HORShi

What's going on everyone...

I'm checking to see if there any IT/Programmers etc. on this forum. I'm highly sure there is, but I'm just trying to weed them out.

So, I'm currently right in my 3rd year of college, majoring in Information Technology. Right now, I just finished up this semester on HTML/CSS and Programming Logic & Theory (which consisted of a real basic form of Javascript). I find that I actually the software developing side a little more than (so far) the IT side, which is networking, database and etc etc. Of course, the problem is I'm too far into my major to change, but nonetheless, I want to definitely further along my self-education and expand my knowledge in software development.

I created this thread to get some advice, talk about cpu languages and various of other tech related things.

So I guess to kick it off...

What are some good beginner high-level languages that I should try out? I was highly recommended Python because of it's simplicity and easy to write syntax. I have the whole winter off and I want to take advantage of self-educating myself in some programming languages since I had an encounter with a real shitty professor that was unresponsive for half the semester and end up learning the basics of HTML/CSS damn near on my own, from Google searches, and HTML videos on YT.

It's winter time, my S14 will not be getting driven as much, no drift practicing and 9/10 for sure that I will crammed up and caged in the house because of cold weather and snow. I made it objective to learn and teach myself some useful languages that can benefit me for my future. I know most 20 years olds would probably be out partying, drinking or what the hell ever...But me, no lol. I don't got time for that shit. College is expensive, I'm ready to get out already, and I'm trying to put my self in more versatile position for backup IF my current business plan to open up a tuning shop here in Columbus, OH don't work out. So I'm trying not waste any more time (money too) and rather sacrifice while I'm young to get out on the right track early so I can enjoy the rest of my life comfortably and happily.

I greatly appreciate the input guys/gurls.

Thank you

-Shi

__________________
http://underworld-jp.com

stevenrapids

I just Graduated with an information systems degree and I am the complete opposite of you. I enjoy the networking and databasing side rather than the programming side. Sitting in front of computer all day writing code for a living does not sound appealing to me. However, I did take a few programming classes and they were interesting. Java isn't bad as long as you know how to structure methods...at first i focused on syntax, but figured out fast syntax only gets you so far if you dont have good structure. I didn't mind sql and the idea of running queries on databases. Programming is fun when done and applied to something interesting, but is so tedious at times. Becomes quite frustrating when you hit roadblocks.

__________________
[email protected]_fingers
350z for sale

hobbs

Depends on who you talk to, I've taken a few programming courses and cannot stand programming but on the other hand I enjoy(mostly) my job as a systems engineer where I get to manage all of the hardware in our environment.

For the most part IT is all about experience, if you don't have the skills to backup that piece of paper you get sniffed out pretty quickly. I suggest you take a look at community college courses as they are pretty much the same as any four year school when it comes to technology and programming, no need to waste cash to have a fancy letter head. Try to get an internship at a company, they will teach you a ton and it's valuable experience that will give you that edge over other college grads when applying for jobs. I've been chosen over college grads for job opportunities from my experience and skills learned on the job without a degree. It's kinda what you make of it all, IT is such a expansive job field you can find pretty much anything and in the right company they will help you move into a specific area of IT that you really enjoy.

Python and Ruby would be good to look into, if you're looking for something that would be a safe career path, bury yourself in VM software and you'll be set for the future.

iRONDONkey

if you have the mental capability, go with the programming route. I graduated with CIS, and it was easy for me to find a job out here. at the moment, im pursuing the management route, getting my PMP certification, but i might switch it over to the CCNA. programming will help out greatly with the technical side of IT. tough it out, learn what you can, and finish your degree. i wish i had learned how to program as a kid, since i'm already a working professional in the industry. there is much more opportunity, imo.

HORShi

Thanks for the input guys,

and just to make clear, I DO NOT want to pursue programming lol. The requirements and stress alone as you guys mention is not worth it to me. I have heard too many horror stories from Software Devs majors and experiences they went through. Plus like I said the requirements alone for a software engineering degree is insane.

But I do want to grasp some basic understanding of some programming languages for versatility reasons in the job market. I did like experimenting with Android and lot of the mobile applications because of the real time rendering and it's fun actually. I do not plan on doing hardcore programming such as Microsoft OS writing or anything of that tier.

Do you guys think it's worth taking this extra (could be unnecessary step) to add to my IT/IS major? Would it add some type of extra value?

