Advice for Computer science student

[D4rkest_Light]

Good day

I just want to get a bit of advice. I'm currently studying Bsc computer science at UNISA. I am currently in my third year of studies and will finish July 2015 if all goes well. The programming languages I know is C++, Delphi and SQL.

What I want to know is where can I try to find work as a junior programmer or intern? Most of the companies required you to have completed your degree should I wait till I am done with my studies before I start to think of getting work as a programmer? Also is there something I need to do outside of my studies to better my changes of getting work as a programmer?

 

[Bar0n]

What I did as an undergraduate was to speak to my lecturers (although at UNISA this might be more difficult), since some of them had their own companies on the side and, at the very least, they have contacts in the industry who will take you in for a holiday job or something if your lecturers can attest to your abilities.

 

[S1ght]

Good day

I just want to get a bit of advice. I'm currently studying Bsc computer science at UNISA. I am currently in my third year of studies and will finish July 2015 if all goes well. The programming languages I know is C++, Delphi and SQL.

What I want to know is where can I try to find work as a junior programmer or intern? Most of the companies required you to have completed your degree should I wait till I am done with my studies before I start to think of getting work as a programmer? Also is there something I need to do outside of my studies to better my changes of getting work as a programmer?

You should be able to My only advice would be that even though you know C++, Delphi and SQL; still be prepared to consider other languages like Java or C#. Being programmer often requires you to be able to be able to do what is needed at the time, so try not to limit yourself by not being open to trying other languages

Also things like Web development (HTML/JS/CSS) are very easy to pick up and are a nice to have

 

[D4rkest_Light]

You should be able to My only advice would be that even though you know C++, Delphi and SQL; still be prepared to consider other languages like Java or C#. Being programmer often requires you to be able to be able to do what is needed at the time, so try not to limit yourself by not being open to trying other languages

Also things like Web development (HTML/JS/CSS) are very easy to pick up and are a nice to have

Hi S1gth

That the plan to learn different languages on my own as well going to start with C# heard it is close to C++. My only problem is will anyone acknowledge languages that I learn on my own?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[D4rkest_Light]

What I did as an undergraduate was to speak to my lecturers (although at UNISA this might be more difficult), since some of them had their own companies on the side and, at the very least, they have contacts in the industry who will take you in for a holiday job or something if your lecturers can attest to your abilities.

Thank you Baron will give that I try.

 

[Bar0n]

Thank you Baron will give that I try.

A good first start might also be as a student assistant for your university.

 

[me_]

That the plan to learn different languages on my own as well going to start with C# heard it is close to C++. My only problem is will anyone acknowledge languages that I learn on my own?

Yes they will. Just be honest about your experience level. Most of the languages I know were self-taught.

It's a really good idea to try get into the market now. Most companies are looking for people with at least 2 years experience and generally the pay is peanuts until you reach this. Starting early will mean you can start earning some decent cash sooner as you would have already gained some experience while studying.

 

[Nefertiti]

Hi S1gth

That the plan to learn different languages on my own as well going to start with C# heard it is close to C++. My only problem is will anyone acknowledge languages that I learn on my own?

Thanks for the advice.

If you can show what you have learned, ie. You have a working prototype it shouldnt be a problem. If you can comment on what was challenging, what you can do better etc. That all counts in your favor. This applies regardless of language by the way.

 

[Rheenendal]

I'm also currently studying my Bachelor in Computing through UNISA, and I'm also planning on finishing at the same time as you, July 2015. I started the degree three years ago and at the same time registered for the Building Web Applications with PHP short course that UNISA also offers. With that short 6 month PHP course I was able to land my first job as a junior developer. Obviously I then had to start doing the degree part-time but I'm still on course to have it done next year, and along with 3.5 years industry experience I'm in a much better position.

My advice to you would be to take a look at the some of those short courses that UNISA offers. They aren't too much work and can easily be completed concurrently with your degree. As suggested by others, definitely try getting into the web technologies (HTML, CSS, Javascript) as these are the skills you'll probably most likely require whether you decide to go the C# or PHP route. Good luck!

 

[ratedmsod]

I'm also currently studying my Bachelor in Computing through UNISA, and I'm also planning on finishing at the same time as you, July 2015. I started the degree three years ago and at the same time registered for the Building Web Applications with PHP short course that UNISA also offers. With that short 6 month PHP course I was able to land my first job as a junior developer. Obviously I then had to start doing the degree part-time but I'm still on course to have it done next year, and along with 3.5 years industry experience I'm in a much better position.

My advice to you would be to take a look at the some of those short courses that UNISA offers. They aren't too much work and can easily be completed concurrently with your degree. As suggested by others, definitely try getting into the web technologies (HTML, CSS, Javascript) as these are the skills you'll probably most likely require whether you decide to go the C# or PHP route. Good luck!

I like your ideas it makes a lot of sense and it helps with the job seeking and experience while studying.

 

[Hamster]

Most languages most developers know are self taught.

People care more about your experience, who you worked for and what you actually did there than your piece of paper (although if you have it things are easier, make no mistake).

 

[nowitwiz]

You need to be consistent and committed when you approach me here. I hate unfinished projects, assignments excuses, "i don't know teach me" approaches. If you can finish a distance learning degree most of the time without lessons, why can't you be committed to research and complete web, mobile, etc projects given to client's specifications? Now IT Wiz offers opportunities for any one in South Africa to be a fully fledged developer.

http://www.nowitwiz.com/

 

[Hamster]

You need to be consistent and committed when you approach me here. I hate unfinished projects, assignments excuses, "i don't know teach me" approaches. If you can finish a distance learning degree most of the time without lessons, why can't you be committed to research and complete web, mobile, etc projects given to client's specifications? Now IT Wiz offers opportunities for any one in South Africa to be a fully fledged developer.



http://www.nowitwiz.com/

You need to be realistic and transparent when you approach me here. I hate generic job specs, vague details and "market related salary" approaches. If you have gotten as far as writing this post why can't you write out exactly what you need and what you are offering? Now I can offer anyone in South Africa my skills and services as a software professional but they'll need to cone to the party and make it worth my ****ing time.

Signed,
Every damn dev worth his salt out there

 

[B_Jive]

Since you've learnt C++ & you are about to complete your degree... Have you ever considered Java, it's not far from c++ and you could get java certificates from oracle