Hey there! As an 18-year-old CS student, you’re already thinking ahead about your career. That’s awesome! You’re right; what matters most is the job, not just the university degree. Having no job experience or projects to showcase can be daunting, especially when you see others with impressive GitHub repos and apps. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
First, acknowledge that you’ve already taken the first step by recognizing your weaknesses. That’s more than half the battle! Now, let’s get to work. To start building your portfolio, focus on creating projects that solve real-world problems or showcase your skills. It doesn’t have to be a complex app; even simple console programs can be valuable if they demonstrate your understanding of CS concepts.
Here are some tips to get you started:
* Identify areas that interest you the most in CS (e.g., AI, web development, cybersecurity). This will help you focus on projects that you’re passionate about.
* Break down complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This will make it easier to stay motivated and track your progress.
* Join online communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Reddit to connect with other developers and get feedback on your projects.
* Set aside dedicated time each week to work on your projects. Consistency is key to making progress.
Remember, building a strong CS career takes time, patience, and persistence. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Just focus on making progress, and you’ll be surprised at how far you’ll go in the next two years.
So, what’s holding you back? Start building today, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a portfolio that showcases your skills to potential employers.