What Side Projects Should I Work On As A Computer Science Student?
Side projects are a great way to build a portfolio as a Computer Science student. Working on a side project can help a student apply some of the skills they have learned in class. For instance, get data from a database, design a user interface, among other things that students learn through the course of their degree. Also, having a portfolio with projects can help a student stand out from other candidates when applying to a job or internships.
Nonetheless, what type of projects should you work as a Computer Science student? This a question I receive often, and I understand where this question is coming from. When I was a Computer Science undergraduate student in college, I felt overwhelmed with all the different types of technologies, programming languages and fields I could work on after graduation. So, in this article, I will give you some tips and strategies you can use to choose a project to work on to add to your portfolio. My goal is to guide you on this process, also help you avoid wasting time in learning programming languages or technologies that are not going to assist you in achieving your professional ambitions.
Thus, let’s get started.
Work on projects tailored to your goals
What are your goals after graduation? What type of job would you like to pursue? For instance, do you want to work as a web or mobile developer? After you identify the field you want to work in, then start working on side projects that are related to these goals. For example, if you want to work as a web developer, create a web app. Work on a project where you can showcase the skills that are needed to work as a web developer in the industry. Furthermore, if you already know what part of the projects you would like to work in, that is, as a front or back-end developer, work on a project that showcases the skills needed for these positions.
Let’s say you want to work as a front-end developer, create an app that shows employers you know how to design a user interface, work with a JavaScript framework such as Angular, React or Vue. If you don’t know any of these programming languages or technologies, my suggestion is to go ahead an learn them. Going back to the web developer example, learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Research technologies that are on demand
Another thing you can do is research the technologies that companies you would like to work in use. This way, when you apply for a job or an internship at these companies, you can show the employers that you are familiar with the technologies they use and you can add value to their software development teams.
Moreover, you can research what technologies are being used in your area or the area you want to move when graduation time comes along. Go to places like Indeed and read the job descriptions for the roles you would like to apply to. You can narrow your search by country or even by state. Then, write down the technologies that are being used the most. This means that this skillset is on demand right now. So, if you invest your time in learning these technologies, the chances of landing a role that interests you, are going to increase, in my opinion, of course.
There you have it, some tips and strategies you can use when deciding what project you should work on as a Computer Science student. Working on projects that are based on skills that are in demand can help you land the job you want. Also, having a diverse portfolio is very important when graduation comes along, and you want to apply for a job role. So, working on your portfolio as a student will help you position yourself for success after graduating from college.
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Hope this helps!
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Originally published at yadielcabrera.com on September 16, 2018.
