Considering a career change. Any suggestions?
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I actually wish that I could find an employer that would pay me to do this. That would completely rock.
amymarie3 wrote:
I actually wish that I could find an employer that would pay me to do this. That would completely rock.
Microsoft. Join their R&D division.
Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
My latest book : C++/CLI in Action / Amazon.com link -
I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
amymarie3 wrote:
enjoyed working with computers
Since you enjoy computers, there are plenty other non-programming jobs. Did you look into Application engineer position within IT group. Don't expect the skill set of many to impress you though!
Yusuf Oh didn't you notice, analogous to square roots, they recently introduced rectangular, circular, and diamond roots to determine the size of the corresponding shapes when given the area. Luc Pattyn[^]
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I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
I know how you feel, except I'm leaving one career to move into a software development career. I can't remember who said it, but the key to happiness within a career comes down to three questions (and I'm paraphrasing from memory here): 0) Were you born to do it? 1) Do you love doing it? 2) Can you make money doing it? These are the three questions I used to determine what type of career to move into when I had finally had enough of my first career choice. For what it's worth, I hope it helps, and good luck to you in whatever you decide.
-NP Never underestimate the creativity of the end-user.
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I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
That sounds like you're describing a Project Manager or Product Manager type of position. So Microsoft would be good, or some other large company; maybe Google.
Best wishes, Hans
[CodeProject Forum Guidelines] [How To Ask A Question] [My Articles]
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We need people to sweep standing water off sidewalks... [edit] A '1' vote? Come the frak on, this was funnier than the hair stylist remark...
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001modified on Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:55 AM
Well, opinions are like ________, everyone's got one. :)
Best wishes, Hans
[CodeProject Forum Guidelines] [How To Ask A Question] [My Articles]
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amymarie3 wrote:
I actually wish that I could find an employer that would pay me to do this. That would completely rock.
Microsoft. Join their R&D division.
Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
My latest book : C++/CLI in Action / Amazon.com linkNishant Sivakumar wrote:
Join their R&D division.
I think that requires a pretty hefty PhD to even be considered.
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! VCF Blog Just Say No to Web 2 Point Oh
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We need people to sweep standing water off sidewalks... [edit] A '1' vote? Come the frak on, this was funnier than the hair stylist remark...
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001modified on Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:55 AM
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
this was funnier than the hair stylist remark
Yes it was. Don't forget, it's only the Lounge. Who cares about votes here?
BDF People don't mind being mean; but they never want to be ridiculous. -- Moliere
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Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
Join their R&D division.
I think that requires a pretty hefty PhD to even be considered.
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! VCF Blog Just Say No to Web 2 Point Oh
Jim Crafton wrote:
PhD
Pile it Higher and Deeper? Oops, here goes....
BDF People don't mind being mean; but they never want to be ridiculous. -- Moliere
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Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
Join their R&D division.
I think that requires a pretty hefty PhD to even be considered.
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! VCF Blog Just Say No to Web 2 Point Oh
Jim Crafton wrote:
I think that requires a pretty hefty PhD to even be considered.
True. Both people I know who worked there were post-Doc guys.
Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
My latest book : C++/CLI in Action / Amazon.com link -
I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
Open a third-world cantina.
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amymarie3 wrote:
I actually wish that I could find an employer that would pay me to do this. That would completely rock.
Microsoft. Join their R&D division.
Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
My latest book : C++/CLI in Action / Amazon.com linkBack in my younger days when I finished my internship at MS and then later worked there, I wondered if I could be transferred to the R&D division. They said, sure, as soon as you get your Masters degree and have published research papers to your name, then we'll consider it. They don't play over there, those guys create. I've met 2 across all the years and they were insanely intelligent. I really mean that, insanely so.
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I know how you feel, except I'm leaving one career to move into a software development career. I can't remember who said it, but the key to happiness within a career comes down to three questions (and I'm paraphrasing from memory here): 0) Were you born to do it? 1) Do you love doing it? 2) Can you make money doing it? These are the three questions I used to determine what type of career to move into when I had finally had enough of my first career choice. For what it's worth, I hope it helps, and good luck to you in whatever you decide.
-NP Never underestimate the creativity of the end-user.
Good questions. All 3 are definitely yes for me. I would program if I was not getting paid for it. I would however not do it for 80 hours a week though.
John
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That sounds like you're describing a Project Manager or Product Manager type of position. So Microsoft would be good, or some other large company; maybe Google.
