I'm 34 years old and bored with my accounting job. I was think of getting into computer programming; however, I heard it's tougher to get into when your older plus the competition is fierce with so many other programmers out there. Is this true?
2007-09-25 20:48:18 · 11 answers · asked by John Arkan 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
not at all
2007-09-25 23:21:42 · answer #1 · answered by i_am_the_next_best_one 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Competition is even more fierce due to outsourcing. Since programming is so structured and logical nearly anyone can do it with enough study time. Believe it or not even India, which is far less expensive than a programmer in the US, is getting rather pricey for some businesses as a source of programmers. Many companies are now turning to countries such as Vietnam.
2007-09-25 20:57:14 · answer #2 · answered by th3fish 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The computer programming industry is an over saturated market. Most companies when looking to hire a programmer look for:
At least a Bachelors degree
At least 2 years experience, some require up to 5
Most require that you know multiple languanges.
If you are looking to get into the field, I suggest getting your bachelors, and even better your masters or PHD. You'll need to find some way to get experience, write programs for local businesses, do some pro bono programs etc....this way, you can take program examples in when you go to interview.
2007-09-26 05:27:55 · answer #3 · answered by ckcool192000 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to do that? There is nothing great about being a computer programmer. It certainly doesn't pay much.
You also have to take into account the number of years of experience it takes to get a respectable job. I mean, if you are already good with computers and have fair knowledge of programming, you could go for it. But, by the time you are forty I think you will regret this decision, because you wouldn't have gotten far by then.
I would suggest you to stick your field, take what you already know and have learned and advance it to the next level. If you don't like your accounting job, you can at least work in commerce related field wherein you would not have to start from scratch.
Thats it, whatever you do, don't start from scratch.
2007-09-25 21:02:41 · answer #4 · answered by nvdparker 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I am a software engineering manager for a major defense contractor.
There is no "too old" (by law in the US), but you have to be prepared to start back at the bottom of the ladder. You will be expected to have education (a BS or MS in CS or an engineering field) and plenty of projects.
If you don't want to go that route, try to take some classes on the side and see if there are opportunities for On-The-Job training (real work projects) at your current company.
Also keep in mind that not everyone is looking for "programmers." I am always looking for "engineers." (It's a subtle difference, but I don't want people who just want to develop code -- I want engineers who are going to use code to solve real problems.) I had an interview with a candidate once where he said, "All I really want to do is code. I love to code." That was the death knell for that interview. If all you want to be is a code jockey, your options can be somewhat limited...
2007-09-26 18:35:54 · answer #5 · answered by goobrruuinnzz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are NEVER too old to do anything!
I am 60 and still programming (40 years experience!).
True, programming (web or otherwise) is a VERY tough market and, to succeed, you need to be very good.
Out of 100 programmers, you get 1 good. 75% of those on the market are amateurs who can do a bit, but they are never "complete".
So, TRUE as well, it is a hard job to learn. There are over 50 different "languages" you have to be proficient in, and new languages come up every year. You MUST keep current to stay on top.
But, Good luck!
2007-09-25 21:06:47 · answer #6 · answered by just "JR" 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a very fierce field. There is a ton of competition, and not so many jobs anymore.
But still, I think you should look into learning it, just to see if you enjoy it. I love doing various programming, but I wouldn't make a career out of it.
2007-09-25 20:52:24 · answer #7 · answered by biggieprice 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No age is too old to learn all you need have is determination and believing you can do it, as an accountant i believe you have the ability to learn and comprehends fast. So if that's what you really want go for it now and forget about being old cos age is noting but number when the brain is there.
2007-09-25 21:00:39 · answer #8 · answered by Asher 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, learning another thing is not a big deal. What is important is you had the passion to learn new stuff. Always remember competition is everywhere. NO FEAR!
2007-09-26 22:27:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what you want. 30 is the new 20. Go for it!
2007-09-25 20:51:18 · answer #10 · answered by NTrose 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