[LA.pm] Next step for a newbie

[Ranga Nathan]

Ron:

When I started learning Perl, I was new not only to Perl but to Unix and 
Linux. Perl opened the gates to many technologies and taught me the 
importance of learning concepts rather than products.
When I learned to do Perl CGI, I learnt HTTP protocol and MIME and then 
something else, one door led to another and so on. Some people are 
frustrated by the quest. To me the quest was more interesting than 
arriving somewhere.  For fear of being at the receiving end of a RTFM, I 
immersed myself in documentation and there is plenty of it.

For a start I would be active in mailing lists. I would contribute to 
projects, I would learn OO and Perl modules, pick up a number of Perl 
books from O'Reilly, in fact their Perl Bookshelf is an excellent resource 
and it is available on their Safari site too. By asking good questions 
(unlike some "I want a script. Give me one") as well as contribute 
answers.

Fearlessly download and experiment with different modules. It is 
surprising how creative you can get when there is a free flow of 
information and software.

BTW, dont miss the next YAPC, wherever that is. It is an excellent forum 
to learn and exchange knowledge. I was at  YAPC 1999 and 19100 (yes, year 
2000) . Oh what fun that was, being in the company of great Perl minds.

Welcome aboard and enjoy!


__________________________________________
Ranga Nathan / CSG
Systems Programmer - Specialist; Technical Services; 
BAX Global Inc. Irvine-California
Tel: 714-442-7591   Fax: 714-442-2840




Ron Smith <geeksatlarge at yahoo.com> 

Sent by: losangeles-pm-bounces+rnathan=baxglobal.com at pm.org
05/05/2006 01:43 PM

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Subject
[LA.pm] Next step for a newbie






Hi all,

I need advice on my next move. I'm relatively new to
Perl and programming in  general but have written a
few useful programs, over the past year or so, that
actually have been used on the job.

I'd like to make a career change to full-time
programming but need advice on what areas I need to
focus on in order to land an entry-level position.
Mainly, I'd like to know what skill-level I should be
at and what's usually expected by an employer. Working
with web pages seems to be the most fun to me but I'll
take on any project offered.

Right now I'm in formal classes for Perl, Java, C/C++
and the rest. Also, I was wondering how critical a
degree is for programming or is it possible to get
started while you're working toward an AS/BS ...etc?

Any and all input would be appreciated.


Ron Smith
geeksatlarge at yahoo.com
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