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Help starting out !!
- Thread starter acr95
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Are you already a programmer? If not, read this:
What languages are you interested in? VB, C++, Java, C#?
You could start off by exploring the MCSD/MCAD tracks by Microsoft, or Sun Microsystems has Java certifications...
Either way, I'm a just a network guy, so maybe someone else has a better suggestion (-: Visit www.netwerkin.com
MCSE 2000, MCSA, MCP, A+
What languages are you interested in? VB, C++, Java, C#?
You could start off by exploring the MCSD/MCAD tracks by Microsoft, or Sun Microsystems has Java certifications...
Either way, I'm a just a network guy, so maybe someone else has a better suggestion (-: Visit www.netwerkin.com
MCSE 2000, MCSA, MCP, A+
Hi,
I don't agree with algernonsidney. I have been programming for more than 23 years, and I believe that there is lots of demand for programmers, regardless of whether they have the certification or not. If you can actually sit down and development solid software, there will always be jobs. Maybe not in your part of the country, but somewhere.
Think of this: many companies don't want to advertise their openings, lest their mail boxes fill with thousands of resumes.
If I were starting all over again, I would take as many programming classes as possible. BUT, that isn't enough. If the instructor assigns one or two problems out of the 4 or 5 in that particular chapter, do all of the assignments. This will definitely broaden your experience level, and enhance your programming portfolio. PORTFOLIO??? Yes, if you placed the code into a binder, and took it with you to a job interview with an IT manager, and the manager indicates that he/she wants someone with a certain background (e.g., database programming with Visual Basic), you can simply open the binder to that section and show them what you have done. If I were the manager, I would certainly be impressed.
If you are absolutely positive that you cannot find any entry level jobs in your geographic region, you may want to volunteer to do programming for a non-profit in your area. This will give you practical experience, which looks good on a resume, regardless of whether you actually earned any money from it or not. HTH,![[pc2]](/data/assets/smilies/pc2.gif "[pc2] [pc2]")
Randy Smith
California Teachers Association
I don't agree with algernonsidney. I have been programming for more than 23 years, and I believe that there is lots of demand for programmers, regardless of whether they have the certification or not. If you can actually sit down and development solid software, there will always be jobs. Maybe not in your part of the country, but somewhere.
Think of this: many companies don't want to advertise their openings, lest their mail boxes fill with thousands of resumes.
If I were starting all over again, I would take as many programming classes as possible. BUT, that isn't enough. If the instructor assigns one or two problems out of the 4 or 5 in that particular chapter, do all of the assignments. This will definitely broaden your experience level, and enhance your programming portfolio. PORTFOLIO??? Yes, if you placed the code into a binder, and took it with you to a job interview with an IT manager, and the manager indicates that he/she wants someone with a certain background (e.g., database programming with Visual Basic), you can simply open the binder to that section and show them what you have done. If I were the manager, I would certainly be impressed.
If you are absolutely positive that you cannot find any entry level jobs in your geographic region, you may want to volunteer to do programming for a non-profit in your area. This will give you practical experience, which looks good on a resume, regardless of whether you actually earned any money from it or not. HTH,
Randy Smith
California Teachers Association
algernonsidney
MIS
Actually, Randy is right. If you move to India, you can probably find a programming job. I hear the cost-of-living is dirt cheap.
Chris
Chris
CharlieJax
MIS
Ahh... the love and hate of the IS field...
Programming is not an easy field to get into, nor is always that rewarding (which is why I avoid it like the plague); but if it is something you enjoy doing then I suggest that you don't be daunted by the people who tell you not to follow your dreams.
Many places that are looking for a programmer are looking for someone that has at least a Bachlors in Computer Science and has some experence.
Where do you get experence when you can't get a job? Try out You can create projects, work with others, and more. You will gain exprence, contacts, and money.
What should you study in school? Many computer science people and programmers alike shove their heads into the programming books so deep they forget that business is more than the code they write. Don't bog yourself down into just programming! When you go to interview for your first job (or any job) you have to prove that the company will get a good return on their investment in you by showing that not only can you program, but how your programming skills will help to make the company money (or save them money (people don't like to mention this as much, but it is still a popular thing as the net gets larger when they spend less!)).
Yes, many companies are going overseas for programmers, but there are still thousands of companies looking for talented programmers here in the US.
Anyone can write code, very few can right good code. You learn to write clean, organized code and you'll find a job.
My checklist to you is:
Get training in Java, C++, and Visual Basic
Learn about how business works (production, marketing,
sales, etc).
Perhaps pick up a few certs in your languages
Volunteer to teach programming at a church, community center, etc (This will help to prove that you are a team player, have higher level skills, and it always looks good on a resume!)
Do whatever you want and ignore the nay-sayers!
CJ
Don't drink and post, save that for driving home!
Programming is not an easy field to get into, nor is always that rewarding (which is why I avoid it like the plague); but if it is something you enjoy doing then I suggest that you don't be daunted by the people who tell you not to follow your dreams.
Many places that are looking for a programmer are looking for someone that has at least a Bachlors in Computer Science and has some experence.
Where do you get experence when you can't get a job? Try out You can create projects, work with others, and more. You will gain exprence, contacts, and money.
What should you study in school? Many computer science people and programmers alike shove their heads into the programming books so deep they forget that business is more than the code they write. Don't bog yourself down into just programming! When you go to interview for your first job (or any job) you have to prove that the company will get a good return on their investment in you by showing that not only can you program, but how your programming skills will help to make the company money (or save them money (people don't like to mention this as much, but it is still a popular thing as the net gets larger when they spend less!)).
Yes, many companies are going overseas for programmers, but there are still thousands of companies looking for talented programmers here in the US.
Anyone can write code, very few can right good code. You learn to write clean, organized code and you'll find a job.
My checklist to you is:
Get training in Java, C++, and Visual Basic
Learn about how business works (production, marketing,
sales, etc).
Perhaps pick up a few certs in your languages
Volunteer to teach programming at a church, community center, etc (This will help to prove that you are a team player, have higher level skills, and it always looks good on a resume!)
Do whatever you want and ignore the nay-sayers!
CJ
Don't drink and post, save that for driving home!
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