Eggbert

>how practical is it for someone to expect to go from beginner to entry level pro in one year?
It depends on how motivated you are. One can learn quite a bit in a year, and it is possible to enter the field, but not if you study once in a while and practice occasionally. Keep in mind that your rivals for that job will be college graduates who were stuffed with information for at least four years, hobbyists with several years of intense study and practice, and experienced professionals. To get the job you need to be very good, have uncommon potential, or bring some other redeeming attribute to the table that makes you the most desirable candidate.

mswift

Study Methods?

This is how I have been studying C++.
I have the book "Teach YourSelf C++, Third Edition"
I read the chapters and do the exercises. I try to spend at least one hour per day mon - thur, and fri-sun I put in at least 2-3 hours.

What other menthods may be more effective or could suppliment this line of study?

Eggbert

Find an active forum such as alt.comp.lang.learn.c-c++ or http://cboard.cprogramming.com/ and read all of the threads. If the topic applies to what you're learning, great. If not, stick the information away for later use. If you feel confident answering a question then do so. The best thing that could happen is you get corrected in detail. This way you learn things that you would have missed otherwise.

The nice thing about this method is that if you participate in solving problems, you will further your own knowledge very quickly as well as help others. Newsgroups are better for lurking, while forums such as this one and Cboard are easier for trying your hand at answering questions.

Infinite Recursion

Also keep in mind the need for the following: dedication, motivation, flexibility, keeping up-to-date with new technologies, and being a team player... without those, you will not go very far in the field.

__________________
http://jasonpowers.net

"There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root."

andersRson

I believe that if you want to become a good coder, practice is the most important thing, and having a good solid reference book at your side at all times. The basic syntax of any language can be understood quite quickly, but to put that knowledge to good use takes practice. A lot of practice.
Buy a good book that explains the basics in a good way, several good suggestions have already been given, read it and start coding. When you have gotten a little comfortable with the syntax, check out
bruceeckel.com, he has written two massive books(thinking in java and thinking in c++) that are extremely informative - but not something I recommend for a complete beginner. Best thing - they're both available on the 'net for free.
Pick a project that you would like to work on, like a little game or something that will keep you amused while you learn, it helps.
And don't forget about checking web resources like this forum - others have probably faced the problems you will face, and can help out.