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    Default Being a Coder

    I'm re-evaluating and thinking about switching from a statistics degree (and whatever job I'd fall into with that degree) to coding certifications. Does anyone here have experience with coding? Perhaps doing it on the side part time as a front? Any favorite languages?

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Python, php, Hadoop, html5, we never seem to get these cheap.
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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Awesome, what do you think about contributing to open source or nonprofit stuff to start building a portfolio?

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Front-end developers are in especially high demand right now. Back-end developers are, too (SQL, database admin, etc.).

    That said, it seems CS degrees are considered necessary in the field (unless you have 10+ years of experience in place of a degree). I haven't heard of just getting certifications...

    Have you looked into becoming a testing engineer / QA engineer? It's coding-light. So if you have the mind for coding, but you don't want to go 'all the way' with it, then that could be an option.

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Quote Originally Posted by Rispy_Girl View Post
    Awesome, what do you think about contributing to open source or nonprofit stuff to start building a portfolio?
    With those you'd need two projects and to pass a coding test, and heavy tech interview. Working with a nonprofit is actually a really good idea. Hate to say this but there is a little bit of bias against women who code I've noticed. You basically have to crush the guy teching you. But 100/hr is so common with those.

    DB admin to make that you have to be a 10+ year badass. I wouldn't start there.
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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Bahuba, is there a list of languages required to know? Are they split nicely into backend/front end?
    I looked into this, I wanted to pick up some contracted work in addition to dancing, and was just overwhelmed by the different ads all wanting different languages.

    Re: needing a degree, I do know of a couple people who taught themselves and now have similar jobs. The one actually works for IWantClips.com He was a banker before and taught himself via an online class, about 6 weeks long I think.
    "People jack off with the left hand and point with the right."

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    You'll find front-end devs who specialize in certain languages / platforms, and back-end devs who do the same. Everyone has a unique portfolio of preferences and specialties, for the most part. There are many commonalities, though (for example, back-end devs will always need to be able to work with SQL).

    Re: needing a degree to be a programmer. My partner is a software engineer with 15+ years of experience, so he's grandfathered into programming jobs. These days, CS degrees are considered requirements for both programmers AND even for testers / qa / test engineers. I got bumped out of the industry as a manual tester, even though I had two years of intensive experience working for a high-profile software company. They want automated testers now who can also do manual testing (the former requires programming skills).

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    I did a little looking at ads and It seemed like 5 years was the minimum for experience, but after I feel confident in a language, I'll probably apply anyhow because it doesn't hurt to try. I'd think small companies might still call because they could pay me less than someone with 5 years experience. My sister is actually pursuing the same field via university. After finals are over I'll chat with her more about this.

    Personally even before thinking about switching I was going to dabble in learning about python, fortran, ruby, pearl, and R (I learned this via school and I'm beginning to think I liked the language more than I liked the statistical work we were doing lol whoops). I love the idea of being able to work from the comfort of my home and more or less on my schedule while still being paid well. My SO is absolutely tickled by the idea of being able to say that I code lol. I definitely think it would be a nice cover to have while I cam.

    I originally wanted to try working at an internship in a lab this summer, but I now think it is a good time to try a different career path and decide if I want to slog through all the statistics courses that I need.

    It sounds like playing around and seeing what languages I like is the first step. Next step specializing, writing programs, and getting in on project for experience.

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    I feel qualified to comment on this because I have been in this business for a very long time; been coding since 1960. A computer science degree is not necessary; some of the best and most highly-paid people in the business did not go to college. But a degree will open doors for you, so it is harder without a degree. Having said that, I'd rather hire a music major than a computer science major because universities don't teach what you need in a real job, and I have to have them unlearn all of their bad habits.

    It is a wonderful career. I have traveled all of the world for work and now live as an ex-pat in Switzerland. This is a funny business because unlike other skills (except maybe a surgeon or a lawyer). two people sitting next to each other can vary tremendously: one can be ten times better than the other. You don't really get good until you're fifty, and by sixty you're the best in the business. By this point, you are paid for what you know, not what you do. The first ten years you work area gift from your employer. Consider working for a startup. I'd rather work for a small company than a mega-corporation. Be sure and get a mentor at work.

    It can be a lonely occupation, because most people have no idea what you're doing. It also consumes hours like water. Remember, no one ever died wishing they had spent more time in the office. I learned this the hard way. Now I am taking time to enjoy life and travel the world even more.

    Don't be discouraged and I wish you the best of luck. You won't regret it.

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    My partner says: for front-end dev, focus on HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Also look into Angular or Knockout JS. And that's from someone making $110k in a highly competitive tech city.

