I recently came across a post on Reddit from a junior in CS feeling lost. They liked simple coding but weren’t into hardcore SWE, hadn’t had any internships, and felt left behind by their friends. I totally get it. It’s tough when you’re not sure what you want to do, especially when it seems like everyone around you has their life together.
The thing is, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I’m sure many others have felt the same way. It’s normal to feel uncertain about your career path, especially when you’re still in college. The important thing is that you’re acknowledging your feelings and wanting to do something about it.
Firstly, let’s talk about the pressure to fit into the SWE mold. Not everyone is cut out for hardcore coding, and that’s okay. You mentioned you enjoy managing, organizing, and coordinating – these are valuable skills! You might find that you’re more suited to a project management or technical writing role. The key is to explore your strengths and interests to find a career path that aligns with them.
Now, about those internships. Yeah, it’s great to have them, but it’s not the end of the world if you haven’t had one yet. You can still gain experience through personal projects, volunteering, or even freelancing. The point is to show that you’re proactive and willing to learn.
Another thing that caught my attention was your concern about being an international student applying for an EB-5 visa. I can imagine how stressful that must be. My advice is to focus on what you can control, which is your career development and networking. Attend career fairs, talk to people in your desired field, and build connections. These will help you regardless of your visa status.
Lastly, let’s talk about finding your passion. You mentioned feeling like your personal projects aren’t competitive enough. Here’s the thing: it’s not about creating something better than what’s already out there. It’s about creating something that you enjoy and can be proud of. When you focus on what you like, you’ll naturally get better at it, and that’s what matters.
To sum it up, don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out yet. Take small steps towards exploring your interests, build your skills, and network with people in your desired field. And remember, you’re not alone in feeling lost – we’ve all been there at some point.