I am a Computer Programmer
Created by Jimmy Jacobson
My First Computer
Macintosh 512k
My First Code
BASIC
10 PRINT "Hello World!"
20 GOTO 10
My First Program
Choose Your Own Adventure
Important Rules
Never be afraid to say "I don't understand".
Never make fun of someone for not understanding.
Always be willing to share what you have learned and coded.
Unless it's homework or a test.
What Kind of Jobs can a Computer Programmer Do?
Make Video Games
Program Robots
Websites
Apps
Teach
Personal Career Journey
From learning to code to working for major companies like Overstock and Zappos and The Whitehouse.
From employee to entrepreneur and the lessons learned along the way.
The Evolving Tech Landscape
How the tech industry has evolved since the early 2000s
including the rise of web development, mobile apps, and cloud computing. And AI
Importance of adaptability and continuous learning in tech careers.
Real-World Skills Beyond Coding
Problem-solving, communication, and teamwork in software engineering.
Project management, client interactions, and business acumen in consulting and startup environments.
Entrepreneurial Lessons
Wedgies.com and Codingscape.
If you can't find a job, start a company and give yourself a job.
The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
Building a Career that Lasts
Keep skills relevant in a fast-changing industry.
Networking and finding mentors.
Product management, DevOps, UX design, and data analytics.
Practical Advice for Students
Getting internships and entry-level jobs.
Side projects and contribute to open-source.
Imposter syndrome.
Questions?
I have some if you don't