5 answers
Emilio
Student
Castroville, CA
1
Question
Asked
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my Name Is Emilio T I'm currently in high school . I'm conducting a interview with any professional in the field of Computer programming I will be asking 10 questions today
1.What made you do this this Career? 2.What did you do to prepare for this career? 3. What classes would you recommend to take? 4. What company do you work for? 5.What skills prepared you for this job? 6. What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice? 7. How much does the training/education cost? 8. How newcomer friendly is the Job? 9. What’s the annual income, on average?10. Why did you pick that career? What do you like about it?
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5 answers
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Emilio,
My answers are below:
1. I actually got a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with a focus on analog design (making computer chips), but fell into programming, as I leveraged experience I had built up doing research projects in college to progress in my career.
2. I developed webpages in high school for fun and family. I then formally learned programming at UC Berkeley. During that time, I worked on research projects that allowed me to practice the things I had learned in class, and that gave me enough experience to pursue web development, where I focus mainly on the backend (logic + database).
3. I would recommend starting with beginner classes and scripting languages, such as Python, Ruby, PHP, etc. Once you get familiar with those, you can choose to go simpler and more UI oriented (javascript, CSS, html, etc) or more lower level languages (C, C++, Java, etc). You can take classes, but you can also borrow books from the library or watch online learning videos (like on YouTube).
4. I work for VMware.
5. I started off as a PHP web programmer in college, then after a few years at VMware toiling away with PHP, Perl, and Python, I moved on to Ruby (and the Ruby on Rails framework). I still use Ruby today, as it's my favorite programming language.
6. I went to UC Berkeley to pursue engineering. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I went in as an undeclared major in the school of engineering. I chose this school over a private school I was acccepted into because UC Berkeley was cheaper and a highly ranked school. If I could go back in time, I'd probably gone to CSU Long Beach, as they had offered me a better scholarship than UC Berkeley.
7. I don't remember the cost of UC Berkeley, but I did have college loan debt that I had to pay off after college. I also worked during college to pay my way through college.
8. Web development and programming are both friendly enough. I've met the nicest folks and some not so mean ones; but overall, people are nicer than other professions, IMHO. I think this is because programmers are paid fairly well, so there isn't the same type of life-stresses that other jobs have.
9. I'm not sure what the annual income is for programmers and web developers, but I can tell you that the starting salary in the SF Bay Area for a junior web developer is either 6 figures or very close to it.
10. I kind of stumbled into this career, but I've had it for the past 16 years and I love it. I am so grateful in how I get to learn new things every year and how flexible my job can be, compared to so many other people. I am very satisfied with my job, my company, and my pay; and not everyone can say that. Lastly, I love the fact that VMware is a very green company and I know that the impact I have through my job, is a good one for the environment.
I hope that was helpful!
--
Dexter
My answers are below:
1. I actually got a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with a focus on analog design (making computer chips), but fell into programming, as I leveraged experience I had built up doing research projects in college to progress in my career.
2. I developed webpages in high school for fun and family. I then formally learned programming at UC Berkeley. During that time, I worked on research projects that allowed me to practice the things I had learned in class, and that gave me enough experience to pursue web development, where I focus mainly on the backend (logic + database).
3. I would recommend starting with beginner classes and scripting languages, such as Python, Ruby, PHP, etc. Once you get familiar with those, you can choose to go simpler and more UI oriented (javascript, CSS, html, etc) or more lower level languages (C, C++, Java, etc). You can take classes, but you can also borrow books from the library or watch online learning videos (like on YouTube).
4. I work for VMware.
5. I started off as a PHP web programmer in college, then after a few years at VMware toiling away with PHP, Perl, and Python, I moved on to Ruby (and the Ruby on Rails framework). I still use Ruby today, as it's my favorite programming language.
6. I went to UC Berkeley to pursue engineering. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I went in as an undeclared major in the school of engineering. I chose this school over a private school I was acccepted into because UC Berkeley was cheaper and a highly ranked school. If I could go back in time, I'd probably gone to CSU Long Beach, as they had offered me a better scholarship than UC Berkeley.
7. I don't remember the cost of UC Berkeley, but I did have college loan debt that I had to pay off after college. I also worked during college to pay my way through college.
8. Web development and programming are both friendly enough. I've met the nicest folks and some not so mean ones; but overall, people are nicer than other professions, IMHO. I think this is because programmers are paid fairly well, so there isn't the same type of life-stresses that other jobs have.
9. I'm not sure what the annual income is for programmers and web developers, but I can tell you that the starting salary in the SF Bay Area for a junior web developer is either 6 figures or very close to it.
