DS Unit 1 Sprint 4: Technical Preparation & Career Readiness

Welcome to Sprint 4

Welcome to Sprint 4: Technical Preparation & Career Readiness! This sprint focuses on preparing you for the General Code Assessment (GCA) and helping you get started with career networking and resume building. You'll learn programming fundamentals, problem-solving strategies, and essential career development skills.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this sprint, you should be able to:

  • Work with basic coding concepts like functions, variables, and mathematical operations
  • Apply Boolean logic and if-then statements in your programs
  • Manipulate strings and arrays using various methods and techniques
  • Implement for-loops and while-loops for iteration
  • Understand the importance of networking and outreach in your job search
  • Create effective warm and cold outreach messages
  • Develop a professional resume that highlights your skills and experience

Modules

This sprint is structured to build your programming fundamentals and career readiness skills:

Module 1

Technical Preparation: Review of Basics

Review functions, variables, and mathematical operations to build a solid foundation.

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Module 2

Technical Preparation: Data Types and If Statements

Master data types and Boolean logic with if-then statements to control program flow.

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Module 3

Technical Preparation: Strings and Arrays

Explore string manipulation, array operations, and looping techniques with for and while loops.

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Module 4

Career Readiness: Outreach, Networking, and Resume

Build networking skills, learn effective outreach strategies, and create a polished resume for your job search.

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Sprint Resources

Primary Resources

Code-Along Sessions Sprint Challenge

Additional Resources

Python Documentation Python Tutorial LinkedIn

How to Succeed in This Sprint

  1. Practice coding daily: Consistent practice is key to mastering programming fundamentals.
  2. Solve LeetCode problems: Challenge yourself with different problem types and difficulty levels.
  3. Build your network: Start reaching out and connecting with professionals in your field.
  4. Refine your resume: Create a clear, concise resume that highlights your relevant skills.
  5. Participate actively: Engage in Code-Alongs and ask questions when needed.