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BUILDING SOFTWARE

Software Developer

Developers turn ideas into software: websites, apps, or tools. A typical day mixes writing and reviewing code with testing, fixing bugs, planning small changes, and talking with teammates or users.

Skills, in order

1. Computer and programming basics: learn how programs use data, decisions, loops, and functions. Start with CS50x ↗.
2. One language and problem solving: begin with Python or JavaScript and practice small exercises. CS50 Python ↗ or MDN’s web curriculum ↗.
3. Git, testing, and debugging: save work in versions, reproduce bugs, and check changes. Pro Git ↗ and Python’s getting-started guide ↗.
4. Build a complete application: add a database, an API, accessibility, and deployment one step at a time. The Odin Project ↗ and MDN server-side basics ↗.

Common tools: VS Code, Git/GitHub, a terminal, browser developer tools; Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or C#; SQLite/PostgreSQL and a web framework.

Laptop picks for this path are in the Computer guide ↓

OPERATING SERVICES

Systems Administrator / DevOps

Sysadmins keep computers, accounts, networks, and servers working; DevOps engineers help teams release and operate software reliably. Day to day can include investigating alerts, automating repetitive tasks, configuring systems, and documenting fixes.

Skills, in order

1. Computer, OS, and command-line basics: learn files, processes, permissions, and terminal navigation. Computer hardware basics ↗ and MIT’s command-line lessons ↗.
2. Linux and networking: practice users, services, logs, IP addresses, DNS, and SSH. Linux Foundation: Introduction to Linux ↗ and DNS explained ↗.
3. Scripting and version control: automate a repeated task with Bash or Python, then track the script in Git. Bash manual ↗ and Pro Git ↗.
4. Containers, delivery, and reliability: learn Docker, a CI pipeline, infrastructure as code, monitoring, and safe rollbacks. Docker getting started ↗ and Terraform tutorials ↗.

Common tools: Linux, Bash/Python, SSH, Git, Docker, Ansible, Terraform, CI/CD tools, logs and monitoring; cloud platforms as needed.

Laptop picks for this path are in the Computer guide ↓

AUTHORIZED SECURITY TESTING

Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester

Penetration testers are hired to find and explain security weaknesses in systems they have permission to assess. They agree on scope first, test carefully, verify what they find, and write clear reports that help owners fix issues.

Skills, in order

1. Computer, networking, and Linux fundamentals: understand IP, DNS, HTTP, files, permissions, and the shell. Cisco Networking Basics ↗ and OverTheWire Bandit ↗.
2. Programming and web basics: learn enough Python, HTML, JavaScript, and SQL to understand how applications work. CS50 Python ↗ and MDN web learning ↗.
3. Security foundations and responsible practice: study common risks, authentication, and how to describe impact. OWASP Top 10 ↗ and PortSwigger’s free Web Security Academy labs ↗.
4. Testing, verification, and reporting: practice methodically in training labs and write concise reproduction and remediation notes. picoCTF ↗ and OWASP Juice Shop ↗.

Common tools: Linux/Kali in a lab, Wireshark, Burp Suite Community, OWASP ZAP, Nmap, Python, and browser developer tools. Tools do not grant permission—test only systems you own or have explicit authorization to assess.

Laptop picks for this path are in the Computer guide ↓

Wi-Fi testing often needs a separate, compatible USB adapter; laptop internal Wi-Fi is not guaranteed to support every lab mode. Use it only with your own equipment or an explicitly authorized lab.

GAMES & INTERACTIVE WORLDS

Game Developer

Game developers build the systems that make a game playable, from controls and levels to menus, online features, and performance. They spend time prototyping, testing with players, fixing bugs, and working with artists, designers, and sound teams.

