My Tech Journey

Why I Chose Computer Science and What I Hope to Build

Hey everyone! I'm a first-year BSCS student, and I'm just getting started with tech.

Honestly, I chose Computer Science mainly because of the career opportunities. The salary, the chance to work remotely, and the number of jobs in tech were big factors for me. I'm also curious about technology and how things work behind the scenes.

I'm still figuring things out, but I guess that's part of the journey.

Why I Chose Computer Science

When choosing a college course, I also had to think about my future. I want a career where I can earn a good living, grow my skills, and hopefully work remotely someday.

Computer Science seemed like a good choice because it gives me a lot of options in tech. I'm not gonna lie, money and job opportunities played a big part in my decision. But I'm also genuinely interested in learning how technology works.

We use apps, websites, and all kinds of technology every day, but there's a lot going on behind them. I want to understand how all of it works.

Why I'm Interested in Networking

Right now, networking is the area I want to explore first.

I want to learn how computers communicate, how networks work, and how different devices connect with each other.

My plan is to start with a networking-related job, gain experience, and then explore other areas of tech. I'm not completely sure where I'll end up yet, but I want to keep my options open.

Some areas I'm also interested in are:

• Cloud computing: Understanding how computing services work over the internet.
• Cybersecurity: Learning how to protect systems and networks.

I'm still a beginner, so I have a lot to learn about these areas. For now, I just want to build a good foundation and see where things take me.

There's a Lot to Learn

One thing I've realized since getting into Computer Science is that there's A LOT to learn.

There's programming, networking, operating systems, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and so many other topics. Sometimes, it feels overwhelming because every time you learn something new, you discover even more things you don't know yet.

But I'm learning that I don't have to figure everything out right away.

I'd rather take my time understanding the basics and actually practice what I learn than rush through different topics just to say I know them.

For example, here's a simple C++ program:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int choice, score;
    char grade;

    cout << "STUDENT GRADE EVALUATOR" << endl;
    cout << "1. Evaluate a score" << endl;
    cout << "2. Display the grading guide" << endl;
    cout << "3. Exit" << endl;
    cout << "Enter your choice: ";
    cin >> choice;

    switch (choice) {
        case 1:
            cout << "Enter score: ";

            if (!(cin >> score)) {
                cout << "Invalid score." << endl;
                return 0;
            }

            if (score < 0 || score > 100) {
                cout << "Score must be from 0 to 100." << endl;
                return 0;
            }

            if (score >= 90) {
                grade = 'A';
            } else if (score >= 80) {
                grade = 'B';
            } else if (score >= 70) {
                grade = 'C';
            } else if (score >= 60) {
                grade = 'D';
            } else {
                grade = 'F';
            }

            cout << "Letter grade: " << grade << endl;

            if (score >= 60) {
                cout << "Status: Passed" << endl;
            } else {
                cout << "Status: Failed" << endl;
            }

            if (score >= 95) {
                cout << "Outstanding performance!" << endl;
            }

            cout << "Recommendation: ";

            if (score < 60) {
                cout << "Review the lesson";
            } else {
                cout << "Proceed to the next exercise";
            }

            cout << endl;
            break;

        case 2:
            cout << "Score   Letter grade" << endl;
            cout << "90-100   A" << endl;
            cout << "80-89    B" << endl;
            cout << "70-79    C" << endl;
            cout << "60-69    D" << endl;
            cout << "0-59     F" << endl;
            break;

        case 3:
            cout << "Exiting the program." << endl;
            break;

        default:
            cout << "Invalid menu choice." << endl;
    }
    return 0;
}

This program evaluates a student's score and assigns a letter grade from A to F. It checks whether the input is a valid integer and whether the score is between 0 and 100. Then, it displays the student's passing status, gives a recommendation based on the score, and recognizes outstanding performance for scores of 95 and above.

It's a simple example, but it shows the kind of programming concepts I'm starting to learn. I know there's still a lot to improve, and that's what makes learning interesting.

Connect With Me

I'm still learning and building my skills in tech, and I'm looking forward to connecting with other people in the community.

• LinkedIn: Connect with me
• Resume: View my resume

I'm still at the beginning of my journey, so I don't have certificates or many projects to share yet. For now, I'll keep learning and improve my skills

If you're already working in tech, I'd love to hear your advice. What should a beginner focus on when starting in networking?

Thanks y'all!!