How to know learn what can help me get a job ? What ability do companies need?

[secret-ZHENG]

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I am interested in being a programer. I watch many videos about learn coding. These confused me. I don't know to learn font, back or algorithm. C++, Java or python?
My background is that I have learned a little about python and C++. I am 26. I work in other areas and want to switch careers and enter the computer industry. Now I learn as Coding Interview University. But I am still confused.
People all say font is easier to begin. In my opinion, I interest in data analysis and ai. But I don''t know what is the fast way for me to get a job in Shanghai(China) or remote job to feed myself. And then I have ability to continue to delve deeper into learning.
Hope for ideas!

[secret-ZHENG]

hello, what do you want to do? What will I do to work with you? Could we discuss this in detail?

[secret-ZHENG]

Thanks for your words. It's helpful to me. Do you know what projects can be helpful for finding jobs? I am confused about what I should master? I see you are a full stack developer, would you mind share your ways to be clear and not confusing.

[secret-ZHENG]

Thanks! It's very helpful for me. Now I do some coding tests. I think I should try to learn pandas and numpy and to do some little programs.

[akash-d122]

Since you're interested in data analysis and AI, focus on:

Python – it's the top language in both fields.

Learn pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, and a bit of SQL.

Build 2–3 simple real-world projects (e.g. data dashboards, prediction models).

Upload everything on GitHub and write a short case study on each.

Skip frontend/backend for now if your heart’s not in it. Data roles are in demand, even for entry-level.

Also explore:

Kaggle (for practice)

Coursera/YouTube (free ML/data tutorials)

Remote-friendly platforms like Remotive, WeWorkRemotely, and AngelList

You're not late at all, just stay consistent, focus your learning, and apply early. Let your projects speak.

[secret-ZHENG]

Thank you very much. That's helpful for me.

[akash-d122]

+1

[BiuBIu-Ka]

Are you hiring or open to collaboration?
I work with ​​Python, Node.js & Web (JavaScript)​​ and can contribute quickly!

[HudsonBean]

The biggest advice anyone can give you is to just start creating. Follow tutorials at first until you build a baseline continue to build little AI models or even just fun projects to familiarize yourself with whatever coding language, preferably Python, as it is beginner-friendly and largely used for machine learning. I think a thing that is largely forgotten about when people try to self-learn machine learning is math. A huge portion of being a professional AI engineer is the mathematics that goes into it. Hope some of this advice is helpful or coherent!

[secret-ZHENG]

Thanks, that's helpful! Start creating and keep!

[secret-ZHENG]

hello, do you know how to choose tutorials? I'm confused because there is too much. Hoping you can give me some advice.

[tusharkhakare]

Focus on Python for data analysis and AI, as it’s versatile and in-demand. Strengthen your Python skills with projects on GitHub, emphasizing data science libraries like Pandas and NumPy. Practice algorithms via LeetCode for coding interviews. Target entry-level data analyst or junior AI roles in Shanghai or remote jobs on platforms like Turing. Build a portfolio, network on LinkedIn, and consider certifications from Coursera to boost employability. keep growing

[secret-ZHENG]

thanks, .would you like giving me some advice about entry-level projects on GitHub?

[secret-ZHENG]

hi, my friends. recently, some friends tell me C++ can increase the chance of admission than python. this confused me . What do you think about this?

[jfullstackdev]

I started learning on my own, but if in your area, it's more common to finish certifications or boot camp, you need to enroll or get certs of reputable ones, even if it meant you pay those

if you are into Web Development, in these areas most likely PHP, Laravel, the core of Web, React, Next.js & TypeScript

passing interviews depends on the companies, they have their own ways, like others just technical interviews, others pseudo-coding, others taking coding tests, etc., passing these do not always reflect your real skill in development: passing interviews is another skill you want to develop

start on your local area companies, others even offer internship first before you are offered the job, target those medium-sized first since bigger companies tends to have high standards and tight competition of applicants

in your free time, while you are learning, try making it public on GitHub and if you are skilled at any point, build your GitHub as your Job Profile, in my experience, this was actually the way they check your skill

[secret-ZHENG]

thanks. i'll try.

[VictorMoni]

Hi @secret-ZHENG 😄👋

It’s great that you already started learning Python and C++ — that shows initiative! 🚀

If your interest is in data analysis and AI, Python is definitely the best language to focus on. It has a huge ecosystem (NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and is widely used in companies.

To get started:

• Build small projects (data cleaning, visualization, basic ML models).
• Share them on GitHub or Kaggle to show your skills.
• Practice coding challenges (LeetCode, HackerRank).

Since you mentioned remote jobs, many companies look for portfolio + GitHub projects rather than only degrees. Once you feel comfortable, apply for internships, freelance gigs, or entry-level developer/analyst roles.

Don’t worry about learning everything at once (frontend, backend, algorithms). Start with Python + data analysis and grow from there step by step. 🌱

[secret-ZHENG]

thanks, yes,there are many ways like frontend, backend and so on. I always confuse to learn what and if i have ability and if it suitable for me. To tell you the truth, I always think is another way better, maybe i didn't go a good way for me when i learn one. do you have these worry? python for me is happy and good to begin. Now i begin to do some question in Leetcode and i find I still need more knowledge. Is it mean i should learn more course? And i still confused how to learn data analysis, donnot know which lesson or book is good to learn this? do you know some? sorry, i said too much. I have too much confusion.I hope I haven't disturbed you.
If you have some advice, graduate for your help.

[VictorMoni]

Hi @secret-ZHENG 👋🙂

Don’t worry too much about “choosing the perfect path” — many developers feel exactly the same at the beginning. What matters most is picking one direction and building small, consistent steps.

Since Python makes you happy and you already feel comfortable with it, I recommend:

1. Focus only on Python for now

Skip the confusion with Java or C++ — they are powerful, but not necessary to land your first opportunity in data analysis.

2. Learn the foundations of Data Analysis

Learn Pandas (data cleaning, filtering, grouping).

Learn Matplotlib / Seaborn (data visualization).

Try NumPy basics (arrays, numerical calculations).
Good free resources: Kaggle Learn (short courses) and freeCodeCamp’s Python for Data Analysis tutorials on YouTube.

3. Build mini-projects

Clean a CSV dataset (movies, sales, sports).

Make some graphs (trends, comparisons).

Share them on GitHub with a short README explaining what you did.

4. Practice problem-solving little by little

Use LeetCode or HackerRank just 15–20 minutes per day. This will train your algorithm thinking step by step.

5. Apply when you feel ready

Companies (especially remote) care a lot about seeing your GitHub portfolio, not only degrees. Start with internships, freelance, or junior data analyst/developer roles.

👉 Most important: don’t compare too many paths at once. Stick with Python + Data Analysis for 6 months, build projects, then expand later.

You’re on the right track — consistency beats perfection. 🚀

[wislertt]

It depends on the job you are looking for. but python is easiest and a lot of job available as well. Also, many tech company like to test your coding skill be lettcode. So, it is mart choice to practice leetcode using python. leetcode-py can help you for that.

[secret-ZHENG]

thanks for your help.