Skills, in order

1. Programming logic and small projects: learn variables, conditions, loops, functions, and input. Try Scratch project ideas ↗ or CS50 Python ↗.
2. Choose a language and engine: use GDScript with Godot, C# with Unity, or C++/Blueprints with Unreal. Godot’s first 2D game ↗ and Unity Learn ↗.
3. Game math and design: learn coordinates, vectors, movement, collisions, and how to make a small playable loop. Khan Academy linear algebra ↗ and Godot’s math tutorials ↗.
4. Assets, source control, and optimization: add simple art/audio, use Git, test on target hardware, and improve frame rate. Blender manual ↗ and Pro Git ↗.

Common tools: Godot, Unity, or Unreal Engine; GDScript, C#, C++; Blender, Git, and an IDE. Start with a 2D game before buying hardware for demanding 3D work.

Laptop picks for this path are in the Computer guide ↓

DATA & MACHINE LEARNING

Data / AI

Data analysts and scientists turn messy information into useful explanations, predictions, or decisions. A normal project may involve asking a clear question, cleaning data, checking patterns, making charts or models, and explaining limitations to other people.

Skills, in order

1. Spreadsheets, basic statistics, and data questions: learn averages, variation, charts, and how samples can mislead. Khan Academy statistics ↗.
2. Python and SQL: practice variables, tables, filtering, and grouping before using large datasets. CS50 Python ↗ and SQLBolt ↗.
3. Data cleaning and visualization: use notebooks, tidy datasets, and charts to explain findings. pandas tutorials ↗ and Matplotlib tutorials ↗.
4. Machine learning and responsible evaluation: learn train/test splits, baselines, error measures, and bias before trying larger models. Google’s ML Crash Course ↗ and scikit-learn tutorials ↗.

Common tools: Python, SQL, Jupyter, pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, scikit-learn, spreadsheets, and hosted notebooks; GPUs are optional for beginner projects.

Laptop picks for this path are in the Computer guide ↓

RUNNING SERVICES IN THE CLOUD

Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers set up computing, storage, networking, and access controls on providers such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. They automate repeatable setups, watch costs and reliability, and help teams troubleshoot services without exposing data or credentials.

Skills, in order

1. Computer, Linux, and networking basics: understand files, the shell, IP, DNS, and HTTP before learning a cloud console. Linux Foundation Linux course ↗ and How the Internet works ↗.
2. Git and scripting: track changes and automate a small task with Python or Bash. Pro Git ↗ and Python tutorial ↗.
3. One cloud provider and security basics: learn identity/access, virtual machines, storage, networks, and billing alarms. Microsoft Learn cloud fundamentals ↗ and AWS Skill Builder ↗.
4. Infrastructure as code and operations: define repeatable environments, then add containers, monitoring, and recovery practices. Terraform tutorials ↗ and Docker getting started ↗.

Common tools: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud; Linux, Git, Python/Bash, Terraform, Docker, CI/CD, and monitoring. Free tiers change and can incur charges—set budgets and alerts before creating paid resources.

Laptop picks for this path are in the Computer guide ↓

CONNECTING DEVICES

Network Engineer

Network engineers design, configure, and troubleshoot the connections that let computers and services communicate. They may review network diagrams, configure switches or routers, investigate slow or interrupted connections, and document secure changes.

Skills, in order

1. Computer and networking fundamentals: learn Ethernet, Wi-Fi, IP addresses, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, and routing. Cisco Networking Basics ↗ and What a router does ↗.
2. Command-line troubleshooting: practice checking routes, name resolution, and connectivity on Linux or Windows. Ubuntu command-line tutorial ↗ and DNS basics ↗.
3. Network labs and packet analysis: build a small simulated network and learn to read traffic captures. Cisco Packet Tracer ↗ and Wireshark user guide ↗.
4. Security and automation: learn access controls, firewalls, network documentation, and automate repeatable configuration. OWASP security risks ↗ and Ansible getting started ↗.

Common tools: Wireshark, Packet Tracer or GNS3, router/switch CLIs, Linux, Ethernet adapters, Python, and Ansible; vendor platforms vary by employer.

Laptop picks for this path are in the Computer guide ↓