WITS Computer Science |FINAL YEAR STUDENTS | Study Tips

Summary

In this video transcript, students from V University share their experiences with computer science, emphasizing that no prior coding experience is necessary. They discuss the challenges of starting in the field, the importance of understanding basics and practicing, and the vast opportunities available in tech. The speakers encourage high school students to explore computer science, regardless of their background, and stress the value of hard work, problem-solving, and networking in the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 The transcript is a conversation about the challenges and experiences of students who are studying computer science without a prior coding background.
• 🎓 The speakers share their journey of choosing computer science as a career path after not getting into medicine, highlighting the versatility and demand for computer science skills.
• 💡 They emphasize the importance of learning the basics of programming, such as loops, conditional statements, and data structures, and applying them to solve problems, similar to learning algebraic equations.
• 📚 The transcript mentions various online resources like n Academy, Simply Learn, and Code Wars for learning computer science and coding, suggesting that there are plenty of tools for self-study and improvement.
• 🚫 A strong warning is given against relying on AI tools like Chat GPT for coding, stressing the importance of writing code independently to truly learn and understand it.
• 🤝 The value of making friends and networking within the field of study is highlighted, as it can lead to collaborative learning and future opportunities.
• 🏆 Personal branding is discussed as a key aspect for standing out in the tech industry, especially when many people are pursuing similar fields of study.
• 🌐 The transcript points out the wide range of opportunities in computer science, from local to global, and the potential to create solutions that can impact various industries.
• 🔢 It is mentioned that computer science involves a significant amount of math, particularly in the first and second years, which is foundational for the field.
• 🤔 The speakers encourage students to not be afraid of making mistakes and to embrace learning from failures as part of the educational process.
• 🏋️‍♂️ A final note is made about the importance of balancing academic pursuits with physical activities and social interactions for overall well-being and skill development.

Q & A

What was the first time the interviewee coded?

The interviewee had their first coding experience when they got to university, as they had no prior coding experience in high school.

Why did the interviewee choose to study computer science?

The interviewee chose computer science after not getting into medicine, which was their first choice. They were inspired by the inefficiency of government websites and wanted to improve such systems.

What were the challenges faced by the interviewee when they started studying computer science?

The initial challenge was the lack of a coding background, which made understanding and applying coding concepts more difficult compared to peers who had prior experience.

What programming language did the interviewee find more challenging and why?

Python was more challenging for the interviewee because it was their first coding language, and they found it harder to understand compared to C++ which they learned later.

How did the interviewee overcome the challenges of learning to code?

The interviewee overcame challenges by surrounding themselves with people interested in coding, engaging with the material provided by their lecturer, and seeking help from friends.

What advice does the interviewee give to new students struggling with coding?

The interviewee advises new students to learn the basics of a programming language, understand data types, data structures, loops, and conditional statements, and then apply these basics to solve problems.

What are some of the resources the interviewee recommends for learning computer science?

The interviewee recommends n Academy on YouTube for theoretical knowledge, Simply Learn for machine learning, and Code Wars for coding problems and practice.

Why should one study computer science according to the interviewee?

The interviewee believes one should study computer science due to the vast opportunities in various industries, the ability to create technological solutions, and the potential to stand out through personal branding.

What is the interviewee's opinion on using AI tools like Chat GPT for coding?

The interviewee strongly advises against using AI tools like Chat GPT for coding, emphasizing the importance of writing code independently to truly learn and understand the material.

What advice does the interviewee have for high school students considering computer science?

The interviewee encourages high school students not to let their background limit them and to explore computer science even without prior knowledge. They also suggest making use of college opportunities if university is not immediately accessible.

What is the final piece of advice the interviewee gives to current university students?

The interviewee advises university students to enjoy reading, practice as much as they can, seek help when needed, and make friends to improve their university experience and future career prospects.