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Geek Culture / Looking for a future in programming...

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Indicium
16
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Joined: 26th May 2008
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Posted: 1st Mar 2011 19:11
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Hello, I'm coming to a point where I have to chose what I want to do concerning my future job and qualifications. As this is a programming forum I guessed it'd be the best place to ask as that's what I'm interested in.

I've narrowed it down to two possible choices.

1) Take a computing course at college, leave and start looking for a job in computer programming or web programming.

2) Take sixth form courses, A level maths and physics ( along with other subjects, sadly a level computing is not available ) and then apply for a place at university afterwards.

What do you think is the best course of action?

Thanks

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PrimalBeans
14
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Joined: 14th Oct 2010
Location: The sewer.... hunting alligatiors.
Posted: 1st Mar 2011 19:20
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I think that depends on were you are in life, what kind of resources you have and what kind of aptitude you have. I'm not sure the internet is going to help much with this except for researching your options. Get a list of your available options and research them. If your short on cash id look into technical training maybe. If you have the funds go for university.... aww dang... didnt see that you were from uk. DOAH!

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Indicium
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Posted: 1st Mar 2011 19:25
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Yeah, in the uk we pay our university fees after we get a job, so money isn't an issue xD I am just wondering what sort of options i have, what employers look for, as i know a lot of people on these forums are professionals. I don't really have much of a reference apart from the internet.

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Gingerkid Jack
20
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Joined: 15th May 2005
Location: UK
Posted: 1st Mar 2011 19:38
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I want to go into some sort of game design, I went for A levels doing English Language, Maths, Physics and ICT. English Language is a very good one to have due to the fact it improves your communication. But yeah, doing A levels doesn't lock you into one thing. So if progamming doesn't work you could get any other ICT related job or a job in Maths or physics ^^

Cheers,

Gingerkid Jack - Aspiring Game Designer\3d Modeler
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n008
18
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Joined: 18th Apr 2007
Location: Chernarus
Posted: 1st Mar 2011 20:07
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Get a degree in Business and Engineering. Then you can be employed anywhere!

"I have faith, that I shall win the race, even though I have no legs, and am tied to a tree." ~Mark75
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The Wilderbeast
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Joined: 14th Nov 2005
Location: UK
Posted: 1st Mar 2011 20:24
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What Jack said basically, as long as you have Maths + Physics you can do any technical degree course you wish. While I wouldn't take my word alone, an employer is much more likely to consider employing someone with a degree as opposed to someone who has taken some course at college. Getting into Uni and getting your degree takes a lot of determination and hard work (technical degrees have upwards of 20 hours P/W of lectures), so this pays off well.

I'm taking Electronic Engineering and specializing in Audio System Engineering, the content of the course gives me a very broad knowledge in everything from embedded systems, business management and a wide range of programming experience. If you can pick a course that has a placement year too, you will be paid somewhere around £15,000 (although this varies) to work for a year with some company, and they may well offer you a scholarship (fund the rest of your uni fees) and a job at the end of it - in this economy it's invaluable.


Blitzwerks | Indie Development Team
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PrimalBeans
14
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Location: The sewer.... hunting alligatiors.
Posted: 1st Mar 2011 20:31
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Quote: "Get a degree in Business and Engineering. Then you can be employed anywhere!"


Like as a delivery driver for frito lay! (Step father in law... has a degree in both, but he ended up at frito lay driving a delivery truck.) I think he 'might' be doing better for himself now but i thought the above was pretty funny.

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Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
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Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 1st Mar 2011 20:48
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You'll need a lot more than a computer course in college. You'll have to study programming a lot on your own, because in my experience colleges don't go anywhere near far enough in the education required to be a decent programmer.
And apparently universities agree. A few days ago I heard on the news about how colleges don't think they're preparing students well enough for IT positions and that many of them still need trained or taught how to run things in an IT department. I found college to be a waste of money and my degree hasn't gotten me anywhere, but it might be different in the UK.

The Internet: Where men are men, women are men, and children are federal agents
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Indicium
16
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Joined: 26th May 2008
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Posted: 1st Mar 2011 21:58
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Well the opinion here seems fairly conclusive, thanks for the advice guys. There is an open evening tomorrow so I'll go down and ask some questions about the courses and qualifications that are on offer.

Thanks

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Thraxas
Retired Moderator
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Joined: 8th Feb 2006
Location: The Avenging Axe, Turai
Posted: 1st Mar 2011 22:49
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Whatever you decide, create a portfolio which has whatever it is you have created in it. Potential employers are going to want to see your coding skill and your portfolio will be something they take great interest in.

A man will one day wear a tophat in glasgow on a sunny day juggeling grapes while humming the jurrasic park theme tune.
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