Hi HN
I have just finished up my undergrad and wont be starting my Master's until fall this year. The programme I am joining is a bit more IT heavy (think quantitative economics mixed with some software development) than my undergrad. I have been advised by acquaintances in the programme to get extremely comfortable with Python before starting.
I do have some basic Python experience from a summer internship but I still am nowhere near any sort of profiency. I wanted to ask you about how to best spend the coming six months in order to prepare for the programme?
Would it make sense to get involved in the Open Source community or am I simply too inexperienced to contribute?
Is there anything I could study besides "pure" Python (e.g. algorithms or another language) that would make sense to have in my developer toolbox?
For the science-related libraries, there are excellent and extensive tutorials and courses in the web. I would prefer actual experience over text book knowledge.
If you want to earn some money, these libraries are used by a lot of data research intensive companies; you could do some freelancing (even remote) or an internship.
If you like OSS, study the source and the open tickets of the relevant libs. Enroll in the developer mailing list, if applicable. Get into touch, there will be work which you can do.
Happy studying!