). Look for a beginner position that sounds interesting to you!
   • You can also ask professors and job instructors to suggest jobs or find positions that are in need of hiring.

6. 

   Learn continue. Remember that even after gaining a position in the industry, computers are constantly innovating and evolving. So to keep up and secure a job, so must your skills - constantly innovate and evolve.
   • Many large engineering companies offer in-depth courses, seminars or conferences. You can also sign up for evening classes at your local university or ask the company for financial aid for distance courses.
   • Registering at a blog, magazine or technology forum is not a bad idea, keeping you up to date with changes in network protocol and language.
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Method 3 of 3: Graduate school in computer science

1. 

   
   
   Decide if an advanced degree is necessary. Pursuing an advanced degree (such as a Master or PhD) is an expensive and time-consuming option, so before you apply, make sure it is the right one.
   • Taken as a whole, computer science is one of the industries with the highest likelihood of success. The need for personnel with a high degree in computer science has always existed and therefore, if the intention is to find a job with a higher salary and accept a move (especially moving to a big city), This might be a good path for you.
   • However, if you are happy with your current job and have no desire to find another position, it may be wise to stop pursuing another degree. If it is necessary to learn other programming languages ​​or improve skills, it is possible that the company currently maintains a policy of financial assistance for specialized seminars or other means so that employees can improve their knowledge. No need for any additional qualifications.

2. 

   
   
   Complete the university program. Before starting with a Master or PhD program, you need a Bachelor's / Engineering degree. Ideally, your bachelor's degree will specialize in a field related to computer science, math, or any other closely related discipline.
   • However, with a high enough GPA and standardized test scores, you may be admitted to a graduate program without a bachelor's degree in computer science, especially if you can demonstrate interest. long term and gifted in the field of technology.

3. 

   
   
   Participate in appropriate standardized tests. With most graduate schools in the US, you will have to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) - a test of analytical essay writing, quantitative and reading comprehension / language skills.
   • With an advanced degree in computer science, you need to be highly capable of numbers. Therefore, quantification should almost always score excellent. Having a high score in another area is also important for being accepted by competitive training programs. However, they are usually a bit behind by quantification.
   • For example, in the Master of Science in Computer Science program at the University of Chicago, successful candidates usually have scores in the above group: at least from 50 percent in the language part and 20 percent in the quantitative part.
   • If you plan to apply to a school in the US, you may also need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test. Check out what program you want to study to find out what you need to meet.

4. 

   Submit application for admission postgraduate training program. Remember that you may not be successful with the first choice. So, usually, you should have a back-up plan or submit several schools.
   • Applications usually include an application form, resumes, letters of interest - explaining why the program is right for you, letters of recommendation and college transcripts.
   • If you plan to start your graduate program right after you graduate, be sure to plan ahead with the standardized exam times and application dates. Most of the application cycle begins in the fall, before actually entering the new school year (that is, you will have an entire year to prepare) and for applications to be accepted, most will require test scores. This means that you will have to complete a standardized exam within a year before entering graduate training.
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Advice

• Check out the "recommended reading list" or freshman program for computer science researchers or freshman. You can find great examples through an online search engine.
• If you want to read a few books to be able to determine if computer science is the direction for you, try anything written by Bruce Schneier (on security), "Operating systems, Internals and design. principles ”by William Stallings (the operating system, design principles and internal) or Andy Tanenbaum's" Computer Networks "(networking and network protocols).