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Any advice at all for an aspiring Software Engineer?

First a little background on me:
- Hey I am currently a college student (hopefully I will get my A.S. & A.A. in computer science in the summer of 2011 -yes, I am eligible for both due to the fact there was no A.S. in Computer Science when I started attending college consecutively in 2007, so why not?...haha)...
- I would really love to be a Software Engineer some day (I was originally thinking Systems Software Engineer, but Applications Software Engineer will still be great for me)...
- I have a lot of experience troubleshooting and fixing /repairing / building computers starting from when I was about 12 years old when I set up my first PC (not build, mind you) and I used to always mess with the computers in Elementary (figuring out how to exit the schools provided screen and getting to a regular desktop etc...)
-Now I do not have any of what you may call formal experience (I never had an actual job with computers)...I have a lot of warehouse job experience though...and lately I was getting worried that it will hold me back, because I do not know how to get into the job field....
- I would like to get a masters degree (in Computer Science), hopefully with honors if everything continues as it is. (currently a 3.4 Cumulative GPA...)
Some of my thoughts / ideas / questions:
+I was thinking of trying to get some kind of IT Tech or support job to start off in the field (though jobs are scarce right now, so that may have to wait at least until I get my degree)...Is that a good thought?
+I currently have some experience with Visual Basic .net, C, C++, IA32 Assembly and now have developed my first Android app in Java.
Now I really would like to be a Software Engineer one day, so how would you suggest I go about doing so? Do you have any advice / ideas / comments @ all for me? Could you in the field give me some tips or even tell me your story (short OR long, I would love to hear it either way) about how you got to where you are & your current thoughts about it (do you like it?, what would you have done different? How and Why ?)
-in advance: Thanks A LOT! I am sort-of worried about my situation because sometimes it gets a little discouraging and/or confusing on what to do to get where I want to be....

how come no one has responded? there seems to be many educated people here and I am sure someone has something to say... also I am sure there are many of you who happen to be in some type of IT field, I would like to hear from you all...
Please advise me, I am in need of a little advice and guidance...

Just one possibility:
Do a computer science degree and make sure you get a 2:1 or more. Work for a recognized (so your CV looks good) large IT consultancy for a couple+ of years working for lots of their clients so you get varied experience. If you can, get some Finance (in combination with your IT experience) experience there. Learn a language that's particularly commercial (I recommend C# combined with your C++ - plus other areas of Microsoft .Net - asp.net, win forms, smart clients, full n-tier development, full life cycle development). Then go IT contacting where the real money is - with C++ and C# and Finance you'll be able to get the best paid contracts - assuming you're personable and committed too.
Does that help?

My advice, get a real job.....Software Engineers are a dime a dozen.

corrie said:
My advice, get a real job.....Software Engineers are a dime a dozen.
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+1, i've met too many software engineers in college, and that is the main reason why i stay away from the computer field (i'm a biomechanical undergradate student, specializing in auto design or biomedical engineering)
1.) you need to go higher than an associate's degree, i suggest going for a bachelores in computer science than maybe some experience before going to get your masters, if you're lucky maybe your company will pay for your tuition
2.) specialize, as said theres too many software engineers in this world, therefore you have to specialize.
3.) engineering is the combination of art and science remember that
4.) for a tech job, since you're still a student with no real work experience in the computer field, i suggest getting certification such as A+ certification
5.) always have a backup plan, i was thinking network security personally since i like tinkering with things lol

d k of the new add for breaking its still up no more, whaaaatttt?

Danni3 said:
+1, i've met too many software engineers in college, and that is the main reason why i stay away from the computer field (i'm a biomechanical undergradate student, specializing in auto design or biomedical engineering)
1.) you need to go higher than an associate's degree, i suggest going for a bachelores in computer science than maybe some experience before going to get your masters, if you're lucky maybe your company will pay for your tuition
2.) specialize, as said theres too many software engineers in this world, therefore you have to specialize.
3.) engineering is the combination of art and science remember that
4.) for a tech job, since you're still a student with no real work experience in the computer field, i suggest getting certification such as A+ certification
5.) always have a backup plan, i was thinking network security personally since i like tinkering with things lol
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wow that is discouraging...
I am actually planning on going higher than an Associates degree for sure, hopefully a masters, but if not then a bachelors at the least...
hmm, now you have me thinking... should I really try to go for something else? I was excited thinking about being a software engineer ...

