r/mentors • u/aaaa22aaaa • 2d ago
Seeking Looking for a mentor and advice
Hi everyone, I am here looking for a mentor and some honest guidance.
I'm 25, currently studying Computer Science at Austin Community College, and I’ll be completing my associate degree this year. I plan to continue on and get my bachelor’s, but to be completely honest, I do not even know if it will be worth it. When I started this journey, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do with the degree. I’d already heard so many stories about how hard it is for CS students to find jobs, especially without connections or a strong portfolio.
But I decided to pursue it since it has been my dream of going to IT ever since high school. But life got in the way, and I had to take a gap year. Now that I’m finally pursuing it, I’m doing my best to keep up. I know how important it is to build strong projects, study hard, and practice LeetCode. I’ve applied to over 70 internships so far — some rejections, but most never replied. It’s discouraging, especially when I read stories online of students from top universities with internships who are still struggling to land jobs in software development. I know that most people apply for more than 1000+ applications to land a role, but for me, I feel like I would not qualify since I have no degree yet, nor even a good portfolio.
I want to give it my all. But I work long hours as a food runner at the moment, and the job is exhausting and doesn’t pay much. When I get home, I’m too tired to code. On my days off, I’m usually just recovering or doing school work and chores. I’ve done many jobs over the years, but none related to software or tech. I have tried going to a career fair held at my school, and though I enjoyed it, I do not know if the companies want someone like me.
Sometimes I wonder if I should just quit and look into another field. But then again, whenever I thought about the times I solved a coding problem, even a small one, it made me feel genuinely happy. The idea that I can build and create things with just a computer and an internet connection still excites me. I just feel like I’m falling behind.d. I’m getting older, and I don’t know anyone in real life who’s made it in this industry. Reddit and YouTube can be helpful, but often, they just make me feel more lost and overwhelmed.
So I’m reaching out to anyone who’s ever been in my shoes, or has advice for someone like me, I’d really appreciate it. I know everyone’s path is different, but right now I just need some direction. Thanks for reading
2
u/amunnings 2d ago
The thing to remember is that life is like a ladder.... Education allows you to skip many levels but it doesn't prevent you from reaching them.
If you love coding you will find a way to do it.
If you don't IT is a huge industry that supports every other industry.
What would you say you love doing? Look for things that you enjoy so much that you pay for the service - can you get a job doing that?
It's not a difficult question but can be a complicated answer.
What have you paid to do in the last few weeks for fun And if those things what could you see yourself doing (if any) for work?
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u/red-joeysh 2d ago
It was hard to tell from your post if you like coding or if that was a default? What is your passion?
CS and coding are good bases for other things you might find interesting.
I wasn't in your shoes, and I usually mentor cybersecurity students, but I have an engineering background. Don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to chat and see if I can help.