career choices

:confused:

What's the best place for entry level programmers to learn?

at home. there's no expectation outside of what you create for yourself and there is no restriction with regard to project scope or creative genius.

I'm not exactly a webmaster, but I have the knowledge to be, and as far as programming, that's what I've been learning since I've gotten to AO (when I'm not posting of course). I have no experience with System Admin, but it seems that they have a larger spectrum of expertise, and seems like it could be a lot of fun, and I eventually hope to experience that too, as I become more knowledgeable. I am a pre-med student, so this is more of a hobby to me than anything, basically I spend all of my freetime on a computer. I find being a webmaster and programming more of a creative process, and it would be cool as hell to program something like a game I've played before, and I don't even know where to begin with something like that. hehehe I'll always be a newbie.

I have goals to eventually build my own messenger service, just to see if I can, something similar to what MSN messenger offers, minus the MS technology, just like a similar interface. It will be a while before I'm good enough with C to attempt something like that and the imaging from everything I read is a total stresser. That was my tossup when voting, between programming and sys admin though. Webmaster is great, but I don't think it's something that I want to be payed to do, I would get bored with it. Then again, I do know some programmers based out in Bangalore, India who hate their jobs immensely because they are forced to stifle their creativity and do what they are told to do.

No matter what you choose, be the best you can and work for yourself, best way to get your creativity out there, and creativity is fun!

All im gonna say is


Which do you enjoy most ?
No point in doing something if you dont enjoy it.

hi

all of the above are good.

webmasters must be creative (which really leaves me out, i have used up any traces of my creativity for my own websites). if you are into graphics and presentation, and take pride in making something look good, then this is probably best for you.

programming will require a lot of dedication, especially if you are just learning. it may take to to many places. it may also be a lot of stress if you have deadlines to follow and not much time to do projects in. but programming can be lots of fun, and really satisfying when the code you cut yields results.

systems administration will teach you a lot of skills. a lot of problems. a lot of solutions. in the end, you'll find that all you learned along the way was worth it, somehow. so are all the problems (if you're the one that fixed them). you are the master (or mistress!) of your system, and you'll feel good for being it.

you can also mix and match. the good thing about our industry is you're not locked to only one skill,however some people may find it difficult to move to something else. but you have plenty of time to learn, so why not try all the above and see where each leads you? good luck! =)

regards,
mark.

Well, which ever one you choose, make sure its right for you! :) I mean, my brother is a computer whiz (also 26) and the exact opposite of me. I love computers but I just can't see myself as a webmaster/sys admin. Be true to yourself, because all these people tell you what they prefer, but listen to your heart and your mind and you'll probably figure it out. And when you go to college, it's not that unusual to change your major. Read up on these jobs that you are interested in, and try to fell around because once you get it you've got it! (lol, did that make much since?)

Well, I'm not really sure what you already know about computer stuff already, but I think that maybe instead of chosing a career, maybe you should focus on what skills interest you. Is it hardware, software, laying network cable or something else? I mean I have met alot of system admins who are turned off once they see code and on the flip side I've seen programmers who totally shut down when you start talking about a router. What I'm trying to say is that you need to know a little about everything, but become especially good in those things that you find interesting. There is a very fine line between all the careers you have listed. Many times the responsibilities overlap. You will find that certain skills will make you a viable candidate for all three areas at the same time. Good luck!

Well i voted sys admin, like you im looking to start a job soon, and i reckon that being a sys admin will be the least stressfull and reasonabley well paid. However it depends what you really want to do, try to get some kind of work experience in all three jobs to see if you like them. As Palemoon said you might want to go for a charity as you will probably get some good experience then

I've done all and in fact am currently doing all. I've got to say that I get the most satisfaction out of PROGRAMMING. It's more difficult to make as much money but the money isn't bad. With languages changing all the time it also means you have to be dynamic, be able to learn quickly and have a good natural ability to think in the abstract (ie- good imagination). This is different from WEBMASTER wherein you need a good eye for layout as well as many abilities and skills necessary for programming. SYS ADMIN is, in my opinion both stressful and boring. Of course with the added responsibility of being reliable, trustworthy and in charge, usually comes more money. Life is a balancing act...

being a sysadmin, having dabbled in web scripting and programming, here it was i think…

webmaster
focus: creating and updating websites. creativity and knowlegde of code a necessity.
pros: if done by yourself, you may never have to leave the house. surfing the net for ideas is only part of the job (and you'll probably do that anyway). also, there is a satisfaction in seeing your product out for everyone in the world to see. but there can be embarassing as well when your reviewing one of your websites at a friends house or with a prospective client and they catch some typos or a BIG mistake.
cons: the languages are changing all the time and there are many different languages to learn to make your web page available for people running old browsers, new browsers, cell phones and pda's, etc. it is alot of constant learning.

programmer
focus: create programs that the user will see, use, crash
pros: its nice to see someone actually being productive with a piece of code you wrote. there is a concrete object that comes out of it and gives some a sense of satisfaction.
cons: again, the languages are changing all the time and there are many different languages to learn. with programming, i have notices that the base language seems to stay essentially the same, but there are variations thereof.


sysadmin
focus: mostly hardware and configuration. over-all reign over network, including computers, routers, wires, security issues…
pros: you get to play with oh so many aspects of the industry. usually when a user has a problem, they come to you so you get to play with other people's computers as well. i get a sense of accomplishment when there is something wrong with the network and i come up with a solution that works.
cons: its not for everyone. you have to touch hardware. there is alot of configuration that needs to be learned. and if the business wants to add, say, a copier/fax machine and configure it so everyone is getting their email and faxes so you have to configure each individual address. can be very time consuming and sometimes frustrating.