10. I kind of stumbled into this career, but I've had it for the past 16 years and I love it. I am so grateful in how I get to learn new things every year and how flexible my job can be, compared to so many other people. I am very satisfied with my job, my company, and my pay; and not everyone can say that. Lastly, I love the fact that VMware is a very green company and I know that the impact I have through my job, is a good one for the environment.
I hope that was helpful!
--
Dexter
Daniel Henriques
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Barreiro, Portugal
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Emilio,
Those are really interesting question and they really made me come back and think about the decisions I've made. So a great set of questions!
1. I don't think I ever thought of myself as a computer science engineer. My father was a mechanic and I wanted to be a mechanical engineer (wrongly assuming that it was almost the same thing). When I was about to graduate, I noticed that I didn't really enjoy the work my father did and I decided to pursue something related with computers/gaming. Hence, computer science.
2. As you can tell from the above, I didn't really think that I'd go for a computer science career, so I went to college without a hint on how to program.
3. I've attended college in Portugal so the naming might be different. So I'll try to give you a better advice: try to understand what is it that you wish to do in Computer Science. In my college, we had 3 distinct areas: big data & machine learning, distributed systems & cybersecurity, software engineering and software validation. Through the first 3 years of college I've tested all the three areas and I preferred to do my masters in the area of big data & machine learning.
4. I work for PagerDuty.
5. In terms of technical skills I'd say that anything related with databases is very important, distributed systems and software engineering. Since I do not do much machine learning related work, my master's hasn't been helpful in this role. However, you should consider honing and developing your soft skills as well. All the achievements that you want to get in your career will depend on your soft skills as well as your tech skills. Do not forget about that!
6. I've attended a Portuguese college called Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias. I'm assuming you are asking what influenced me to go to this particular college. I've applied to all the engineering colleges in Portugal, however, this was the closest one to where I live, also it is the (arguably) the best engineering school in Portugal. So it was a win-win.
7. I think this is where my answer won't help much in your case because the cost of education in Portugal is far lower than in the US. But, mostly for curiosity, for my integrated masters degree I paid around 5k-6k around 1k per year.
8. I've only ever worked for startups or product companies (which are companies that create their own product rather than doing some kind of outsourcing). The people are very nice, you'll get in touch with a lot of culture and learn a lot really fast. I think that's the beauty of it, you get exposed to a lot new sensations and feelings when working in a such a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
9. Another answer that might not help that much, but for an entry/junior level developer, the average seems to be around 20k-24k gross annual income.
10. I love to code, I like the environment and the people are awesome. Also, my main driver is learning and improvement myself everyday. So, if I feel that I'm learning, I'm happy.
Those are really interesting question and they really made me come back and think about the decisions I've made. So a great set of questions!
1. I don't think I ever thought of myself as a computer science engineer. My father was a mechanic and I wanted to be a mechanical engineer (wrongly assuming that it was almost the same thing). When I was about to graduate, I noticed that I didn't really enjoy the work my father did and I decided to pursue something related with computers/gaming. Hence, computer science.
2. As you can tell from the above, I didn't really think that I'd go for a computer science career, so I went to college without a hint on how to program.
3. I've attended college in Portugal so the naming might be different. So I'll try to give you a better advice: try to understand what is it that you wish to do in Computer Science. In my college, we had 3 distinct areas: big data & machine learning, distributed systems & cybersecurity, software engineering and software validation. Through the first 3 years of college I've tested all the three areas and I preferred to do my masters in the area of big data & machine learning.
4. I work for PagerDuty.
5. In terms of technical skills I'd say that anything related with databases is very important, distributed systems and software engineering. Since I do not do much machine learning related work, my master's hasn't been helpful in this role. However, you should consider honing and developing your soft skills as well. All the achievements that you want to get in your career will depend on your soft skills as well as your tech skills. Do not forget about that!
6. I've attended a Portuguese college called Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias. I'm assuming you are asking what influenced me to go to this particular college. I've applied to all the engineering colleges in Portugal, however, this was the closest one to where I live, also it is the (arguably) the best engineering school in Portugal. So it was a win-win.
7. I think this is where my answer won't help much in your case because the cost of education in Portugal is far lower than in the US. But, mostly for curiosity, for my integrated masters degree I paid around 5k-6k around 1k per year.
8. I've only ever worked for startups or product companies (which are companies that create their own product rather than doing some kind of outsourcing). The people are very nice, you'll get in touch with a lot of culture and learn a lot really fast. I think that's the beauty of it, you get exposed to a lot new sensations and feelings when working in a such a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
9. Another answer that might not help that much, but for an entry/junior level developer, the average seems to be around 20k-24k gross annual income.
