David Wesst discusses the importance of pursuing a career in computer science, highlighting various fields such as game development, AI, and robotics. He emphasizes the need for both technical and soft skills, along with life-long learning and networking. Key resources and pathways for education and experience in CS are also provided.

1. Computer
Science
Career
Awesomeness
GRANT PARK HIGH SCHOOL – MAY 2015
DAVID WESST (@DAVIDWESST)

2. What Are Your Goals for
Today?
 Questions from Audience
 Game Development
 Robotics
 Coding Language
 Software Development
 Artificial Intelligence
 Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineer
 Expectations?

3. My Goal for Today
 Facilitate a conversation about a career in
Computer Science
 Clarify questions about post-secondary education
(University VS College VS Other)
 Discuss the (IMHO) Critical Components to a
career in CS

4. Who am I?
 David Wesst (@davidwesst)
 A Microsoft.NET UI Developer
 …turned HTML5/JavaScript Dev Enthusiast
 …that became an full-time Analyst
 …who is currently paid to code in Java

5. Who am I?
 David Wesst (@davidwesst)
I got into Computer Science:
….by accident
….but managed to get my
bachelor of CS with Honours and
co-op option from University of
Manitoba

6. Who am I?
 David Wesst (@davidwesst)
 I have been:
 Coder
 Analyst (Software, Business, UX, IT)
 Designer
 Teacher / Trainer
 Public Speaker
 Team Lead
 Startup Investor and Owner
 Interviewer
 Event Organizer

7. Who am I?
 David Wesst (@davidwesst)
 I am also:
 Microsoft MVP
 IE User Agent
 Conference Speaker
 Board Member of the Winnipeg .NET User Group

8. Who am I?
 David Wesst (@davidwesst)
 I am currently learning about:
 Game Development
 Cloud Application Architecture
 Internet of Things (IoT)

9. Why the long winded introduction?
(I’m an example of a CS career path)

10. Looking at CS Today

11. Cool Time for Computer
Science
 Internet of Things (IoT)
 Web as a Platform
 Augmented & Virtual Reality
 Mobile
 Maker Movement
 Open Source
 Low/No Cost of Entry
 Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

12. Everything has Computer
Science
Computer
Science
Entertainment
Healthcare
Finance
Automotive
Engineering
…Everything
Else

13. What Skills Are Needed for
CS?
 Life Long Learning
 Ambition and Passion
 Communication
 Organization
 Analytical Thinking

14. What can you do in CS?
 What do you think?

15. What can you do in CS?
 Code
 UI/UX Design
 Architecture
 Training / Teaching
 Business Analysis
 Documentation
 Application Lifecycle
Management
 Integration
 Leadership
 Deployment
 Security
 Infrastructure /
Networking
 Cloud
 Content Management
 Project Management
 Language / Compilers

16. What Can You Do Now?
 Education
 Network
 Build, Share, and Innovate on Existing Ideas
 A.k.a. Experience
 Find Your Passion
 What do you actually like? Tech or otherwise…

17. What Can You Do Now?
 Education
 College OR University Program
 Depends on your goals
 College – Practical and Applied Skills
 University – Academic with some Applied Skills
 Diploma Programs – Tool Specific Applied Skills
 Get REAL Experience
 Co-op Programs (coop.cs.umanitoba.ca)
 Competitions (ludum dare, Imagine Cup)
 Open Source Projects (Anything on Github)

18. What Can You Do Now?
 Education
 Get Used to Learning Forever
 Only Constant: Things and Tech Will Change

19. What Can You Do Now?
 Network
 Social Media
 Social Coding
 Live / Online Events
 Mentor Programs
 Know Your Digital Footprint
 LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, GitHub, etc…
 Don’t be/feed the Troll(s)
 Open to New Ideas and Technologies

20. Quick Summary
 What is important in a Career in CS
 Soft and Technical Skills
 Wide variety of tasks OTHER than coding
 Key things to work on now:
 Education
 Networking
 Build, Share, and Innovate (i.e. Experience)
 Find Your Passion

21. Resources
 MVP Mentor Program
 http://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/MVP-mentor.aspx
 imagine.microsoft.com
 developers.google.com
 coop.cs.umanitoba.ca
 Education.github.com
 Challenges
 http://ludumdare.com
 https://www.imaginecup.com/

22. Resources
 Me = David Wesst
 Twitter  @davidwesst
 YouTube  davidwesst
 Github  davidwesst
 Blog  https://www.davidwesst.com
 Presentation (https://davidwesst.com/talks)

23. Local Resources
 Computer Information Systems and Technology –
RRC
 UManitoba Co-op Program
 Coop.cs.umanitoba.ca
 Cs.umanitoba.ca
 UWinnipeg Applied Computer Science
 http://www.acs.uwinnipeg.ca/