I have been enjoying programming a great deal so far. It's like super big logic puzzles!
yes yes yes. i used to love those things as a kid and i definitely see a similarity when it comes to arguing computers into doing my bidding. :)
i don't know that i have much useful advice. in programming especially, there's definitely a career path that doesn't actually require you take classes at all -- lots of people are self-taught and do well. the academic background arguably has its unique advantages, but there's really no reason you can't, starting RIGHT NOW, do some social coding, contribute to some open-source projects, and get a job in which you can grow your existing skills.
you can always go that route and selectively take classes to gain more in-depth knowledge (e.g. OS or systems), later. though it does depend a bit on what SORT of programming work you'd like to do -- database management? networks? security? server management? web stuff?
whatever you decide, i'd highly recommend finding some local groups to hang out with. there are often group hack sessions, pair programming events, and talks. i'd highly recommend GDI: http://www.girldevelopit.com/chapters/pittsburgh
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Date: 2013-03-26 09:00 pm (UTC)yes yes yes. i used to love those things as a kid and i definitely see a similarity when it comes to arguing computers into doing my bidding. :)
i don't know that i have much useful advice. in programming especially, there's definitely a career path that doesn't actually require you take classes at all -- lots of people are self-taught and do well. the academic background arguably has its unique advantages, but there's really no reason you can't, starting RIGHT NOW, do some social coding, contribute to some open-source projects, and get a job in which you can grow your existing skills.
you can always go that route and selectively take classes to gain more in-depth knowledge (e.g. OS or systems), later. though it does depend a bit on what SORT of programming work you'd like to do -- database management? networks? security? server management? web stuff?
whatever you decide, i'd highly recommend finding some local groups to hang out with. there are often group hack sessions, pair programming events, and talks. i'd highly recommend GDI: http://www.girldevelopit.com/chapters/pittsburgh