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    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanFlyer View Post
    I feel qualified to comment on this because I have been in this business for a very long time; been coding since 1960. A computer science degree is not necessary; some of the best and most highly-paid people in the business did not go to college. But a degree will open doors for you, so it is harder without a degree. Having said that, I'd rather hire a music major than a computer science major because universities don't teach what you need in a real job, and I have to have them unlearn all of their bad habits.
    THIS EXACTLY!!! I realized this and keep wondering WTF??? We pay all this money, dedicate years of our lives, and it doesn't really teach us what we specifically need for the field we want to be in. It doesn't even give us real experience of the field. I think the local community college is way better for that. I looked into a phlebotomy certification and for the fast track, the first semester is in class learning, the second actually puts you in one of the local hospitals, giving you a better chance at getting a job there in the future! I keep wanting to finish my bachelors because it will make my family happy, I've already spent so much time and money on it, and it "might" open doors for me in the future, but I definitely am not trying for it because it will give me the skills I actually need or guarantee me a good position. I noticed for the labs in the big hospitals here, majority of the job postings say either this degree or this much experience and from what I hear you really need to start in a low position and work your way to the position you want internally because the people who are already there get dibs on better jobs, so there is still not guarantee. I talked to a lady who has been in the research field here for longer than I've been alive. She was talking about she'd get these PhD's that she'd have to untrain because they were in the mindset for academic research and wouldn't know how to do anything quickly and without a bunch of paperwork and red tape. They wouldn't know what a quick and dirty was (an experiment to see if full on research and testing on a particular thing was worth trying).

    Rawr pardon my rant. It just drives me nuts.

    Also thank you so much for the first hand explanation of going through the field. I think I can life with that if I enjoy it as much as I hope I will.

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    My partner says: for front-end dev, focus on HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Also look into Angular or Knockout JS. And that's from someone making $110k in a highly competitive tech city.
    Thank you so much for this. I hadn't even come across anything like Angular or Knockout yet. I'm off to read more ^^

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Java, C++, Python, Bash (and Linux), and JavaScript. Just keep in mind there is no "learn these and you'll have a career," and a code portfolio is a good idea. I don't know many coworkers past or present, and the few memorable interview candidates that had certificates in lieu of a code portfolio didn't make it to the next round of interviews.

    And concerning a CS degree, it's not like anything from a trade school that teaches specific job skills. Your time in university is meant for learning concepts and theory that you can apply to problems. Think of it this way, a Software Developer creates computational models to solve problems, not regurgitate something from a classroom lecture.

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Quote Originally Posted by dpacrkk View Post
    Java, C++, Python, Bash (and Linux), and JavaScript. Just keep in mind there is no "learn these and you'll have a career," and a code portfolio is a good idea. I don't know many coworkers past or present, and the few memorable interview candidates that had certificates in lieu of a code portfolio didn't make it to the next round of interviews.

    And concerning a CS degree, it's not like anything from a trade school that teaches specific job skills. Your time in university is meant for learning concepts and theory that you can apply to problems. Think of it this way, a Software Developer creates computational models to solve problems, not regurgitate something from a classroom lecture.
    Yeah, I'm realizing that and enjoying the stuff that I can apply more than theory. Stats class this time was all theory, but I took a class with a different name, at a different university, but out of the same book. It used R and I could see so many ways to apply it and got all excited. This last class had so much in the way of proofs and theory >.> Not my thing as it turns out. I'd never go for a CS degree. I started with an Associates in Science. Pursued Bio and Math at the same time and got overwhelmed and burnt out and kept going back, but I couldn't manage and got kicked out for low grades. Switched schools and found that I could finish an Applied Statistics with a Concentration in Biology and a Bio minor faster than anything else. I thought it would work because I liked the one stats class I took, but maybe it's not for me after all. A CS degree would require way too many classes that I don't have and would take a lot longer than I'm willing to take. The Applied Stats degree would take me two more semesters if I passed everything to put it in perspective.

    So do you think that the certificates are pointless and I should learn and jump straight into application without getting the certificates? Or are both certificate and portfolio good to have?

    I just read back through what you wrote. Thanks for reminding me about Linux, I totally forgot!

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    CS major here.

    I think it really depends on how you learn. In my experience obtaining a cs degree requires much math esp calc.
    (I hate calc so I was looking into just getting certs for now.)
    Python, ruby rails are a great start if you want to self teach or get your feet wet.
    GL

    Oh and Comp Tia seems to be HOT. (security + etc)
    Good luck on your journey



    Quote Originally Posted by Rispy_Girl View Post
    I'm re-evaluating and thinking about switching from a statistics degree (and whatever job I'd fall into with that degree) to coding certifications. Does anyone here have experience with coding? Perhaps doing it on the side part time as a front? Any favorite languages?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Diedre View Post
    CS major here.

    I think it really depends on how you learn. In my experience obtaining a cs degree requires much math esp calc.
    (I hate calc so I was looking into just getting certs for now.)
    Python, ruby rails are a great start if you want to self teach or get your feet wet.
    GL

    Oh and Comp Tia seems to be HOT. (security + etc)
    Good luck on your journey
    I finished Cal III 5 years ago. This semester I learned that I don't remember any of it >.<

    After this I'll start with Python I'd actually already decided that

    Thanks so much!

