hellparadiso

Okay, so I'm a 25 year old married mother of two, and I've been an administrative assistant for over seven years. I love it, but I'm ready to move on. I took four high-level C++ courses in high school and college and excelled in them. It just made sense to me, and now that just about everything else has stopped making sense (you know, that "life" stuff), I've found myself gravitating back toward programming as a career option.

Now I screwed up by not taking more courses when I had the time and money to do so, but I can't help but think that I'd be doing myself a disservice if I ignored my renewed interest in the field. So I have some questions.

It's been five years since I've really delved into it, but I'm willing to do what it takes to get back in the game. I'm willing to learn, and I'm willing to work hard, but there are things that I just can't do right now; for instance, going back to college and getting a bachelor's in computer science.

So I ask those who have some experience: what does it really take, in the real world, to attain gainful employment as a programmer? I know there are many different types of programming out there, but which ones should I focus on as someone who's really just getting started? What are employers looking for? Should I just consider this a pipe dream and keep making coffee for people?



It's a huge deal to change careers, and I'm scared, but if it seems to be a good risk, I'm totally willing to take it. Thoughts?

Oh, and you all seem incredibly nice. As someone who's spent most of the last ten years trying to destroy trolls and flamers, it's really refreshing to see a place where people aren't jerks just to be jerks.

titaniumdecoy

It's not too difficult to get web-based programming jobs without a degree. (Search craigslist.com or getafreelancer.com.) You will need to master (X)HTML and CSS. In addition, knowledge of JavaScript and a popular extension such as Prototype is a must. In terms of server-side scripting, most jobs require PHP, although Ruby (on Rails) is gaining popularity. Finally, you will need at least cursory knowledge of SQL and database design.

You will also need an eye for design, or to work someone who does.

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to find a programming job in any other area without a degree.

Jimbo

I wouldn't go so far as to say it's impossible, but difficult yes. You'll be at a disadvantage due to starting later than the energetic teenagers who dropped out of college to work at Startups R Us, but with a decent portfolio/resume/interviewing skill, you can probably find something. Of course, your options may vary according to the region you live in.

You might also consider taking classes at a local college as a refresher and to pick up on some areas you might be weak in.

(Unfortunately, I can't give this post much credibility due to my own lack of experience.)

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OpenLoop

Have you considered taking up a Microsoft or Sun certificate? that might boost your chances.

Jabo

There are some entry/college grad recruiting sites out there on the web, might be your best bet. Then again it could be sham sites too; I haven't dealt with them because I'm afraid they are shams and I don't want to hand my information to just anybody.

Other than that, I can't offer any real insights as I'm still hunting a job after graduating nearly a year ago. I'm just trying to hone my skills while I am searching; it seems programming knowledge dissipates if you don't use it.

Infinite Recursion

It will be fairly difficult to land a decent paying programming job without a degree. However, as was already mentioned... you could aim for certifications from Redhat, Microsoft, Sun, etc. The certs will get you in the door, your abilities will speak for themselves. Without any formal education in the industry, you may want to consider the freelancing sites and posting some of your work on the various community projects... again, your skill will eventually speak for itself.

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