advise for the beginner!

[Veena]

Hello!

I need some advise as a novice. I am a graduate in a disciple of Applied
Chemistry, and have just recently decided to change my field. I have started
by taking some courses on C++ at a local college, the course just ended,
I enjoyed it a lot and so decided to take the advanced C++ next semester.
I have also done some self study on HTML, Javascript. Eventually I would
like to earn a degree in Computer Science, but for right now I would like
to be acquainted with this new world.

Can you guys give me some advise on how to proceed so that I can get some
entry level job (in a related field) and gain experience. Do tell me what
certificate and other courses are in demand.

Thanks in advance,
Veena.

[John]

You don't need a degree; you just need to pass the phone screen:
Study these two books and work the examples in the Dietel book:

* "How to program C++" by Deitel, Deitel
* "Design Pattern" by Gamma, Helm, Johnson, Vlissides

I don't think though, that there is much NEW C++ code written except for
doing embedded system development. You might be able to get a gig doing
maintenance though.

My first real programming job was as a "Broadcast Engineer", I would set
up for radio network talk shows. While I was monitoring the shows I would
write c code for supporting fax and "DCART" audio distribution. My point
is that just about any technical job on the paper or on the net could have
a programming aspect to it.


"Veena" <veena_raja@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>Hello!
>
>I need some advise as a novice. I am a graduate in a disciple of Applied
>Chemistry, and have just recently decided to change my field. I have started
>by taking some courses on C++ at a local college, the course just ended,
>I enjoyed it a lot and so decided to take the advanced C++ next semester.
> I have also done some self study on HTML, Javascript. Eventually I would
>like to earn a degree in Computer Science, but for right now I would like
>to be acquainted with this new world.
>
>Can you guys give me some advise on how to proceed so that I can get some
>entry level job (in a related field) and gain experience. Do tell me what
>certificate and other courses are in demand.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>Veena.

[Chi]

If you are a BS in Chemistry, there are bunches of certification programs
to enhance your credential. Search or follow links for computer certifications
on Brainbench, Microsoft, IBM, Compaq, ...

For those who do want a degree, here is a VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY I graduated
from: Regents College (www.regents.edu). You do not go to school there, you
collect credits and submit to them. It used to be part of University of State
of New York.

I got in the industry by way of Customer Support. Bad hours, high stress,
low pay, abusive customers - makes a high turnaround position. You learn
a lot if you're smart. However, if you are a BS, I would suggest intern positions
at I.T. companies.


"John" <jrd7@cdc.gov> wrote:
>
>You don't need a degree; you just need to pass the phone screen:
>Study these two books and work the examples in the Dietel book:
>
>* "How to program C++" by Deitel, Deitel
>* "Design Pattern" by Gamma, Helm, Johnson, Vlissides
>
>I don't think though, that there is much NEW C++ code written except for
>doing embedded system development. You might be able to get a gig doing
>maintenance though.
>
>My first real programming job was as a "Broadcast Engineer", I would set
>up for radio network talk shows. While I was monitoring the shows I would
>write c code for supporting fax and "DCART" audio distribution. My point
>is that just about any technical job on the paper or on the net could have
>a programming aspect to it.
>
>
>"Veena" <veena_raja@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>Hello!
>>
>>I need some advise as a novice. I am a graduate in a disciple of Applied
>>Chemistry, and have just recently decided to change my field. I have started
>>by taking some courses on C++ at a local college, the course just ended,
>>I enjoyed it a lot and so decided to take the advanced C++ next semester.
>> I have also done some self study on HTML, Javascript. Eventually I would
>>like to earn a degree in Computer Science, but for right now I would like
>>to be acquainted with this new world.
>>
>>Can you guys give me some advise on how to proceed so that I can get some
>>entry level job (in a related field) and gain experience. Do tell me what
>>certificate and other courses are in demand.
>>
>>Thanks in advance,
>>Veena.
>