Thread: Understanding Programming Industry

Hi.

I never anticapate I would consider what I am about to discuss six months ago. I am considering my options *if* I decide to leave college and enter the software industry to an entry level C++ programming position (something I LOVE *C++*).

I am in my third year of college and I doubt I will finish all required course until another two years, which is a year beyond what I originally planned. I am really tired of boring and meaningless classes that are part of the computer science curriculum. In terms of programming, I am at a level that is beyond any of my fellow class. I take a class that was designed for seniors (program solving). I am making considerable progress with MFC and I have complete confidence I will be proficient with MFC within six months (at most).

I would like to know the *significant*/*importance* of a computer science degree in the software industry.

First, I am still in school and can of course stay. I really am tired of the boring and meaningless courses that waste my time and energy. I love programming! Heck, if possible, I want to solve programs using C++ 12 hours a day or until I can no longer stay awake.

If something were to change and I look elsewhere, what are my options? I would like to know from real programmers. How secure are your jobs w/ or w/o degrees?

Thanks,
Kuphryn

Thanks! That article is very informative.

I basically knew before I posted that the majority would recommend getting the degree. I, too, agree with staying in school and finish the degree.

Now relative to the job market, I think that it is so unfair that employers judge a *person* by some resume and application. How can you know whether one can *get the job done* and *are passionate about the job* when they have not seen the person face to face? I mean in this day and age you would think someone has invented a *better* way to evaluate true talent in all fields and especially programming.

I can honestly say that I have complete confident in my programming/C++ skill. I would go up against anyone at my school and even the professors (the majority are NOT very good). I do lack experience since the first time I programmed anything was at the beginning of the 2001 fall semester. I love C++ so much I was able to learn quick. Practice is the key to success in programming.

My plan now is to stay for now and deal with arrogant professors and the boring and unimportant (to software) subjects. I am trying hard to go through as many classes as I can and still pass them. In short I want to get the degree the sooner the better.

If and when I do look for maybe an internship or a full time job and send in my resume, do past programming projects (programs) help? I did some sample, but original, program I worked out just for fun. I want to know so I can start program some more stuff for later show and tell.

Thanks,
Kuphryn

Originally posted by kuphryn
I do lack experience since the first time I programmed anything was at the beginning of the 2001 fall semester.

Wait wait wait... Are you saying that you have been coding for less than a year and you think you can go up against your professors?

What school do you go to?

Yes. I program more than I am in class. When I am not in class, I am either reading up on MFC or is programming.

Academically, the school is very good. The programming courses are way too easy.

Kuphryn