Almir Mustafic’s Post

I went to a Top 15 Computer Science college in the US, and 90% of what I learned there wasn't relevant at all to what I have done as a software engineer. I actually fondly look back on my days as a Bruin, but the value of my time there was more about the community and of course, the raw credential, not the quality of knowledge gained. As we all know, academia is often steeped deep in theory and more abstract. This is pretty much the opposite of how software actually works. There were practical projects here and there, but they were always 5-10 years behind the industry standard as the world's top tech companies innovate *fast*. Anyways, what I'm trying to say with my rambling is that gatekeeping software jobs on a university degree is stupid and needs to die. You don't need a 4-year degree to become a good software engineer. You just need to build cool stuff and be passionate about it. To learn what skills you actually need to survive as a software engineer which are almost never taught in school, check out our explainer here: https://lnkd.in/dWhRDZB9 #techcareergrowth #softwareengineering #college #growthtips #hiring

Listen to this guy! "You just need to build cool stuff and be passionate about it." That's it! Literally what I tell people all the time. Tutorials will only take you so far. The best thing you can do for your portfolio or the beginning stages of your journey is to build something you actually care about. 🤔 So what does that mean? Well it's different for everyone. We all care about different things. 🙂 My suggestion to anyone just starting out or someone looking for a project to build is to think about the problems in your daily life or in the area that you live in. Is there a problem that can perhaps be improved with the help of software? Perhaps there's a need for something that isn't being fulfilled? Or maybe you wish that some kind of app existed that would make your life even just a tiny bit easier? I can't tell you what the best thing to build is and even if I could, you shouldn't listen, because at the end of the day, the best thing to build will depend entirely on you, what interests you, what problems exist around you and what you would like to do about those problems. 🧐 Find something you actually care about, instead of starting another tutorial project, and dig in deep. You'll find that your understanding will grow much faster when you actually care about what you're working on. 😁 Anyways, that's it for my Ted Talk. Hope this helps someone! 🙂 Send me a message if you have any questions or need advice! #backend #coding #programming #tech #techtips #learntocode #whattocode #nextproject #projectideas #webdev #developer #beginnersguide #tips #startingout #learntocode

The myth that you must have a computer science degree to succeed in technology is untrue. While a computer science degree is advantageous, it is not required. There are numerous other options for learning the skills required to succeed in this field, including coding boot camps, online courses, and self-study. The technology industry is constantly changing, as are the skills required for success. A computer science degree can provide you with a solid foundation in computer science fundamentals, but it is not enough to guarantee success in this fast-paced field. Many employers are now hiring non-traditional candidates for tech jobs. They want people who are interested in technology, have the necessary skills and experience, and are eager to learn. For many people, the cost of a computer science degree is prohibitively expensive. Coding boot camps and online courses are less expensive options that can still provide you with the skills you need to succeed in technology. If you want to pursue a career in technology, you can begin by enrolling in our next cohort via this link: https://lnkd.in/dTAgAcFF Classes begin on October 16th, 2023 and the application deadline is August 31, 2023. We can't wait to welcome you. #debunkingmyths #MondayTips #lmtech #mondaymorning

Many students believe that without a computer science degree from an elite college, you're at a disadvantage in the software engineering field. Well, that’s a myth! Let’s explore what truly matters: 1. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, but that doesn't mean it has to come only from an elite institution to a thriving career in software engineering. I’ve seen many students, from self-taught developers to bootcamp graduates, make remarkable strides in their careers. 2. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 - the industry prioritises your practical skills and ability to solve real-world problems rather than the name on your diploma. 3. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 - showcase your projects, contributions to open-source, or any practical work that demonstrates your capabilities. 4. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆. Since we’re in the era of AI, and so many new technologies are coming up these days, staying updated with the latest trends and skills is crucial. Ultimately, whether you’re from a famous college or have charted your own learning journey, your 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀, 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 will help you succeed in software engineering! 💯 #CodeQuotient #SoftwareEngineering #CareerAdvice #TechCareers #ProblemSolving #SelfTaught

For those wish to pursue graduate school (particularly for Machine Learning/AI), but also want to gain software engineering experience in industry, what is the best way to achieve both worlds? How can one attain high grades and relevant real world experience simultaneously?

