Byte by byte: A computer science student’s path from basic coding to advanced data analysis

When Jinling Cai enroled in Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology — Software Development and Network Engineering (SDNE) program, the most she knew about computer science was that it could be used to solve problems.

"I like critical thinking and using logic to create impact, but I didn't know how to code," Cai says. "I never thought I might actually be able to create software from scratch that could improve a process or system by making things more efficient or effective."

Learning computer science from scratch was challenging, but Cai quickly found her footing. “Sheridan’s SDNE program has many supportive instructors who are always willing to help students, even outside of class," she says. "They also provide various teaching methods that match the needs of their students, whether it’s videos and diagrams or literature."

During her SDNE studies, Cai also discovered an interest in back-end development, particularly working with data to uncover patterns and inform decisions. After graduating with honours from the SDNE advanced diploma program, Cai was admitted into the third year of Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Computer Science degree, and is now pursuing a specialization in Data Analysis.

“Studying at Sheridan is not just theory-based courses and exams; it's also about projects and assignments, building practical skills we can apply in the workplace. That's very helpful.”

– Honours Bachelor of Computer Science student Jinling Cai 

"Studying at Sheridan is not just theory-based courses and exams; it's also about hands-on projects and assignments, building practical skills we can apply in the workplace. That's very helpful," says Cai, who completed a co-op term with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and has also worked for Sheridan as a course tutor. For her degree capstone (a project that showcases knowledge and skills students have obtained in their program), she's exploring how digital receipts can provide valuable insights for both retailers and customers.

"Starting from zero in the computer science field, knowing nothing about software development or computer hardware... at the beginning, I struggled, but after that the path has been smooth," she adds. "I now see software as a language I can understand and use to communicate with the computer to create things that solve problems, make work easier, or use data and machine learning to help people make better decisions."

Sheridan offers a robust suite of applied computing programs, ranging in duration from eight-month graduate certificates to four-year degrees — including the first cyber security degree in Canada. Many include pathways that recognize prior learning or enable students to easily transition to another area of computer science, and the Honours Bachelor of Computer Science allows students to change specializations midway through the program by taking just two additional courses. Sheridan also recently introduced two unique programs that address Canada's urgent shortage of skilled professionals in cyber security and cloud security.