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!!
Related
hey guys,
i've been looking online this morning for classes where i can learn how to do cell phone programming and modification. i haven't had much luck though. most of the results either bring me back to XDA or a similar website, or they take me to a site that is just trying to sell me something that is cell phone or computer related. so i guess my question is: what exactly is this field or line of work called? i've been looking under computer programming, cell phone programming, cell phone modification, smart phone programming, and smart phone modification, all with "classes" at the end, of course. can someone help me out with this? i know it probably sounds like a dumb question, but i'm just having no luck bring back any "course related" results in my search. like i said, it just produces results for websites like this one, o retail websites. i'd love to get into this field of work. i have been customizing my phone (HTC Tilt/Kaiser/Tytn, etc) which i have an extra one of to test on thanks to my lovely wife, and i have been enjoying it very much. trying new ROMs, making some feeble attempts at cooking ROMs, and checking out all the software that is available for my phone. i have been enjoying it so much that i would like to take some courses on the subject and start a carreer in this field! my wife can't seem to drag me away from the computer, and when she does, i've got my phone. we figure that if i like it this much, i should take some courses and get paid to do this kind of stuff 8 hours a day. then it wouldn't take up quite so much time at home. anyway, i'm rambling now, so if anyone could give me some more ideas on what exactly to search for or what this line of work is called, it would aid me in trying to find a place locally that offers some classes on the subject. thank you in advance for any help that you folks can provide me with. by the way, i'm in the DFW (TX, US) area, if any local folks happen to be reading and could point me in the right direction. for the moment, i'm interested in campus classes or online classes, doesn't make much difference at the moment. i would like to see what each has to offer for the time being, and money will be an issue, as things are pretty tight right now financially. Thanks again!
Chris
Hi,
I think you will need to learn by searching and looking. These videos will help you http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/bb495180.aspx
Classes for small electronics / cellphone programming
Hi my name is Mark and I am a technical manager at SuperRey's Exotics and my team and myself inlcuded have studied at Stevens Tech in Hoboken, N.J. not sure how serious and how far away you are but Stevens has an extensive technology program, really indepth in fact many large corporations like Sharp, Apple, HTC, Exxon, Motorola and many others hire techs directly from Stevens Tech. However at Stevens it is really indepth stuff and they work on, not only new invetions but many patents actually come from the technology that Stevens does. I hope this helped you a little. And at SuperRey's we apply that knowledge for new inventions, cell phone repair and reprogramming and all kind of crazy stuff that we do, if your into it you will have alot of fun with that kind of technology. Good luck.
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
Hey all, I'm semi new to the forums, running a rooted TB.
I had a question for/about the developers of custom roms though...
Who are you? Hobbyists? or if you have college degrees, what in? Computer Science?
I was curious because I'm about to start college and I was going to head down the Mechanical Engineering path, but after stumbling on custom roms/kernels and such for these phones, I'm intrigued! Creating custom ROMs and unlocking phones is a lot of fun. I thought about going for a degree in Computer Science as I've always been good at fixing computers/phones/ipods.
Thanks!
Logan
Bump.
Bump because I'm dying to know!
bumpitty bump
Bump. Anyone?
loganm1881 said:
I thought about going for a degree in Computer Science as I've always been good at fixing computers/phones/ipods.
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A B.S. in CS is not for "fixing computers/phones/ipods." With that said, a degree in computer science is probably going to give you the best foundation in computer programming skills necessary to do what you want to do.
I have a CS degree
Really good that you are thinking about studying what intrigues you, instead of what your parents want, or what you think might make you the most money, or whatever.
My 2 cents is follow your passion; you will spend the next 30 to 40 years doing this every single day, so don't just like it, you should LOVE IT! Don't worry about the $$, if you are truly passionate about what you do the money will follow. For electives or even core classes, experience studies from all over the map, things you would never normally consider studying like: art, science, architecture, computer engineering, theater, supercomputing, history, political science, MIS, writing, whatever, and discover yourself.
I have a CS degree from 1987 + 27 years of computer hardware and software experience. You learn a lot of theory in a CS degree, and I would expect that 80% of the classes still use the same core theory, just with newer languages and Operating Systems and hardware. My CS degree gave me the basic tools to learn and work on the next latest greatest technology, right now it is cool small fast computerized phones, who knows what it will be 27 years from now.
I loved 80% of my computer jobs, although I can't say that for my bosses. Yes, you might (well ... probably) will have a few super loser bosses Another 2 cents worth of advice: when you run into a loser boss, hit the road right now for something even more interesting and don't look back.
I'm not a ROM builder, but I am also intrigued by the ROM Building people. I don't know exactly who the builders are, but I would bet it is a mix all over the map.
Thanks
ace56 said:
Really good that you are thinking about studying what intrigues you, instead of what your parents want, or what you think might make you the most money, or whatever.
My 2 cents is follow your passion; you will spend the next 30 to 40 years doing this every single day, so don't just like it, you should LOVE IT! Don't worry about the $$, if you are truly passionate about what you do the money will follow. For electives or even core classes, experience studies from all over the map, things you would never normally consider studying like: art, science, architecture, computer engineering, theater, supercomputing, history, political science, MIS, writing, whatever, and discover yourself.
I have a CS degree from 1987 + 27 years of computer hardware and software experience. You learn a lot of theory in a CS degree, and I would expect that 80% of the classes still use the same core theory, just with newer languages and Operating Systems and hardware. My CS degree gave me the basic tools to learn and work on the next latest greatest technology, right now it is cool small fast computerized phones, who knows what it will be 27 years from now.