A common trend I've seen across so many Computer Science students struggling to find jobs is that they focused too much on their grades. The unfortunate reality is that academic performance is pretty much not correlated at all with your quality as a software engineer. It doesn't matter if you have a perfect 4.0 GPA - It's still incredibly possible for you to end up as a low performer in the industry. School and well-life work are very different. School is traditional and slow to evolve while tech is not, especially at the top tech companies. There are much better uses of your time as a student to actually show your skills and prove to companies that you would be an extremely capable hire. To learn what aspiring junior engineers should be doing instead of focusing on arbitrary credentials, check out my in-depth guide here: https://lnkd.in/gu-8uBUh #techcareergrowth #softwareengineering #interviewtips #resume #students #computerscience #growthtips

Do I need a formal Degree for a good career? This is a very fashionable question in today's fast-paced tech market. The tech industry is renowned for its dynamic nature and competitive job market. As companies strive for the highest caliber of talent, the question often arises: How important are a formal degree and a good GPA for career growth? A degree does more than just teach you how to code. It's about tackling hard problems and understanding why things work. Good grades? They show you're able to learn and excel, which is something every company wants. But let’s be clear—degrees aren’t the end of the story. Real-world coding throws curveballs that classes don’t always cover. That's where being self-taught or having experience comes in. You need to think on your feet and fix problems on the fly. Whether you went to college or learned from YouTube and coding sites, keep pushing yourself. The tech field changes fast, and the best engineers are the ones who can keep up. They’re always learning, whether that's a new programming language or how to manage a team. If you’re just starting, remember that your degree is a stepping stone. Your grades can open doors. But your willingness to learn and adapt? That's what will keep you moving forward in your tech career. #TechCareers #SoftwareEngineering #ContinuousLearning #TechIndustry

Do you need a four-year degree to get a job in tech? That depends on who you ask, as well as the role you seek. No matter what your desired tech specialization, a four-year degree can give you valuable knowledge into everything from “soft skills” (such as communication) to the abstract concepts that underlie software development and information technology as a whole. College degrees are often listed as necessary for entry-level jobs, including those with higher average salaries. However, it’s also very possible to get into tech without a degree. #HigherEducation #NoDegreeNeeded #BreakIntoTech

Do you need a four-year degree to get a job in tech? That depends on who you ask, as well as the role you seek. No matter what your desired tech specialization, a four-year degree can give you valuable knowledge into everything from “soft skills” (such as communication) to the abstract concepts that underlie software development and information technology as a whole. College degrees are often listed as a perquisite for entry-level jobs, including those with higher average salaries. However, it’s also very possible to get into tech without a degree. But how do you become an IT professional without a degree? That often requires a lot of self-guided learning, building a portfolio of your own projects, and otherwise demonstrating that you have the technical skills to succeed in a position.  With all that in mind, let’s dig into whether you truly need a degree to unlock a tech career. #tech #techjobs #degree #learning

I've spoke with few people passing out this year and I find there's something wrong with the way graduates. Let me explain, People approach me for guidance on how to get into tech (both CS and non CS students). Obviously they couldn't because they lack in their skillset. Rule of thumb is simple, pick a domain, work on it for 6 to 12 months and you'll get it. But they are shocked by that number 6+ months. This learning is typically done in college days in top tier colleges where they usually get to know what to do in early stages. This isn't the case in other colleges. What should you do in those 6+ months? 1. Focus more on building the fundamentals like DSA, OS, Networking, SQL etc. they're very important irrespective of your domain 2. Build a portfolio of your works and showcase it. (Building pet projects, DSA streaks, Open source contributions) 3. Reach out and more people on your domain and get connected 4. Trust the process Few things to keep in mind, 1. We're in a massive unemployment crisis not only because of having not enough jobs but also we don't have employable graduates and the first problem is not going to be solved in near future 2. Companies always want people who've done exceptionally we people so whatever you did till now is never enough. Keep grinding. 3. You don't need a CS degree or even a degree to get into tech and even applies to many field 4. 9 to 5 is not the only way. Maybe worked for our previous generations but not anymore. Find different routes ethically. 5. Don't forget to lift weights.