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General Discussion

Posted by Chase Manseth
Chase Manseth
2,633 Points

Deciding what to study in college.

Currently, I am a high school senior taking AP Computer Science, and I'm about two months ahead in class already. However, I've been putting some thought into what I want to study in college. For the most part, anything science will be good for me, but upon further analysis, I realized I have been aspiring programmer since I was a freshman. It is intimidating to choose a career/study that can determine the rest of my life. I seem to enjoy it now, but I'm not sure how well I'll perform under the pressure of a work environment. I'm asking individuals who have a B.S in Comp. Sci. or persons who work in programming fields for a living these questions:

  1. What attributes makes a good programmer?
  2. What is your most favorite part of your job? Least?
  3. What is your official job title? + How long have you been in the field?
  4. Anything else you'd like to say?

I think reading your answers could potentially help me decide what I want to study. It'll give me a better perspective on what it is like to be a programmer. I appreciate the responses.

Thank you,

Chase Manseth

justin stark
justin stark
32 Points

College isn't even necessary. Which isn't to say that it hurts. Just saying the demand right now is so high that previous rules no longer exist.

2 Answers

lloan alas
lloan alas
17,774 Points
lloan alas
lloan alas
17,774 Points

What attributes makes a good programmer?

Patience. You will get stuck a lot along the way and during projects. Knowing how to figure things out, tinker and research are helpful.

What is your most favorite part of your job? Least?

My favorite part is working on new projects that challenge my existing skill set. That pushes me to learn new stuff, figure things out and that's ultimately what I like to do - learn. We are continuously learning. My least favorite part is having to deal with some clients - but that's another story, lol.

What is your official job title? + How long have you been in the field?

My official title is creative director, but my job functions are several. I've been in web development for 3-4 years now. I'm always learning new things. I'm not very bright, so when I learn I build things to make sure I understand concepts. I can't memorize everything as far as syntax and what not, so my approach is figuring out what I can and cannot do with the technology I'm learning and going from there. I work on a wide variety of projects that range from web development to 3D modeling, video work, graphic design, etc.

Anything else you'd like to say?

You have to love to learn. That's my opinion. If you don't like to learn, spend time researching, then you should definitely look in to another field. All of the above are just my personal opinion.

David Perkins
David Perkins
9,607 Points
David Perkins
David Perkins
9,607 Points

I was always told to do something that you love and are interested in rather than the thing that fits with your current chosen career path.

I self-taught myself the skills I have now over 10+ years and having never done any formal qualifications, I'm glad that I now potentially have the opportunity to go into higher education to do something that I'm passionate about and know that I'm going to stick at.

I'm not necessarily going to study anything computer/IT/programming based, but at least the option is still there for me.

What attributes makes a good programmer? Willingness to fail but learning from your mistakes. Ability to take and respond to critic. 100% team player... sounds corny but without this, you'll constantly find that tasks are harder.

What is your most favorite part of your job? Least? Creating... there's nothing better than seeing either a client's or your own ideas come to life in front of you. Granted there's usually a whole load of stuff to fix, change and amend before it does, but that's just part of the fun.

What is your official job title? + How long have you been in the field? Digital Design Manager. I've been practicing design for the best part of 15 years and I've been full-time working for 10 years now. Slowly but surely working my way "up the chain" to the point where i am now. Loving (more or less) everyday for different reasons.

Anything else you'd like to say? Just do what you love and don't let anyone or anything put you down. If something is hard to do one day, with a bit of time, patience and perseverance, you'll get it and then look back on it as if it was something minor.