3 ms·

I get asked the same all the time, and my standard answer is that I would hate CS if I had to take classes in it, doing tedious homework problems in C++. I don

by ehsanul 16y ago

I get asked the same all the time, and my standard answer is that I would hate CS if I had to take classes in it, doing tedious homework problems in C++. I don't think it's too common, though I did get surprised once by a classmate of mine turning out to be a freelance website designer. By the way, how do you get clients besides friends/family? Having a good portfolio is an obvious way, but have yet to build that up for myself.

samratjp 16y ago
Network! Be sure to check out your college's alum networking nights, join a professional organization. It's amazing how much you can uncover by just taking a second to talk someone at a networking event. I've found that a creative business card, dressing nicely, and a good smile can do wonders (but of course, as long as you have the chops to back your talk, go forth and conquer :-)
mikeknoop 16y ago
That is my exactly response as well. Mechanical Engineering really interests me, and usually what I say is this: "If I can get an ME undergrad/masters degree AND self-teach myself CS/programming (effectively getting a "CS" degree) on the side and handle client work, etc. that should be twice as impressive." Recently, I read an article here on HN which proclaimed that the best use of CS/IT knowledge is in non-CS positions. Use it as your secret weapon; use it to gain an advantage in your everyday life. Now, most ME majors nowadays have some rudimentary functional programming experience but I'm hoping that sentiment will still hold true. As far as client work goes, all my development work is through the Facebook Platform (apps and whatnot) so I've built up a reputation on their developer forums and can pretty easily secure work based solely on that. I think the main hurdle with web development is that nearly everyone has a website these days. You might consider checking out some of your local companies and seeing which have poor websites and going from there. Otherwise, try to become a well known and reputable member somewhere online.

by ehsanul 16y ago

samratjp 16y ago

Network! Be sure to check out your college's alum networking nights, join a professional organization. It's amazing how much you can uncover by just taking a second to talk someone at a networking event. I've found that a creative business card, dressing nicely, and a good smile can do wonders (but of course, as long as you have the chops to back your talk, go forth and conquer :-)

mikeknoop 16y ago

That is my exactly response as well. Mechanical Engineering really interests me, and usually what I say is this: "If I can get an ME undergrad/masters degree AND self-teach myself CS/programming (effectively getting a "CS" degree) on the side and handle client work, etc. that should be twice as impressive." Recently, I read an article here on HN which proclaimed that the best use of CS/IT knowledge is in non-CS positions. Use it as your secret weapon; use it to gain an advantage in your everyday life. Now, most ME majors nowadays have some rudimentary functional programming experience but I'm hoping that sentiment will still hold true. As far as client work goes, all my development work is through the Facebook Platform (apps and whatnot) so I've built up a reputation on their developer forums and can pretty easily secure work based solely on that. I think the main hurdle with web development is that nearly everyone has a website these days. You might consider checking out some of your local companies and seeing which have poor websites and going from there. Otherwise, try to become a well known and reputable member somewhere online.