Internships: valuable to computer programming careers?
546917
Its not internships alone that work try working as a freelancer get some new projects, learn how to do them, get ideas from friends and start developing a tool on your own through online tutorials and forums. you might become another google too... Best of luck
1131111
Are you including computer programming languages?  (Geek alert)
23908
Computer science is not quite the same thing as software engineering. I'll assume that you meant computer science, and suggest a concept that is theoretically central but not often applicable in practical settings.\n\nI would argue for computability theory - the study of what exactly a computer is and what it can accomplish. Specifically, the concept of an abstract universal Turing machine, and how pretty much every computing machine currently known can be emulated by a TM.\n\nThis is a key underlying concept because it gives an formal definition of what computation actually is and provides a framework for understanding what can and cannot be computed.
596372
are you talking about school coop programs.  if so, they are a good idea especially if you can gain some experience in a field that  you are interested in or are planning to enter after graduation.  coops give you the ability to see what a day to day existitance inthat field is like.  it also quickly lets you decide if you want to be in that field with little loss to yourself.
919387
here are a few, depending on your programming level.\n\nhard:\n*make a super computer using distributed computing for mobile phones.\n*create a simulation of a real AI system. (BOID - FLOCKING)\n*create a realtime pusdocode runner. it should have psudocode typed in by the user and the codee should be converted to C++ or Java and run while the code is being processed.\nMedium:\n*create a trafic control system for cars(how can you make the roads have fewer trafic jams) (look at flocking again)\n*make a programm that reads shreded paper documents and reorganises them into what they were.\n*make a file transfer programme for people sending inprotant documents to eachother but in a peer to peer system.\n*make a system that allows AI Agents to move autonomusly without codeing input. forexample make an AI player find the user with out being told how.\neasy:\n*make a programme to monitor kids game playing on the internet and to stop bad language and basuse in mmrpg games like runscape.\n*make a new type of secure compression for transfering credit card details over the net.\n\nhope they help. you could also ask your tutor, they should have lists of projects from previous years and you can copythem but add something extra to the project.
1086293
I wouldn't mention it. I've had similar situations and they were afraid that I would leave them for a CS job. A lot of people in other fields believe mistakenly that there are CS jobs in abundance. They aren't privy to the facts that CS jobs are quite rare. Hence, it will be a liability if you let them find out you have a CS degree.
284406
Hi There,\nIt's always useful to understand the tools at your disposal. IT tools often give us the ability to do things faster and more effeciently. It's not always the case, but if you don't have the knowledge, you won't know when it can save you time and money. You'll also notice that in a work environment computer skills are vital. Finding a job when you're not up to par with computer skills is difficult. It also never impresses your boss when you say "sorry, I don't know how to do that." Especially when the 19 year old intern does.\n\nEric
1027842
Coding competitions are always appropriate.\n\nFor a seminar, perhaps you could bring someone to speak about functional programming languages, such as Haskel and Lisp!
39629
Well, it's a challenging job. But, if you have a flair for it, you can really excel. Time constraints and pressures will be there quite often, but if you have the urge to learn more, then it won't be a problem. A good indicator to gauge the extent of your interest in programming would be -- Do you feel a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction after successfully executing a complex program??
921456
I would suggest you di your hardware & networking first. So when you learn programming side you can have more imagination about what would you do to your logic.\n\nOnce you have basic about hardware and networking.The programing side will support a lot.\nThat is  for who interest both.\n\nBut some people who only interest on Programming its OK to do Programming first. But Yoy will find a lot art of programming if you already know the hardware side.\n\nThis my experience and my opinion. May be another people has another opinion.
66555
Not at all.  There are some excellent compilers and IDEs that are free so there's nothing stopping you from giving it a try (see the links I've included below).\n\nWith that said, I highly suggest that you find a language you like and stick to it.  At least until you consider yourself an excellent programmer in your chosen language.  If you're hoping to make money by coding I also suggest you pick a popular language, or at least one that will get you work:  C++, Java, VB, SQL for a widely used database, etc.\n\nOnce you've got a good knowledge of a language and how to program in general, it's really not that hard to pick up another.  I know, because I've been a developer for over 25 years.  These days I code mostly in C++ with a little Python, Java, VB and various SQL dialects thrown in -- it all depends on the job I've been asked to do.
492434
It's a pretty strong job market right now, from what I hear, and Computer Science remains a popular discipline.  So, finding a job shouldn't be too great a problem.  The two things that may be obstacles are:\n\n1. The specific type of job you're looking for.  If you are too narrow in your search, you may limit your choices too much.\n\n2. The strategy you use to find a job.  You can't wait around for someone to find you.  You need to be proactive in your search, and use a variety of methods.\n\nI've attached a link to an article that should help.\n\nBest of luck to you.
675307
There are a lot. Do you just want to take single classes, or complete a certificate or degree program? Is it for personal enrichment, or do you hope to be able to use it to advance your career? And what sorts of computer courses are you talking about? Do you want to learn Microsoft Excel, or do you want to learn computer science?
1051917
I believe it is to add more value to your resume. The job market is getting more competitive by the day so anything that adds value to your resume is worth doing. Also, it shows to the employer that you're a well-rounded individual. For example, your major may be computer science and you may have a minor in business. Very useful as it shows that you can understand most aspects of the company.
772802
One of the brightest people I know trained to be a music (choir) teacher and after a couple of years of that, realized he loved music more than kids so he went back to school for an engineering degree. He's one of HP's best engineers and serves as a consultant within the company. \n\nIf you look at the early history of computer science and who were the early employees back in the 1960's , you will find large numbers of music, foreign language and philosophy majors. That's because they were trained to think in different "languages" which had their own unique rules for usage, "grammar" and the like. So you would be in good company!\n\nI would discourage focusing only on programming/writing code. Look at the link below (US DOL) for data on career pathwyas within the computer industry.
810326
hi\nfrankly i dont know any such institutes, but a better option would be going for internship with any good IT company, u will get training on job and also get some pay . think about it\ngood luck
1065352
You know the joke about the person who asks what is the best way to get to Carnagie Hall? The answer was "Practice, practice, practice", which applies here as well, since programming is an art.\nLike in other arts, talent is an important ingredient as well. Good educaion (and by education I mean going to the university) is also a must.