Let’s prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, Let’s learn Computer Science
We all know the future. We are going to lose jobs to automation. If you aren’t convinced, check out: These jobs are gone forever, Let’s gear up for what’s next.
Are we on the same page now? If yes, let’s move ahead.
So what are we going to do about it?
Let’s learn Computer Science! Let’s learn to code. There is going to be tremendous demand for those who know the skill of programming.
So let’s get started :)
Use failures to grow and learn
First of all get rid of all self-doubt and fear of failure in your mind. This will help you in every step of the process of being a programmer.
Read So you made a mistake at work. Be inspired by exhaustive research in this article on the importance of failure, getting rid of self-doubt, making mistakes, learning from them and moving on.
Develop a Growth mindset
Through your journey of learning to code and even when you are gainfully employed, your inner voice will keep throwing questions of self-doubt at you, whenever you face a challenge and fail.
It will say, “Maybe, you aren’t talented or smart enough for this, maybe you aren’t meant to be a programmer?”
In times like these, listen to Carol Dweck’s Ted Talk where she explains the 2 kinds of mindset: Fixed and Growth. While fixed mindset believes in innate talent, growth mindset believes that with enough hard-work, passion and deliberate practice, one can learn anything.
Develop grit
In this eye-opener video , Angela Duckworth talks about Grit: which means never giving up in face of challenges and failures. Pick yourself up every time you fall and move ahead with passion and perseverance. Never Give up!
You are going to need all of that. And, you’ll need Kung Fu .
Now that your mind has right perspective and a growth-mindset, we can start getting your hands dirty in the intricacies of an IDE, a programming language and plain computer science concepts.
Action Plan
Enroll in CS50x by David Malan which teaches students how to think algorithmic-ally and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Languages include C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript plus CSS and HTML. Problem sets inspired by real-world domains of biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming.(This info is taken from the course page)
Ditch your FOMO!
For now, just stick to CS50x!
It’s important to pick one thing and do it with persistence rather than searching the internet continuously in search of better resources. If you have acute FOMO(fear of missing out), read Optimal Stopping solution to the Secretary problem . It will help you take an algorithmic approach to research enough and yet stop at an optimal solution.
Focus on CS50x!
If you make a mistake, learn from it and move on. Be persistent.
If you feel, you aren’t smart enough, think of growth mindset.
If you feel, you are not learning anything by taking this course or it’s too slow, be patient. I would ask, What’s the hurry mate? Take inspiration from Peter Norvig’s Teach Yourself How to Program in 10 years
If you still feel you can’t go on, don’t give up yet. Be gritty.
A stronger you
When you learn to program, you don’t just learn an employable skill that can help you make money, start your business or innovate the next tech disruption that will impact billions of lives.
You also build a strong mental fiber!
Learning anything worth while poses a great many challenges. To overcome those challenges, you need perspective and wisdom which will mold your mind to work against all odds and achieve your goals.
Grit, an understanding of failure and a growth mindset will be your guiding light in your journey.
The Beginning or the End?
There’s lots more about my Computer Science journey that I want to share. Let’s take it one step at a time. Shall we?
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