I loved 80% of my computer jobs, although I can't say that for my bosses. Yes, you might (well ... probably) will have a few super loser bosses Another 2 cents worth of advice: when you run into a loser boss, hit the road right now for something even more interesting and don't look back.
I'm not a ROM builder, but I am also intrigued by the ROM Building people. I don't know exactly who the builders are, but I would bet it is a mix all over the map.
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Very helpful - Thank you.
Asperity said:
A B.S. in CS is not for "fixing computers/phones/ipods."
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Right, I didn't mean I wanted to get a CS degree to do those - only that I was good at that growing up and I have a strong interest in things of that nature.
Or basically a developer in general.
I know XDA probably gets a helluva lot of these threads regularly, but bare with me.
No I am not a script kiddy. Rather, I'm looking for somewhat of a career advice.
So please don't simply say: Learn C and Java.
That is already an imperative for me.
Here's the deal.
I'm in my final year of my schooling life, Year 12, and next year I will probably begin University (or what the U.S call College).
Important decisions need to be made, like what courses I want to do, what subjects I should take.
Now my ultimate goal in life (not really but you get what I mean) is to be able to do anything to my device.
Like when I was following the PSP dev community, it was incredible. Custom firmwares, homebrew, plugins, exploits etc.
It was awesome. And I want to be able to help and give back to the community.
And I also want to be independent.
Like if theres a bug or something I don't have to rely on the developer to fix it.
For example, my current rom has a random reboot problem.
I want to be able to find and fix the problem myself and add new features and stuff.
That's my ultimate aim.
To be able to legitimately own my devices to such a degree.
Currently my skill resides in web-based javascript, which isn't even legitimate javascript (not in my eyes at least).
I've done some programming courses at school and one year I did Pascal which helped me to get a basic idea of programming functions, like loops and basic practice etc.
But it still doesn't really help me with the two big languages C (#/++) and Java that I have yet to start learning.
Anyways, there's a point to this I promise.
There are 3 courses that I'm interested in Software Engineering, Advanced Computing and Computer Science.
I've looked at the course descriptions and they still all sound the same to me. Although Advanced Computing seems to be more Mathematical based.
But yea, I'm not sure which one will help me achieve my said aim.
Do you guys have any basic career advice? Better yet, any career advice that could relate to my situation?
Are any of you in University/College right now? What courses are you studying?
Perhaps you've already graduated and you're currently an employed developer or something. What courses did you take to get there?
I'm sure XDA isn't one of the best places to ask this kinda thing; heck I bet the first comment will be someone saying how this is in the wrong section or something.
But yea. I just want to help and contribute back to the community.
Legitimate advice is more than welcome.
Trolls and attention ____s please exit to the left.
Closed
Wrong section
Hi forum, how's everyone doing!
I have just joined this forum today in hope that you would be able to give me some advice.
My name is Leo Santoro I am from Greater London England 24, and I am electric wheelchair bound as I have a muscle weakness disability called SMA. I have 24/7 care assistants.
Unfortunately over the past three years my disability has become worse and therefore I am unable to type apart from one hand via the iphone.
My father comes from a computer software background he learnt parts of programming language C because of the system he was using for his job was very bespoke.
He never taught me programming as a kid because my mother and father encouraged me to go out and play and not be stuck on the computer as with my disability going back 20 years doctors were not sure how long I would live.
Although growing up through school and college I aced my computer and media courses, where 2 years ago I graduated with a masters degree in digital marketing.
in this course although we learnt about marketing Apps, websites, and social media we never worked on the development of program's/apps.
Currently I find life very hard as I have been ill for a while and quite house-bound. I have all these amazing ideas for apps but do not know where I can start as having a disability makes me unable to work, therefore I have limited funding.
Sorry for the long spray of my life but I think it might help you answer my questions.
1. Is it to late to start learning an app development programming language to produce my own apps?
2. Based on the previous Q if yes … how do I start ? if no where can I put my ideas into action?
3. if everything is a no no no.. what do you all think is the best place to use my skills of digital marketing in a home-based potential job?
Cheers Leo,
leodigi said:
Hi forum, how's everyone doing!
I have just joined this forum today in hope that you would be able to give me some advice.
My name is Leo Santoro I am from Greater London England 24, and I am electric wheelchair bound as I have a muscle weakness disability called SMA. I have 24/7 care assistants.
Unfortunately over the past three years my disability has become worse and therefore I am unable to type apart from one hand via the iphone.
My father comes from a computer software background he learnt parts of programming language C because of the system he was using for his job was very bespoke.
He never taught me programming as a kid because my mother and father encouraged me to go out and play and not be stuck on the computer as with my disability going back 20 years doctors were not sure how long I would live.
Although growing up through school and college I aced my computer and media courses, where 2 years ago I graduated with a masters degree in digital marketing.
in this course although we learnt about marketing Apps, websites, and social media we never worked on the development of program's/apps.
Currently I find life very hard as I have been ill for a while and quite house-bound. I have all these amazing ideas for apps but do not know where I can start as having a disability makes me unable to work, therefore I have limited funding.
Sorry for the long spray of my life but I think it might help you answer my questions.
1. Is it to late to start learning an app development programming language to produce my own apps?
2. Based on the previous Q if yes … how do I start ? if no where can I put my ideas into action?
3. if everything is a no no no.. what do you all think is the best place to use my skills of digital marketing in a home-based potential job?
Cheers Leo,
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Welcome to XDA leo! Honestly, making apps can be pretty easy once you have learned a little java (a little html does not hurt) here and there, i would recommend starting here http://www.codecademy.com/ once you get a little used to some of that just browse around here for some of the magnificent guides XDA has to offer!