Software programming is different.
To become a software programmer you should first take an introductory programming course at the college level. Once you have mastered the underlying concepts you should start to learn on your own using forums on the Internet, programming websites, and trade magazines and books. You should be competent in math and have a true desire for creating software.
You will need to write lots and lots of codes for practice. C# is the leading language that is quickly emerging. Java is also still very popular and is well established across numerous platforms, so be sure to learn all you can about Java.
When the Internet was in its infancy all you had to do was to learn HTML and you could find yourself a pretty good job and earn some decent money. Soon however, it became quite clear that there are many more skills needed and in demand. The point is you need to be sure that you are committed to a lifetime of learning. Software programming is a good-paying and reliable career, but you have to always be learning to keep yourself marketable.
Programmers who learn one popular language just in order to get a job will most likely find themselves in jeopardy because they will soon be using outdated platforms. Many of these people have no interest in learning something else. The programmers who succeed are those who are continually learning and seeking out new information. They embrace learning and are realistic about what it takes to stay in this line of work.
You should decide early on whether you want to focus on software engineering or application development. You make user interfaces in application development and solve business problems. In software engineering you create processes that support the processing of information, and it is math intensive. These are the core differences in these two disciplines, so you must decide which you like best.
Find yourself a mentor, and ideally your mentor works at a firm that you can do an apprenticeship at. Those companies that allow apprentices to learn from a mentor while contributing to the team effort produce great programmers.
If you are a software programmer for a company that sells their technology, this type of company treats their programmers better than corporate IT businesses do theirs. You will not be one of the first departments that is down-sized due to budget restraints.
In conclusion, there is a lot to decide when considering software programming as a career. The opportunities are great for work and the money is good. It is very important, however, that you are a dedicated, knowledge-seeking individual and are ready to face and embrace changes surrounding your work.
