Computer Science Students: Don’t Give Up

Completing a Computer Science degree can be hard. I remember when I was an undergraduate student in Computer Science; I had to balance a lot of aspects of my life. I had a part-time job, extracurricular activities to attend and commitments to fulfill. Alongside these areas of my life, I had also assignments to hand in, exams to take, projects to complete, among other college-related tasks. It was a handful at times, but now that I look back at it, it was totally worth it.

Some of my students have failed courses and tell me they want to give up on completing the degree because it is too hard. Last semester was not the best for them, they failed a course or two, so their motivation is an all-time low. Thus, feeling like they want to give up. For those students, I always tell them not to give up, to keep going. I understand how they feel, but it will be worth it in the end.

Fortunately, a new semester will start soon, or you have recently started, depends on the college you attend. This is a great time you can use reflect on the grades you got and make adjustments so you can set up this upcoming semester to be a successful one.

So, today I will share some strategies that I used when I was an undergraduate student in Computer Science when starting a new year so you can implement them and help you start a new academic year with a fresh outlook.

Remember why you started studying Computer Science

Why did you start studying Computer Science? Were there any particular interests, goals, dreams or aspirations you had when you started your degree? For instance, develop your own video game, make your own web application or operating system, get a specific job or even make a specific amount of money. My suggestion is to go back to these goals. Even though you might have thought about these goals a long time ago, years perhaps, reflect about why did you start completing a Computer Science degree in the first place.

“Remember why you started, then keep going”

In my experience, this helps to overcome the setbacks you might have faced during the previous semester and get to the root of why you decided to study Computer Science. This really helped me when I was in the middle of my degree, that is, third or 4th year when courses got harder (in my opinion) and helped me push through, thus, starting the semester even more motivated. Also, I have shared this strategy with the students I work with and it has helped them as well.

Another thing you could do to increase your motivation to keep pursuing a Computer Science degree is to write down your goals or resolutions for the new academic year. This is a personal thing, but I have done this and helped me as well to increase motivation. Again, this is an excellent time to do so, as we have just begun the new year.

Identify role-models and learn from them

Look for people who have already done what you are trying to accomplish. These could serve as positive influences or even mentors. Look for people who have already completed their Computer Science degrees and have surpassed the setbacks or obstacles you are facing. You can research for professionals in your areas of interest that are accomplishing great things. Follow them on social media, places like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

“Search for some inspiration”

Another thing you could do to motivate yourself is to read books written by these professionals and watch videos on YouTube (if there is any available). This can help you learn from them, as well as receive some inspiration from people who have been there and done that, as the phrase goes.

Take a look at your study habits

A new year has recently started, an excellent opportunity where we can find ways to improve and make adjustments to all areas of our lives. Thus, this time of year is a great chance to take a look at your study habits. Go back to the previous semester and look at the grades you got. Then, meticulously examine your study habits. What can you change to improve your study habits? Perhaps, incorporating new techniques to your study routine, using new productivity strategies or tools can help you reach the next level for your grades.

“Find ways to improve and act on these insights”

Do you need to cut off distractions or build a better study environment? Be honest with yourself and make the necessary changes you can do to set up yourself for success. Now is the best time to do so, go ahead and get started.

There you go, some tips and strategies you can use to stay motivated and improve as Computer Science students. These are things that have helped me in the past, so I am sharing them so they can help you too. You can do it! I believe in you.

More on this topic, check out this video I did, I hope it motivates and inspires you to keep pursuing your Computer Science degree.

It would mean the world to me if you liked this article :)

As always, don’t forget to follow me, so do you don’t miss a story.

Also, share this article with a friend, they might need some inspiration.

I hope this helps!

Photo by Gerd Altmann from Pexels

If you liked this article, I think you might be interested in this one as well:

Disclaimer: Results may vary. These tips and advice are based on my experience and opinion as a former undergraduate Computer Science student, tutor, and teacher. Everyone is different, so, the advice shared on this article may or not work for you.

Originally published at yadielcabrera.com on January 6, 2019.