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[GhettoDogAllStars]

I currently work as a computer programmer. I have no academic credentials that apply to this profession. I learned what I know by reading and learning, which is free. I feel that everyone could do this. All you need is a computer, and you can get access to those for free at the library.

We are always looking for quality programmers, and education is of very little significance. Knowledge and experience are paramount. This is a big industry with lots of opportunities for great pay and benefits, and you don't need a college education -- just the time and desire to learn.

Sorry for getting off-topic. I just thought I would share some of my personal experiences which apply to some of the ideas being discussed here.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

I currently work as a computer programmer. I have no academic credentials that apply to this profession. I learned what I know by reading and learning, which is free. I feel that everyone could do this. All you need is a computer, and you can get access to those for free at the library.

We are always looking for quality programmers, and education is of very little significance. Knowledge and experience are paramount. This is a big industry with lots of opportunities for great pay and benefits, and you don't need a college education -- just the time and desire to learn.

Sorry for getting off-topic. I just thought I would share some of my personal experiences which apply to some of the ideas being discussed here.

I'm with GDAS on this. In the Info Tech sector the stuff that matters the most, by a lot, is experience. What do you know? And I have never met anyone who came out of college with a simple college education who was worth hiring to actually do a job. Most of them need real world training and months to finally be able to do well at their jobs. The exceptions are of course the uber dorks who didn't really need a college education in the first place since they had been coding or whatever since they were 9. Anyways my experience is that being successful requires 80% effort and 20% opportunity.