My goal for the rest of 2019 is to master data science with python, and master machine learning algorithms by the end of 2019. I want to find a data science job by March next year, and my desired salary is 120k for my first data science job. I know it is very challenging for me to reach my goal, because I am not in my 20’s 30’s, and I didn’t finish my CS degree. I have taken several CS courses back then, such as programing courses with C, C++, and Java, data structure and algorithms, object-oriented design, computer architecture, and programed using assembly language. However, I have not finished my CS degree due to family reasons.
I went back to school to get an accounting degree 6 years ago and have been working in an accounting field ever since. I was debating whether to become a CPA or switch back to CS field, and finally made a decision to pick up my programing skills and relearn new technology and IT skills a month ago. I cannot stand to work in accounting any more.
I just rediscovered my passion in coding. I have a burning desire to get a coding job. Many people may think that I must be insane to start a new career at this stage of my life, but I have no fear. I must try, this is my last chance. I am a big believer of “I can do anything if I set my mind to.” I believe that I can find a coding job that perfect fits me.
In order to reach my goal, I must work hard towards it. I hoped that I could go to some kind of boots camp to study, and to polish my skills, but I couldn’t afford it because I have to work full time to support my family, and those boots camps are so expensive. I decide to self -study. I found out there are great number of people in YouTube, who are self-taught programmers and great programmers. I wanted to be one of them. I am watching MIT open course online, I code 20 hours per week, whenever I got a change, I code. I feel my coding skills improved a lot in the last couple of weeks. I am really excited in leaning algorithms, I am reading the book “Introduction to algorithm”, “The art of programming,” and other books. I just desperately want to get a coding job by next year.