This is a quick guide for those who are starting their college journey in tech. Currently, there is a lot of content available, which can make anyone feel confused or overwhelmed, especially with the rapidly changing trends in the tech industry and ongoing layoffs.

A common question arises: "Is a CS degree still the right path to pursue?"

No one can predict the future, but with the right direction, one can be prepared for anything. The good thing about the technical field is that "if you have a strong grasp of the fundamentals, you can pick up anything."

So, what should a student who has just entered college focus on?

Learn

• GitHub: https://youtu.be/RGOj5yH7evk?si=DOeX0pIAijSj1HVY: be comfortable in using Git and GitHub.

• Commits: https://www.conventionalcommits.org/en/v1.0.0/

• DSA: https://youtu.be/8hly31xKli0?si=mneUmsr6pce88bK3. This is NOT optional. You have to be comfortable in DSA. You have 4 years of college to master it. You will be thankful for your rest of the life.

• Maths: Focus on problem-solving

• Start with C or C++ instead of JavaScript, Python, or Java. If you know C or C++, trust me, you can pick up anything.

Work on logic building and problem-solving. How?

• Learn and play chess

• Solve math problems

• Question everything around you.
  Example: "If you had to build a traffic light system, how would you do it?"

Write code and have it reviewed by AI (ChatGPT, etc.)

Do not use code editors to code. Write your code on paper. Why? Because MAANG companies ask you to write code without using an IDE.

Write code every day.

Inspiration

Inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGrBHohIgQY&t=131s

Product Ideas: https://www.producthunt.com/

Hackathons: https://devfolio.co/hackathons

Write

Choose only one platform and be consistent. Don’t commit to "writing weekly or monthly." Just write about your favorite topics whenever you have time.

• dev.to

• hashnode

• substack (this is popular nowadays)

• WordPress

Books to Read:

• Introduction to Algorithms

• The Pragmatic Programmer

• Clean Code

Non-tech:

• Ikigai

• Atomic Habits

• The Power of a Second Brain

Important:

• Do not pursue web development or easy paths like frameworks, etc.

• Avoid organizing or leading community initiatives.

• Do not get caught up in creating a fancy resume.

• Write code and have it reviewed by AI (ChatGPT, etc.)

• Avoid using code editors; write your code on paper. Why? Because FAANG/top companies ask you to write code without an editor.

• Focus on building logical thinking skills.

• Practice writing by explaining tech concepts in blogs.

• Practice communication skills by participating in debates or tech conferences.

• Attend meetups and tech conferences. Many companies (Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, etc.) offer financial support for students to attend their tech conferences abroad, e.g., MS Ignite, Google I/O, etc. So, have a passport ready.

All the best!!!