Time to move on?
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So I just got out of college with a degree in History two years ago. I immediately became interested in .net (through the influence of my brother) and after a successful volunteer project found a job as an in house Web Programmer of a large online/retail distributer. I've been with the company for nearly two years and have a below average salary. At this point I feel I've outgrown what the job has to offer and there is zero opportunity for advancement or learning (other than what I do on my own time). I hesitantly updated my resume and started receiving calls from recruiters but am very nervous to seek other opportunities. Mainly in the back of my mind I wonder if I can be successful in the developer market because I don't have a degree in the field. I guess what I'm really asking is what kind of hardships can I expect in my science degree-less future?
The fact that you have a four year degree at all is helpful. A degree is often just a checkbox on a list for HR. Make sure your resume includes the technologies you used on different projects you worked on. When I was in college most of the top student lab consultants were not in the CS program (theatre, psych, biochem, pre-law). These were the people the CS majors came to for help. But if lack of training is the only thing making you look for another job, you may be bitterly disappointed. Training for developers is rare in a lot of companies. Make sure to ask your interviewers which specific training members of the team have gotten. Lots of companies may promise training, but because of deadlines, vacations or other excuses the training never happens.
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So I just got out of college with a degree in History two years ago. I immediately became interested in .net (through the influence of my brother) and after a successful volunteer project found a job as an in house Web Programmer of a large online/retail distributer. I've been with the company for nearly two years and have a below average salary. At this point I feel I've outgrown what the job has to offer and there is zero opportunity for advancement or learning (other than what I do on my own time). I hesitantly updated my resume and started receiving calls from recruiters but am very nervous to seek other opportunities. Mainly in the back of my mind I wonder if I can be successful in the developer market because I don't have a degree in the field. I guess what I'm really asking is what kind of hardships can I expect in my science degree-less future?
In the vast majority of organisations you honestly don't need a degree to make a career in software development; what counts more is the right mindset and experience. I've an electronics degree, and although it got me in the door at my first company as a graduate (a hurdle you've already sidestepped), it hasn't made a blind bit of difference since. However, my partner Beth doesn't have a degree at all - and she's done quite fine for herself too.
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
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In the vast majority of organisations you honestly don't need a degree to make a career in software development; what counts more is the right mindset and experience. I've an electronics degree, and although it got me in the door at my first company as a graduate (a hurdle you've already sidestepped), it hasn't made a blind bit of difference since. However, my partner Beth doesn't have a degree at all - and she's done quite fine for herself too.
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
Yeah, but you have a sith lords codpiece. That counts for lots.
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
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Yeah, but you have a sith lords codpiece. That counts for lots.
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
I may have a codpiece or two stashed away, but it's more likely the heavy weapons and the maniacal grin that makes them run. ;P
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
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In the vast majority of organisations you honestly don't need a degree to make a career in software development; what counts more is the right mindset and experience. I've an electronics degree, and although it got me in the door at my first company as a graduate (a hurdle you've already sidestepped), it hasn't made a blind bit of difference since. However, my partner Beth doesn't have a degree at all - and she's done quite fine for herself too.
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
Thanks for the input. I actually decided to move on and am starting my new job on Monday next week. Very excited! On top of that, my new job offers reimbursement for educational expenses!
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I may have a codpiece or two stashed away, but it's more likely the heavy weapons and the maniacal grin that makes them run. ;P
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote:
it's more likely the heavy weapons
Is that a euphemism for large breasts? ;)
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
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Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote:
it's more likely the heavy weapons
Is that a euphemism for large breasts? ;)
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
Now, now boys. Keep it calm. :-\
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
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Thanks for the input. I actually decided to move on and am starting my new job on Monday next week. Very excited! On top of that, my new job offers reimbursement for educational expenses!
That's great news. Good luck in the new place!
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
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Now, now boys. Keep it calm. :-\
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
I'm too old for it to make much difference. I'd rather have a quiet night in curled round a large bottle of Whisky.
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
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I'm too old for it to make much difference. I'd rather have a quiet night in curled round a large bottle of Whisky.
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
We've a bottle of JD in the cupboard if that helps. ;)
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
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We've a bottle of JD in the cupboard if that helps. ;)
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
Oooh baby. Have I told you how much I love you today?
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
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Oooh baby. Have I told you how much I love you today?
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
Consider yourself well and truly hooked. ;)
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
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Consider yourself well and truly hooked. ;)
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote:
Consider yourself well and truly hooked.
Lined and sinkered for a wee bit of that Anna-Jayne joy :-D .
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
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Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote:
Consider yourself well and truly hooked.
Lined and sinkered for a wee bit of that Anna-Jayne joy :-D .
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
Oo-er. I'd better get the tickling stick out, then.
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"