Best wishes, Hans
[CodeProject Forum Guidelines] [How To Ask A Question] [My Articles]
Exactly. When you do not have the drive to continue learning and do not want to work long hours programming it is time to manage people who do.
John
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I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
I am in almost the exact same situation. I looked into going into teaching. The pay is so bad and it takes so long to climb up the ladder to a decent pay scale that its just not worth it. :omg:
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I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
I can SO identify with that, only I have about half your experience. I am trying to transition into a BA role* (see, I can already talk like that :rolleyes: ), but you sound like you might enjoy being a Technical Writer as well. * Having said that, it still cracks me up when I read Scott Adams' description of Business Analysis: The word Analysis comes from the root word Anal and the ancient Greek word Ysis, which means 'to pull numbers from'. :laugh:
Cheers, Vıkram.
Carpe Diem.
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That sounds like you're describing a Project Manager or Product Manager type of position. So Microsoft would be good, or some other large company; maybe Google.
Best wishes, Hans
[CodeProject Forum Guidelines] [How To Ask A Question] [My Articles]
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I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
[edit] Wow. That happened fast. I guess I should have expected this kind of response given the size of the site. In just this short period of time I already have as much as I can handle, so I won't be bringing on anyone further right now. Thanks! [/edit] As it happens, I'm in the process of revamping my company web site to reflect some new consulting services I'll be offering shortly, and career coaching is actually the section I'm working on even as we speak. While I'm an enthusiastic capitalist and like driving little red Corvettes, I've been thinking about offering this particular service for free for a little while to the CP folks as a way of giving back to a community that's been good to me over the years. And with the tech industry being as screwed up as it is these days, I figure there's probably a few folks who are giving their careers a close look right about now. For what it's worth, I'm currently on my fourth major career change. Each one has been doing something I truly love and I've been paid well for my efforts. There's no reason in the world that you can't earn a living doing something you look forward to each day, and there's no rule that says you can't ditch it for something else should you ever become bored with it. It takes work, but it's easier than you might think. Anyway, should you (or any of the other folks here) be interested in the pro bono coaching, just hit the contact page on my web site and we'll take it offline so as not to dilute your post (don't use the email link on this post as it might not get to me, and I wouldn't want any of you to fall between the cracks).
Christopher Duncan Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalUSA.com
modified on Saturday, March 14, 2009 5:23 PM
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Back in my younger days when I finished my internship at MS and then later worked there, I wondered if I could be transferred to the R&D division. They said, sure, as soon as you get your Masters degree and have published research papers to your name, then we'll consider it. They don't play over there, those guys create. I've met 2 across all the years and they were insanely intelligent. I really mean that, insanely so.
And they still managed to create that half-arsed (or should it be full-arsed? :laugh: ) Explorer in Vista?
Cheers, Vıkram.
Carpe Diem.
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I have been developing software for the last 10 years in C, C++, then C#, primarily windows forms applications. I have a 4 year degree in computer science. When I think back I realize that developing software is not a career I enjoy. Since I was a child I have enjoyed working with computers but I am not a techie. I do not know the latest trends in software or in hardware. When I read industry books they are usually about agile development practices or user interfaces. I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software. I am just not quite techie enough to be able to tell you exactly how Framework 2.0 is different from 3.0 and I have no interest in learning it (although I know that I could if I applied myself). It is time for me to either get a new job or get new education. With the job market the way it is I am in a quandary. So to summarize. My question is... What is a good degree, skill set, or secondary career that I could get into that would utilize my programming background?
amymarie3 wrote:
I do enjoy working directly with the users and designing software.
Is this what you liked about programming when you were taking classes in college? It took me a little while to find what I liked about programming again after I started wondering if I wanted to keep going or like you're doing now, consider a career change. I know plenty of nontechie programmers out there. You don't have to know the latest programming fad to be effective, but it does help to make sure you're competitive. It might help for you to look inside and find out what made programming a career choice or interest at least in the first place and then keep your focus on that.
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And they still managed to create that half-arsed (or should it be full-arsed? :laugh: ) Explorer in Vista?
Cheers, Vıkram.
Carpe Diem.
Well, these guys were both in the Comms area and one also delved in the black magic known as AI, so I really doubt that they even remotely touched on that. Couldn't tell you specifics though, tres hush hush, if we tell you then we have to kill you sort :) Besides, they were insane, they might have done it as a practical joke! :laugh: