Programmer

I wasn't sure where to put this topic, so excuse me if it
is in the wrong area.

I'm looking to be a programmer when I'm older (I am 14).
Computers (and electronics in general) have always been
my favorite thing. Suppose I wanted to apply for a job
with Microsoft. What skills would typically be wanted of
someone?

I'm beginning my Freshman year in high school in a few
days. I'm taking Programming I (Visual Basic) and
Desktop Publishing (HTML). What language(s) should I
learn next? Is a foreign language preferred as well? I
have math covered if that is required.

If there is something else that is appreciated please let
me know.

Nicholas Cole

One of things that has been holding me back is a lack of a college degree.
Sure, the computer technology that they will teach you will be archaic and
out of sync with the current technology, but you'll develop many other
facets of yourself such as cross-country skiing and guitar lessons (classes
I took before I dropped out).

I've been busy making up for the lack of degree with experience and
certifications but I fear I will need to go back and finish this up with
accredited night/online courses.

To get a developer job you need to prove to the world that you have the
tenacity to create something great. Perhaps you should consider starting
your own software business and try selling it. It'll look good on the
resume.

I sharpened my developer skills best while consulting. I was often placed at
a client by my consulting firm for a few months, figured out the technology,
wrote the initial software and was onto the next project in a totally new
branch of Microsoft technology.

Don't get married. After they take away your time, kill your spirit, and
stomp on your heart, they clean out your wallet.

Good luck to you in the future. I spent many hours myself when I was 14
writing assembly programs on an Apple //c. "CALL -151"

Sincerely,
Davin Mickelson, MCSD(VS6), MCSD.NET, MCSA


"Nicholas Cole" <> wrote in message
news:0a0d01c36e61$f074dee0$...
> I wasn't sure where to put this topic, so excuse me if it
> is in the wrong area.
>
> I'm looking to be a programmer when I'm older (I am 14).
> Computers (and electronics in general) have always been
> my favorite thing. Suppose I wanted to apply for a job
> with Microsoft. What skills would typically be wanted of
> someone?
>
> I'm beginning my Freshman year in high school in a few
> days. I'm taking Programming I (Visual Basic) and
> Desktop Publishing (HTML). What language(s) should I
> learn next? Is a foreign language preferred as well? I
> have math covered if that is required.
>
> If there is something else that is appreciated please let
> me know.