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Quote Originally Posted by Rispy_Girl View Post
    So do you think that the certificates are pointless and I should learn and jump straight into application without getting the certificates? Or are both certificate and portfolio good to have?
    It depends on what you're looking for. Usually people who study CS aim to work as developers, but it doesn't have to go that direction, and not every developer has an undergrad CS degree. If development is something you have in mind, then a code portfolio is a lot better, and expect technical phone screens and interviews. If you want certificates, it's better for something oriented towards Systems Administrations and Operations, and it takes you down a completely different path.

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Quote Originally Posted by dpacrkk View Post
    It depends on what you're looking for. Usually people who study CS aim to work as developers, but it doesn't have to go that direction, and not every developer has an undergrad CS degree. If development is something you have in mind, then a code portfolio is a lot better, and expect technical phone screens and interviews. If you want certificates, it's better for something oriented towards Systems Administrations and Operations, and it takes you down a completely different path.
    I'll try out the development side starting with learning the code and see how I like it ^_^ Thank you!!!

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    You need both the actual coding skill and real projects to get hired, usually. Most places will do at least a tech interview and check references. They will also look at your portfolio. That's why your idea to work for a nonprofit is a good one. If you learn php, html5 or Python, pm me and I'll connect you with a few good nonprofits to consider.
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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Quote Originally Posted by Bahuba View Post
    You need both the actual coding skill and real projects to get hired, usually. Most places will do at least a tech interview and check references. They will also look at your portfolio. That's why your idea to work for a nonprofit is a good one. If you learn php, html5 or Python, pm me and I'll connect you with a few good nonprofits to consider.
    Sweet, I'll PM you when I know more. I just started reading last night. Thank you!!!

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Pardon the threadjack, but... Let's suppose I recently finished a master's degree in stats and have five years of part-time experience with R and SAS, and I've dabbled enough with SQL and Python to feel competent enough using them for data science work and maybe maybe maybe development.

    How do I leverage this into making as much money as possible, and ensure that I wind up in a 'data scientist'/'statistician' role rather than a 'data analyst'/'statistical modeler'/'spreadsheet monkey' role? Do I need to get another master's in CS long-term? I feel like I need to know Java, Hadoop, Spark, and Scala, and I'm kicking myself for not having already learned them, but grad school stress kinda got in the way. Also, seriously want out of the industry already. =x

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    ^^ not to make light of your question but, Hell No.

    Quick advice, stop thinking of working in a job, and become contractor. Try to find the company and responsibility set you want, and get hired when you do. The people you work with are as important as the skill sets you have to your advancement.

    And I can assure you that your academic experience will vary greatly from your actual work. You may find your tastes change when you're doing the work 9 hours a day.
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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanFlyer View Post
    I feel qualified to comment on this because I have been in this business for a very long time; been coding since 1960. A computer science degree is not necessary; some of the best and most highly-paid people in the business did not go to college. But a degree will open doors for you, so it is harder without a degree. Having said that, I'd rather hire a music major than a computer science major because universities don't teach what you need in a real job, and I have to have them unlearn all of their bad habits.

    It is a wonderful career. I have traveled all of the world for work and now live as an ex-pat in Switzerland. This is a funny business because unlike other skills (except maybe a surgeon or a lawyer). two people sitting next to each other can vary tremendously: one can be ten times better than the other. You don't really get good until you're fifty, and by sixty you're the best in the business. By this point, you are paid for what you know, not what you do. The first ten years you work area gift from your employer. Consider working for a startup. I'd rather work for a small company than a mega-corporation. Be sure and get a mentor at work.

    It can be a lonely occupation, because most people have no idea what you're doing. It also consumes hours like water. Remember, no one ever died wishing they had spent more time in the office. I learned this the hard way. Now I am taking time to enjoy life and travel the world even more.

    Don't be discouraged and I wish you the best of luck. You won't regret it.
    This only accurate post on this thread.

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    Quote Originally Posted by fbsmgirl View Post
    This only accurate post on this thread.
    Um, nope
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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    ^Bahuba, what's a good starter language? I've been studying SQL/Java but no experience working in the industry. What would you recommend a beginner to do interested in programming? Attend one of the coding bootcamps in SF?

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    Default Re: Being a Coder

    ^^penny all this is my humble opinion but .... You really need to work on a real business problem to see how any language is a part of a finished solution. All languages share certain characteristics (variables, statements, commands) but how you use them is what matters.

    Start with a basic c++ book, work through all the examples, and then ask yourself what business problem you'd like to solve. If you want to do front end work, perhaps move to html next. If you want to do apps, pick a platform and look at the API, etc

    The real key is try to get on a project, any kind of project. Then you'll see where everything fits in.
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