erebusting said:
wow that is discouraging...
I am actually planning on going higher than an Associates degree for sure, hopefully a masters, but if not then a bachelors at the least...
hmm, now you have me thinking... should I really try to go for something else? I was excited thinking about being a software engineer ...
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I'm not saying that you shouldn't become a software engineer, but i'm just implying that they're not in high demand currently. But that could be said about any job, you just have to be very good at what you do and you'll find a job in no time =P
I'm suggesting that you specialize in something a bit more specific than software engineer, just like there are specializations of mechanical engineering (auto,aerospace,bioengineering,energy systems... etc) that way you can still do what you love (programming i assume) but to a more specific goal.
The reason i tell you to get higher than an associates (2 years) is because the average job now a days require atleast a bachelors degree. My Mom, a tiny little asian women, has a computer science degree and works for the government, its about 60k starting and shes been there for a few years so now she makes just under 80k ;] but you need atleast a 3.0 gpa and a bachelor degree
http://www.earnmydegree.com/online-education/learning-center/education-value.html
just look at the difference in salary!
don't worry about what degree to get either, you can complete all of your undergraduate studies before you have to choose a major, thats about two years of undergrad study

thanks for that advice...
I currently have over a 3.0 which I am trying to maintain...
I am in California, where seems to be a dense pack of tech jobs around (am I wrong though?)...
Also, I have not looked at many colleges around and what specific section of computer science they specialize in, after I do that though- I will have an Idea of what programming I want to specialize in (any ideas of what may be popular?)...
I know theres like robotics programming, gaming programming, and there are others I am not too aware of which I will have to look into....
Hey I just want to say I appreciate each and every comment here, it really helps chatting about it with you all...
I do look forward to more comments also from different people, I know things aren't the same for everyone and maybe some others have views on a different side of the story...idk, but thanks so far!!

[Q] What do I need to know if I was going to work for a company like Google?

My dream is to open up my own company and design my own mobile os and to make smart phones. Working for Google like designing things would be cool too. I am heading off to college this fall and I need some help picking a major. What major would I need to go into to do things like this. Please help me. Also i have a term paper and I have to write how to achieve my dream job, so if you can answer quick that would help thanks in advance! btw I signed up for electrical engineering - is that good?

Firstly, ud need to know the name of the company
Google is the company, android is their mobile os flagship.

I don't think electrical engineering will help much as a major, but having an understanding of that stuff will help. But definitely look into computer science, software engineering, and pretty much anything computer related, especially things like systems engineering, and for phone development, you will DEFINITELY want to look into anything involving embedded systems.
You will need experience programming software and firmware, so programming courses are a must, so take as many of those as you can.
The most important thing you can do, though, is find books and resources for yourself and teach yourself as much as possible outside of school. A lot of courses revolve around a specific subset of material and may not discuss the topics that interest you. That, of course, will depend on your school's curriculum requirements and the professor teaching the class.
Whatever you do, though, make sure it is enjoyable to you and that you aren't just settling for something easy or convenient.

From a tech vet at Google:
http://dondodge.typepad.com/the_nex...oogle-interview-questions-hiring-process.html

Advice from experts, for an aspiring IT professional

Hi everyone.
My name is Matthew and I was wondering if I could get some advice from professionals in the IT field. I want to go into the IT field, specifically mobile technology, and I was hoping for some sage advice from real experts like you guys.
First, I want to start off with a quick background for me so you know why I'm asking these questions. One thing I was interested in, in addition to tech, was the Japanese language when I was growing up (no I'm not an anime nerd, I just like the culture and language). Because of that interest I pursued the Japanese language at college trying my best to learn it. Long story short, I went to Japan, learned the language, and came back and got my bachelors in Linguistics thinking that I would be a translator/teacher in the long run. After graduating I went back to Japan, taught English and did some translation on the side. I enjoyed it somewhat but not a whole lot. My free time was always taken up by tinkering with mobile devices and computers and listening to tech shows such as TwiT, TwiG, etc. Then I would go to work, teach English and come home again and repeat. This lasted for about a year. I got a job offer in another city in Japan but could see the writing on the wall. Tech has been getting better and better and it won't be long before computers can teach languages much better than I can, and computers can translate much better than I can (look at google translate, while not perfect, it knows words that I have never heard of, and syntax and semantics get better every day) Because of this, I decided to return to America because my father wanted to start a business and really needed my help. He didn't know how to do any of the tech, governmental, and business side of the business and I did. It has been almost a year and we are now a successful business that I have automated so I can run things from afar to help him. I told him I would give him a year and it's about time for me to move on and start my next chapter.
Now I'm 28, feel like I have traveled the world and did my young live there live here thing while still getting a college degree, and I'm ready to jump into my REAL career. I have always heard that people who find a career in their hobby are happiest, and that's what I want to do. Obviously I love tech because that was my go to thing in my relax time, especially mobile.
That being said, where do you think I should start? I REALLY don't want to go back to college as I feel that another degree would be a waste of time and money (took SOOOO many classes in college that I do not remember to this day and feel like it was a total waste, and I honestly don't think college is useful anymore as far as the stuff you learn relative to the time and money spent). I am currently studying online with the videos Professor Messer has put on youtube and professormesser.com to get my A+, Networking+, and Security+ certifications. Very informative videos that reminds me of good college classes that I used to take where I felt like I was actually learning. Most of this content I already know so this shouldn't take too much time. After that I was thinking of going for a few more certs from CompTIA as well but not sure which ones yet. I figured I would at least keep those 3 major ones up to date.
I'm great with people and actually like working with them and wouldn't mind doing a troubleshooting job such as at a cell phone store (like I said, I really enjoy mobile tech the most but desktops and laptops are still very interesting to me). I am also great at sales because of my people skills but boy do I hate it. The pressure is too much and I end up getting angry if someone beats me in sales because of luck. I really don't want to deal with that.
Do you, my esteemed professionals in the field with experience I can really benefit from, have any more advice as far as where else I should go or what I should do to increase my tech career?
Thank you very much for your time and I hope to hear from you guys soon!

[Completed] Internet of Things (IoT) - General Assistance

I apologize in advance if I posted this thread in the wrong place... I appreciate all the contributors, forum admins, etc.... for all the hard work and expertise that is the backbone for the XDA community!!!
Here is my question: (for additional background info, etc... please see details below) I'm wanting to learn as much as possible about the IoT. So I have checked out starter kits for the Arduino and Rasberry Pi Platforms but not sure if 1 is better than the other or should I get both? I understand the difference in technology, specs, etc... for these 2 platforms but have no idea which 1 would best help me develop the skills necessary to find work in the IoT field. I do have some basic coding skills, expert on hardware of all types and basic soldering skills working with boards/electronics. I feel like the basic starter kits for either platform will be very boring and uninspiring... should I buy a certain starter kit and add a couple component kits? I don't mind running through the basic projects very quickly to get a quick overview on how it all works but I would prefer a greater challenge and more in depth projects. I cant find any intermediate or higher degree of experience type sets. Any assistance at all would be greatly appreciated... or if you know of any forums where I might find XDA quality professionals to mingle with...
***** (the extended, long winded and probably way too much info version)*****
I am looking for a little basic assistance\guidance on the latest hot topic, the Internet of Things (IoT). I rely on XDA for all my mobile needs. The professionals that contribute content, apps, roms, root methods, etc... are the best in the biz, truly amazing people! I have spent 2 days searching the web for info on this topic but all the info I have come across is a little too generic so I thought I would try my luck here on XDA where the real brains and experts behind all things technical congregate.
My Question is very basic but I'm hoping to get some helpful feedback or pointed in the right direction. I have worked in IT field of the Telco industry for 20yrs. Mostly designing and building multi-million dollar data centers. As manager of IT, my staff and I supported 80+ MS Servers (Exchange, IIS, SQL, PDC"s, AD, SMS). I got my MCSE in Windows NT 4.0 (you can stop laughing now... haha). I actually started the IT Dept, for a small CLEC and it all went to **** when I was promoted to Mgr. of IT, then Director of IT. I helped many techs get the latest CCNA, MCSE licenses while I was sent to "executive training seminars/courses". Just wanted to provide my experience and background.
Now I'm 45yrs old, was laid off many years ago and lost my footing in the fast paced IT market. I will never take another mgmt. position because I enjoy being in the trenches. I'm not a fan of Bill Gates, MS software and OS bore me to tears so I figured the next big thing is gonna be IoT apps/solutions. So now to piss you guys off with a very basic question... I want to get a starter kit for the Arduino or Rasberry Pi platforms but not sure which 1 is best suited for IoT integration, apps, etc... or should I get both? I have seen all the starter kits but I'm not the type of person that enjoys making a light blink or any of the other basic projects. I'm pretty confident that I can take on more challenging tutorials/projects. I would have more fun building my own drone/quadchopper or integrating blu tooth devices, security cameras, etc... and eventually hope to find a not so common area to integrate IoT solutions, maybe agriculture in the medical marijuana industry. That would be lots of fun. hahaha
I'm an extremely fast learner (already have some experience soldering boards, etc... but far from an expert) so if there are any pros here with experience on these platforms in regards to IoT, I would greatly appreciate any help, technical or career advice. Again, I know this isn't the focus of XDA but I know where to find the experts... I would probably ask for marital advice on here if it involved any gadgets. lol...
PS. Sorry for the long read I just wanted to provide some background info hoping to avoid the "newbie" label and being referred to a basic beginner kit. There are so many variations in the available kits, an extensive list of projects, upgrades and components. What I hope to find is someone who has already been down this road and can help me avoid buying over priced gimmicky kits. I assume I will want to purchase a larger starter kit then add a few components, sensor, etc,.. type kits. Has anyone purchased any of this stuff off WISH? I wouldn't trust the boards off that site but small electrical components like resisters, etc... might be fine.
Thanks to all those who take the time to respond to my request and if I get nothing, I'm forever grateful for all the support on my SamSung devices.

