Learning to Program

[Kevin Morris]

thanks for sharing your experience. I work in QA as a tester, we test fixes, upgrades or new software. However, it does not get technical as we only do UAT. I much rather be coding than testing a process, so I am bored out of my mind and not challenged. But it pays my bills and take care of my family.

I graduated with a degree in Comp Sci last Aug. Before going back to school as a mature student, I worked for a Bank supporting installations of ATM machines, daily maintenance of the these machines etc...

At work, as well as at home, I do some skunk projects in Java, PHP and C. This has helped me build skills beyond the basic level but I have not participated in a full SDLC in a 'real project' nor do I have a piece of software that has been implemented for a client. 

I will take the good suggestions from people like yourself and build a portfolio and focus on marketing my skill set so that I can move into a job that I will find rewarding.

Cheers
Kev


> Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 11:42:40 -0400
> From: linux-5ZoueyuiTZhBDgjK7y7TUQ at public.gmane.org
> To: tlug-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org
> Subject: Re: [TLUG]: Learning to Program
> 
> Kevin Morris wrote:
> > You are a self-taught programmer, so how did you get your first programming gig? as I am finding that most jobs require a minimum of 1-2 years experience. Any suggestions!
> 
> The part about being passionate about your art, and like artists, 
> building your portfolio can not be emphasized enough.
> 
> For me, I was in a lucky position. I got started in computers as a 
> sysadmin and on-site support tech. For many years, once a computer, 
> server or network was working, I had no idea what to do after.
> 
> About four years ago, on my job as a sysadmin/support tech, my boss 
> allowed me to try my hand at writing a backup program in my downtime 
> (knowing I was a beginner). So over the next few years I busted my arse 
> (read; worked at home on the project off hours a *lot*) trying to get 
> the program working. It was perfect for me as it tied into my existing 
> knowledge of servers, so I had something to go by.
> 
> So then; what skills do you have? What is your job? If it's a job that 
> has downtime, pick a project and work on it whenever you have free time. 
> I've always though that people who want to be (self-taught) programmers 
> would be perfect for jobs like being a security guard where there is a 
> *lot* of downtime.
> 
> Other than that, program in your free time. Honestly think of it like an 
> art; and like an art you need a portfolio. Start with a "colour in the 
> lines" type program and build on it.
> 
> Trust me; my original backup program embarrasses the heck out of me... 
> Certainly terrible to show off as a portfolio piece, but it is where I 
> started. :)
> 
> I don't know if this will help you at all, but it's the advice I can 
> give. :)
> 
> Be persistent and don't let yourself be discouraged easily.
> 
> Best of luck!
> 
> Madi
> --
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