Why Software Development?
I’m 38 years old, I have two boys and it’s time for me to change career.
I had a wonderful job but the prospect of doing the same thing for another 30 years was making me depressed. I realised that I need more mental simulation or I’ll go nuts. I want to spend my time around smart, hardworking people who enjoy what they are doing for a living and to be a smart, hardworking person who enjoys what he does for a living.
With a family to support though, I couldn’t afford to be unsalaried, and I certainly couldn’t afford to get a degree.
Information Technology changes so fast that there are more opportunities for a career-changer than traditional professions, and employers are more open minded about who they hire.
I had already started a series of online courses based on this Infoworld article which suggests you can replicate a First Class Computer Science degree using free resources on the web. Perhaps so, but I think it takes a very focused and determined person to go it alone. I’ve definitely landed on my feet getting into Mayden Academy and I can’t put a value on the knowledge and experience I’ve already gained after just one week (and there’s plenty still to come!). My advice is, at the very least, find a mentor to keep you from getting side tracked and wasting your time.
What do I like about Mayden Academy so far? It’s very rewarding studying in a group of intelligent and motivated people.The pace has been fast but not uncomfortable. Luke and Mike have done a great job making sure the work is fresh and interesting.
There’s also a clear focus on working efficiently. I can’t abide wasting time, short term thinking or being busy just for the sake of it. Being a parent teaches you that time is precious. However while people are getting on with the job there is still time for plenty of ‘good craic’ here. The atmosphere is extremely pleasant and I’m really looking forward to more.
Here’s the ‘Computer Science Degree’ plan, if you’re interested in dipping a toe in:
Computer Science 101 Stanford University
Introduction to Logic
Data Science
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Programming Languages
How to Design Programs
Algorithms, Part I
Algorithms, Part II
Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 1
Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 2
Computer System Engineering
Introduction to Databases
Compilers
Data Analysis
Programming Mobile Services for Android Handheld Systems: Concurrency
And who said learning Vim wasn’t fun?
http://www.vimsnake.com
http://vim-adventures.com