Coding As A Career

[Marjock]

Hey Guys,

I'm assuming that some of you are actual proffesional computer programmers, although even if you're not I'm sure some of you have looked into coding as a career.

Basically, the situation is like this, I've always wanted to know about coding as a career, and the careers unit we're doing at school right now has conveniently forced me to get my arse into gear and find out =)

So, if you can answer any of these questions or just provide any information at al it is /much/ appreciated (especially if you're from New Zealand, like me).

1) Are there actually that many jobs for coders out there?

2) What sorts of qualifications do people usually look for when hiring? Like are we talking just a Computer Sciences degree, or is there further study I can do...

3)(this is just if you're in New Zealand) Do you guys know what varsitys/polytechs/whatever around the country offer the best (and most recognised) quals? Or am I better off going overseas, or what?

Cheers guys, as usual, any and all help is much appreciated =)

-Mark

Oh, and also, if this belongs in the biz forum (which I don't think it does) feel free to move it there =)

[OneSadCookie]

1) yes... if you're good enough :)

2) lots of companies simply won't hire new grads, they're only interested in people with 2-3 years work experience. Those that do hire new grads are generally looking for a computer science degree. By far the most important thing though is knowing your stuff, and having some programs under your belt. Enter uDG :)

3) certainly Auckland, Victoria, Otago are well-respected. Of the other institutions, I wouldn't know... though I'd personally be wary of Massey ;) You can of course go overseas, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost. A computer science degree from one of those three will probably be as good as anything you'd get overseas, and a lot cheaper. Of course, if you want to get a job as a researcher in a large American corporation, go get your PhD at MIT :)

Where are you located?

[Marjock]

I'm in Dunedin, so obviously Otago would be good.

Am I right in saying that most of teh jobs offered aren't actually for software companies? Just random companies htat need software for something, or want some guy to stop their computers screwing up?

Cheers again,
Mark

[OneSadCookie]

there are some companies which really are software companies, such as solnet (http://solnet.co.nz/) and datacom (http://datacom.co.nz/). There are a lot of development jobs in banks. Then there are a lot of jobs writing custom software within smaller companies.

otago has a very good computer graphics department, so that might play into your hands... there is at least one NZ computer games company (sidhe interactive (http://sidhe.co.nz/)), though whether you'd want to work there or not is a different question ;)

[reubert]

I'd just like to echo what Keith said about companies preferring experience and get-up-and-go to qualifications.

Enter uDev a couple of times, make a fantastic game or 3, and then go knock on the door of that guy in Dunedin that is doing the 3D stuff for airports and golf and yachting and stuff.

The way I see it, you're more likely to get something useful out of spending 3 years on making your own 3D engine than 3 years and thousands of dollars on a degree. Providing, of course, you have the motivation and dedication to actually achieve something ;)

[OneSadCookie]

I dunno, "I spent the last three years getting a degree" sounds better than "I spent the last three years on the dole, but I made this cool helicopter game" ;) :p

And there's a lot of things you'll learn in a degree that you'd otherwise have to pick up the hard way, probably on a job where it's your ass on the line...

I guess what I'm saying is, whilst the "do it yourself" route is certainly cheaper, and may work out (as it did for David, */me bows*), but the degree route is easier and more sure-fire...

[Wired]

My advice is to do what you think will benefit you the most. If you're interested in working for a large corporation, then you probably will need a CS degree. If you're intersted in smaller companies, you may want to play the market for a while. If you feel that you will learn things in college that you don't already know or couldn't learn on your own, then I would recommend going to get your degree.

Small companies are more likely to look at you, instead of what papers you have. In these situations, the interview is your best friend. Sell yourself -- let them know what you feel you do better than most programmers. Code isn't nearly as important as letting them know that they will have a coworker they enjoy working with. After the interview, that may be a different story ;)

I don't have any experiences with large corporations, so I can't really lend advice there.

Lastly, Good luck :)

[skyhawk]

so what companies do I have to look forward to as a mac game developer who wishes to make mac games, and not port PC games?

[reubert]

so what companies do I have to look forward to as a mac game developer who wishes to make mac games, and not port PC games?

MajicJungle Software :p