TeeShark said:
I apologize in advance if I posted this thread in the wrong place... I appreciate all the contributors, forum admins, etc.... for all the hard work and expertise that is the backbone for the XDA community!!!
Here is my question: (for additional background info, etc... please see details below) I'm wanting to learn as much as possible about the IoT. So I have checked out starter kits for the Arduino and Rasberry Pi Platforms but not sure if 1 is better than the other or should I get both? I understand the difference in technology, specs, etc... for these 2 platforms but have no idea which 1 would best help me develop the skills necessary to find work in the IoT field. I do have some basic coding skills, expert on hardware of all types and basic soldering skills working with boards/electronics. I feel like the basic starter kits for either platform will be very boring and uninspiring... should I buy a certain starter kit and add a couple component kits? I don't mind running through the basic projects very quickly to get a quick overview on how it all works but I would prefer a greater challenge and more in depth projects. I cant find any intermediate or higher degree of experience type sets. Any assistance at all would be greatly appreciated... or if you know of any forums where I might find XDA quality professionals to mingle with...
***** (the extended, long winded and probably way too much info version)*****
I am looking for a little basic assistance\guidance on the latest hot topic, the Internet of Things (IoT). I rely on XDA for all my mobile needs. The professionals that contribute content, apps, roms, root methods, etc... are the best in the biz, truly amazing people! I have spent 2 days searching the web for info on this topic but all the info I have come across is a little too generic so I thought I would try my luck here on XDA where the real brains and experts behind all things technical congregate.
My Question is very basic but I'm hoping to get some helpful feedback or pointed in the right direction. I have worked in IT field of the Telco industry for 20yrs. Mostly designing and building multi-million dollar data centers. As manager of IT, my staff and I supported 80+ MS Servers (Exchange, IIS, SQL, PDC"s, AD, SMS). I got my MCSE in Windows NT 4.0 (you can stop laughing now... haha). I actually started the IT Dept, for a small CLEC and it all went to **** when I was promoted to Mgr. of IT, then Director of IT. I helped many techs get the latest CCNA, MCSE licenses while I was sent to "executive training seminars/courses". Just wanted to provide my experience and background.
Now I'm 45yrs old, was laid off many years ago and lost my footing in the fast paced IT market. I will never take another mgmt. position because I enjoy being in the trenches. I'm not a fan of Bill Gates, MS software and OS bore me to tears so I figured the next big thing is gonna be IoT apps/solutions. So now to piss you guys off with a very basic question... I want to get a starter kit for the Arduino or Rasberry Pi platforms but not sure which 1 is best suited for IoT integration, apps, etc... or should I get both? I have seen all the starter kits but I'm not the type of person that enjoys making a light blink or any of the other basic projects. I'm pretty confident that I can take on more challenging tutorials/projects. I would have more fun building my own drone/quadchopper or integrating blu tooth devices, security cameras, etc... and eventually hope to find a not so common area to integrate IoT solutions, maybe agriculture in the medical marijuana industry. That would be lots of fun. hahaha
I'm an extremely fast learner (already have some experience soldering boards, etc... but far from an expert) so if there are any pros here with experience on these platforms in regards to IoT, I would greatly appreciate any help, technical or career advice. Again, I know this isn't the focus of XDA but I know where to find the experts... I would probably ask for marital advice on here if it involved any gadgets. lol...
PS. Sorry for the long read I just wanted to provide some background info hoping to avoid the "newbie" label and being referred to a basic beginner kit. There are so many variations in the available kits, an extensive list of projects, upgrades and components. What I hope to find is someone who has already been down this road and can help me avoid buying over priced gimmicky kits. I assume I will want to purchase a larger starter kit then add a few components, sensor, etc,.. type kits. Has anyone purchased any of this stuff off WISH? I wouldn't trust the boards off that site but small electrical components like resisters, etc... might be fine.
Thanks to all those who take the time to respond to my request and if I get nothing, I'm forever grateful for all the support on my SamSung devices.
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Click to collapse
Greetings and welcome to assist. This is not really our field of expertise unfortunately. I know very little about Arduino but have used the raspberry Pi. We have a dedicated forum for the Pi here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/raspberry-pi
I think the experts ther will be able to assist you bettert than us
Good Luck
Sawdoctor

