🧭 Beginner Roadmap: Computing,
Coding, AI, Data Science &
Cybersecurity
For students with little or no background in tech (study 1 hr/day or a few hours per week)
🖥️ STAGE 1: Get Comfortable with Computers
Goal: Learn how computers and the internet work
Time: 1–2 weeks
What to Learn:
● What is a computer? What are files, software, memory?
● How the internet works (websites, email, cloud)
● Basic keyboard & file management skills
Resources:
● CS First – Google: https://csfirst.withgoogle.com
● Khan Academy – Internet 101:
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computers-and-internet
🎮 STAGE 2: Learn to Code Visually
Goal: Build logic & problem-solving using blocks
Time: 2–3 weeks
What to Learn:
● Make a simple game (e.g. chase, quiz, animation)
● Understand loops, conditions, and variables
Resources:
● Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu
● Hour of Code: https://code.org/learn
🐍 STAGE 3: Learn Real Code (Python)
Goal: Start typing real code and building mini programs
Time: 3–4 weeks
What to Learn:
● Print messages, do math
● Use variables, conditions, loops
● Make a calculator or quiz game
Resources:
● Replit: https://replit.com
● CodeCombat: https://codecombat.com
● Khan Academy – Python:
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming
🤖 STAGE 4: Introduction to AI
Goal: Understand what AI is and what it can (and can’t) do
Time: 2–3 weeks
What to Learn:
● What is AI and machine learning?
● How AI can see, hear, talk, play games
● Try building mini-AI projects (with help)
Resources:
● Teachable Machine: https://teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
● Microsoft MakeCode AI: https://arcade.makecode.com/
● AI for Kids – Google: https://experiments.withgoogle.com/collection/ai
📊 STAGE 5: Learn Data Science Basics
Goal: Understand how to work with data and find useful insights
Time: 2–3 weeks
What to Learn:
● What is data? How is it collected and stored?
● Use spreadsheets or Python to analyze data
● Make simple graphs and find patterns
Resources:
● Kaggle Learn: https://www.kaggle.com/learn
● DataCamp for Kids: https://www.datacamp.com/kids
● Google Sheets or Excel tutorials on YouTube
🔒 STAGE 6: Cybersecurity for Beginners
Goal: Learn how to protect devices, data, and identity online
Time: 2 weeks
What to Learn:
● Passwords, phishing, safe browsing
● What is malware and how to avoid it
● How to stay private and secure online
Resources:
● CyberStart America: https://www.cyberstart.com
● Khan Academy – Cybersecurity:
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-science/informationsecurity
● Google Interland: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com
🛠️ STAGE 7: Build Cool Projects
Goal: Combine your skills to make things you love
What to Create:
● A quiz app that remembers your score
● A chatbot with your own rules
● A basic data dashboard or weather app
● AI that classifies images (e.g. smiles vs frowns)
📅 Example Weekly Plan (1 hour per day)
Week Focus
1 Learn how computers work
2 Scratch coding
3 More Scratch + logic
4 Start Python coding
5 Python project
6 Try AI tools (Teachable Machine)
7 Intro to data science
8 Cybersecurity basics
9 Final project (combine skills)
Would you like a checklist version of this to track your progress, or ideas for mini-projects at
each stage?
You said:
careers i can gain after completing this
ChatGPT said:
Great question! 🎓
After completing this beginner roadmap in computing, coding, AI, data
science, and cybersecurity, you'll have a solid foundation to explore many exciting careers
— even as a student or fresh graduate.
Here’s a list of careers you can grow into, based on what you've learned:
🔧 1. Software Developer / Programmer
What you’ll do:
● Build apps, websites, or games
● Solve problems using code (like Python, JavaScript)
Start with: Python + Replit + Projects
Future tools: GitHub, VS Code, APIs
🌐 2. Web Developer
What you’ll do:
● Design and build websites
● Work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Start with: FreeCodeCamp, CodePen, or Glitch
Extra tools: React, Tailwind, WordPress
📊 3. Data Analyst / Junior Data Scientist
What you’ll do:
● Clean, analyze, and visualize data
● Help companies make decisions based on data
Start with: Google Sheets + Python (pandas, matplotlib)
Future tools: Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI
🤖 4. AI/ML Assistant or Junior AI Developer
What you’ll do:
● Help build or train machine learning models
● Work on chatbots, image classifiers, or smart tools
Start with: Teachable Machine, Python basics
Future tools: TensorFlow, OpenAI, Hugging Face
🔐 5. Cybersecurity Assistant / Analyst (Entry Level)
What you’ll do:
● Protect computer systems from threats
● Detect bugs, phishing, hacking attempts
Start with: Google Interland, Khan Cybersecurity
Future tools: Kali Linux, Wireshark, TryHackMe, CompTIA Security+
🎮 6. Game Developer (Beginner Level)
What you’ll do:
● Create simple games in 2D or 3D
● Use engines like Scratch, Unity, or Godot
Start with: Scratch or Tynker
Future tools: Unity + C#, Blender, Unreal Engine
🧠 7. Prompt Engineer / AI Content Creator (New field!)
What you’ll do:
● Design smart prompts for tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney
● Help businesses use AI better (education, writing, design)
Start with: Practicing clear prompts, ChatGPT use
Future tools: OpenAI Playground, Notion AI, Canva AI
📱 8. App Developer (Low-code/No-code)
What you’ll do:
● Build apps using simple drag-drop tools
● Useful for people who aren’t expert coders
Start with: MIT App Inventor or Glide
Future tools: Adalo, Bubble, FlutterFlow
🌍 9. Tech Support / Junior IT Technician
What you’ll do:
● Help others fix their computers, software, or networks
Start with: Understanding how computers and networks work
Extra tools: Google IT Support Certificate, PC building
🛠️ 10. Freelancer / Online Tech Worker
What you’ll do:
● Offer services online: website setup, chatbot building, graphics, tutoring
Start with: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer
Skills you need: Clear communication, portfolio of your projects
🎓 Bonus: What Can You Do While Still in School?
● Enter coding competitions (e.g. Google Code-in, Hackathons)
● Join tech clubs (STEM, robotics, girls in tech)
● Teach others (start a mini tech club!)
● Earn beginner certifications (Google, Microsoft, IBM)
✅ Summary: Career Paths by Area
Area Career Path Examples
Programming Software dev, web dev, app builder
Data Data analyst, business intelligence, ML engineer
AI Prompt engineer, chatbot builder, AI tester
Cybersecurity Security analyst, penetration tester (ethical
hacker)
General IT IT support, tech assistant
