Lecture Notes: My Journey from Student to Young Adult

Introduction

• Personal reflection on the transformation over five years.
• From an irresponsible student to a 20-year-old living independently and working.

Early Choices

• Faced choices between CPE, CS, or ID.
• Competition among peers and the importance of choosing the right path.
• Interest in software for personal projects (e.g., rooting phone, downloading media).

Motivation and Challenges

• Motivation as a key factor but often not enough.
• Distracted by various elements leading to a monotonous routine:
  • Waking up
  • Attending school
  • Feeling unproductive and miserable.

Turning Point

• Realization that this cycle needed to end.
• Faced a significant, destructive challenge that brought feelings of devastation and hopelessness.
• A moment of self-reflection and determination to change.

Graduation and New Beginnings

• Graduation date: August 18, 2022.
• Recognized that the real battle begins post-graduation.

Building a Portfolio

• Importance of creating a functional and eye-catching portfolio.
• Suggested using a personal website as a tool for showcasing work.
• Tips for resume-building:
  • Keep it simple and relevant.
  • Honesty is crucial, avoid embellishing.

Learning Opportunities

• Emphasis on the availability of webinars and the ability to learn anything.
• Importance of certifications but with a cautionary note that they're not the only measure of competence.

Action Over Words

• "Actions speak louder than words" emphasizes the importance of demonstrating skills rather than just claiming to have them.
• Importance of practicing for technical interviews, especially for positions like software engineers.

Technical Interview Preparation

• Focus on data structures and algorithms for technical interviews.
• Suggestions for practice:
  • Coding exercises
  • Website coding skills
  • Understanding object-oriented programming.

Taking Risks

• Applying for jobs can be daunting, but it becomes manageable with the right approach.
• Acknowledgment that feeling uncertain is normal, but staying grateful is vital.
• Everyone has unique advantages; leverage them wisely.

Conclusion

• The journey from student to professional is filled with challenges but also opportunities for growth.
• Key takeaway: Stay motivated, take action, and embrace risks.