Education Advice -

Recently I decided to start online school this coming January . With my work schedule, ( 12 hour swing shifts ) it's pretty much the only way possible. I wanted to go into computer programming. It was brought to my attention recently that, that is a skill better self taught. And that there are more lucrative diplomas in college to peruse. So my question is, what are yaw opinions on what is best ? More financially promising, or get my foot in the door to self teach more to do with software. Im new to this site and am not trying to cross the boundary between what is allowed and personal gain. I've talked to alot of people I consider intelligent, and am basically seeking a last turn of advice. Feel free to p.m me and discuss anything. From internet security to software development, all the way to another door I met not have considered . Any advice is appreciated.

Whyaintyoudeadyet said:
Recently I decided to start online school this coming January . With my work schedule, ( 12 hour swing shifts ) it's pretty much the only way possible. I wanted to go into computer programming. It was brought to my attention recently that, that is a skill better self taught. And that there are more lucrative diplomas in college to peruse. So my question is, what are yaw opinions on what is best ? More financially promising, or get my foot in the door to self teach more to do with software. Im new to this site and am not trying to cross the boundary between what is allowed and personal gain. I've talked to alot of people I consider intelligent, and am basically seeking a last turn of advice. Feel free to p.m me and discuss anything. From internet security to software development, all the way to another door I met not have considered . Any advice is appreciated.
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Click to collapse
Hi,
This is a really interesting question, you're not crossing any boundaries, you've posted at the right place.
So you're considering attending college courses online, to finally get a diploma and a job if I'm correct.
To me, it is true that programming is "better" self-taught, and this is what XDA is all about. And by self taught I mean that you can browse YouTube for content creators that'll explain your very well, or much better than some ****ty school that make you pay 10 grands and don't know how to teach anything.
But if you're searching a job, you'll have a lot less chances if you self-teach, because what a company wants are guarantees: a diploma, and if you compete for the job with two other guy with degrees, you'll be in a delicate situation. So if you want a job, it would be better to attend college courses.
And for the job choice, it's up to you, what do you want to dedicate your life to? If you chose to study Computer Science, you'll make it your job. If you self teach, you'll be considered like an "amateur", and less chances to find a job. There are always more lucrative options, but you won't be happy making a job you don't like.
Hope this helped. Good luck