BTW, @Hobbs Thankfully, I just landed a permanent position in the Information Systems department in a Chemical/Adhesive manufacturer where I live at. I'm starting out as Help Desk Technician, but thank god I have an awesome manager, all my co-workers are older (38+ years old) and they take time out to teach me, educate me even further on Networking/Systems management, some database operations and various of other Information Tech/Systems things. So I want to say I'm lucky to have this position to start out with for a major company AND having really great co-workers that have no problem sharing or teaching me. I'm literally the youngest person here, so I guess there's some value and appeal in that. The head tech always told me the exact same thing you said about virtual machine software. I'm definitely going to look into that and potentially start picking it up on my own.

@stevenrapids I have also dabble very little in SQL, One of the software devs at my job gave me a quick rundown on how it works, preferred IDE and just general stuff about SQL. It didn't seem too bad.

__________________
http://underworld-jp.com

hobbs

Sounds like you're already on your way then to put away some experience, I started two weeks out of highschool at a helpdesk position and moved up the ladder. To me a degree is a waste of money in my current situation and really only helps when you're right out of college to get your foot in the door when it comes to IT. I suggest you load up on certs, that does make the difference when hunting for a job and negotiating pay, check to see if your current employer offers education assistance, some may even pay all of it if you directly connect it to being more productive/efficient in your current role. Good luck!

stevenrapids

I completely agree. Certs are a big plus to potential employers. Working on my Security + cert now. Being an IT person means you are going to be constantly learning new things, school just gives you an opportunity to get in a good position to start with. It's all on the amount you learn and better yourself after you start working. Sucks going to school for 4 years and still starting out entry level and having to work your way up like everyone else, but i do not regret it.

__________________
[email protected]_fingers
350z for sale

S14DB

http://www.codecademy.com/
https://www.khanacademy.org/computin...er-programming

If you are going to be working on *nix based machines then Python will definitely help you. But if you are on winblows systems then not so much.

Keeping your certs up to date is a must. Everything from the A+ on up is you ticket in doors. It's usually minimum requirements like a degree.

A good class on C will help you with any of it's derivatives. C+++, C#, Java...

SQL is a rabbit hole you don't want to go down unless you want to dedicate your life's work to it. A basic understanding of Ruby will help if you ever need to really learn it. There is a lot of specialty stuff like this I would only dedicate your time to if you know you will be working with it full time.

Most stuff is just derivatives of lower level languages. It's important to learn how they all work then focus on specifics when there is an application you need.

__________________
Comments should be taken as Opinions not as Statements of Fact

joeapple8

I wish I was smart enough to code, I gave up in 2005 right when I entered high school, I wanted to be a cool kid with a 240...

Now i'm just an IT contractor who drives has a 240... Kidding, I couldn't stand coding and programming, I'd rather manage systems and networks.

Scherz Daddy

My advice to you is to learn business process. Don't rely only on your technical skills. Make sure that you understand the industry you are in, understand the business strategy and understand where they are going as a company. You will be able to relate to your customers and be able to provide the most value when designing and developing solutions.

Another thing to think about, Don't get stuck only coding, most of that stuff is outsourced to low cost labor...keep that in mind.

Sleepiedaze

learn everything and anything. i went from full on data centers to desktop support to network engineering to a little bit of coding. now a days employers want the full package nut just that one particular skill.

i suggest internships. find a small company and let them know you are willing to work for free in trade for hands on time. yes its time consuming and it sucks balls but lets face it. in the IT world if you dont have experience you will not find anything.

Gnnr

OP, learn a true object oriented language (not a scripting language) like S14DB said, C++, C#, Java. The most important thing is to actually grasp what the concept of Object Oriented programming (no seriusly, do not just blow right by this it wont take a few minutes) so that you actually think in that way. Learning recursion and the rest of the theories will help you to be a better troubleshooter because it will get you thinking in a different manner.

SQL like S14DB is an endless tunnel. You have to really know it in depth, its not just writing queries anymore, its about optimized queries, dB optimization, data mining, relational algebra, etc etc.

I got a BSIT, I got some bad news for you if think you wont be in front of a desk all day. I do 75% remote support and 25% on site support. You're still running through 100s of lines of log entries, packet captures and analysis reports which is equally taxing. Especially if you're doing any high level support.

Well, I've had a different experience. My degree helped me get in a favorable spot with recruiters, staffing agents and COO's whom came from the same Alma matter.

Its good to have the certs, but if you lack the experience you'll get weeded out as well. Hiring managers know that a lot of the answers to the exams are online. Also, be careful if your employer pays for them as they usually tie you down to 1-2yrs after certification in monetary obligation if you leave the company.

I agree with doing an internship, I did a paid internship before graduating and was hired full time upon graduation.

__________________