10. I love to code, I like the environment and the people are awesome. Also, my main driver is learning and improvement myself everyday. So, if I feel that I'm learning, I'm happy.
Thank you for the advice.
Emilio
JOHN German
90
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
1. What made you do this this Career? Knew someone who was within the career, had a decent wage and life through such, figured I would give the old college try and roll forward into programming.
2. What did you do to prepare for this career? Went to technical school (Chubb Institute at the time).
3. What classes would you recommend to take? One thing programming requires would be problem solving. So, any classes that deep dive and help one think, can be beneficial. Math would be good. Depending on duties, one could be using mathematical elements to compute information and/or functional requirements. Also: networking, computer systems, AI, cyber security, server management, etc. Awakening the wisdom of the broad spectrum of areas that a programmer may interact with or need in regard to knowledge to better grasp all the areas their programs could interact with.
4. What company do you work for? Small web firms, hospital, etc in the span of a ~13-year career.
5. What skills prepared you for this job? interest in figuring things out, love to learn, willingness to go the extra mile (programming may need that), etc.
6. What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice? Technical School (Chubb at the time).
7. How much does the training/education cost? Depends on where you want to go. 4-year community college will be less than a bigger school. Technical schools can be less than all but may be a little more intense in the duties required in the shorter timeframe.
8. How newcomer friendly is the Job? In any path and/or sector of this human experience, one company could be amazingly welcoming where others could be prove yourself before some adjust to your employment.
9. What’s the annual income, on average? Small towns could be $50k+ whereas the big cities could be $80-100k+. Experience plays a factor as well.
Per one source: "The average salary for a programmer in the United States is $73,007. Programmer salaries typically range between $54,000 and $98,000 a year. The average hourly rate for programmers is $35.1 per hour.
Location, education, and experience impacts how much a programmer can expect to make. Programmers make the most in Washington, Oregon, California, West Virginia, and Nevada.".
10. Why did you pick that career? What do you like about it? Constant learning. Figuring things out. In my background, I was put into scenarios where I was educating on a new language, needing to finish a project on time, while appropriately coding in the most up-to-date standards for that language. If you like challenges, programming can be that.
Grateful for your steps.
God Bless,
John German
1. What made you do this this Career? Knew someone who was within the career, had a decent wage and life through such, figured I would give the old college try and roll forward into programming.
2. What did you do to prepare for this career? Went to technical school (Chubb Institute at the time).
3. What classes would you recommend to take? One thing programming requires would be problem solving. So, any classes that deep dive and help one think, can be beneficial. Math would be good. Depending on duties, one could be using mathematical elements to compute information and/or functional requirements. Also: networking, computer systems, AI, cyber security, server management, etc. Awakening the wisdom of the broad spectrum of areas that a programmer may interact with or need in regard to knowledge to better grasp all the areas their programs could interact with.
4. What company do you work for? Small web firms, hospital, etc in the span of a ~13-year career.
5. What skills prepared you for this job? interest in figuring things out, love to learn, willingness to go the extra mile (programming may need that), etc.
6. What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice? Technical School (Chubb at the time).
7. How much does the training/education cost? Depends on where you want to go. 4-year community college will be less than a bigger school. Technical schools can be less than all but may be a little more intense in the duties required in the shorter timeframe.
8. How newcomer friendly is the Job? In any path and/or sector of this human experience, one company could be amazingly welcoming where others could be prove yourself before some adjust to your employment.
9. What’s the annual income, on average? Small towns could be $50k+ whereas the big cities could be $80-100k+. Experience plays a factor as well.
Per one source: "The average salary for a programmer in the United States is $73,007. Programmer salaries typically range between $54,000 and $98,000 a year. The average hourly rate for programmers is $35.1 per hour.
Location, education, and experience impacts how much a programmer can expect to make. Programmers make the most in Washington, Oregon, California, West Virginia, and Nevada.".
10. Why did you pick that career? What do you like about it? Constant learning. Figuring things out. In my background, I was put into scenarios where I was educating on a new language, needing to finish a project on time, while appropriately coding in the most up-to-date standards for that language. If you like challenges, programming can be that.
Grateful for your steps.
God Bless,
John German
This was super helpful, thank you!
Emilio
Billy Vardharajan
Manager
17
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Billy’s Answer
Hi Emilio, Computer Programming is an exciting and field where you can express your problem solving and creativity skills.
1.What made you do this this Career?
As a Software Engineer (started as one) I was very interested in how SW is designed, coded, integrated, and tested before use by customers. I trained and acquired skills needed to perform these functions of a SW Engineer.
2.What did you do to prepare for this career?
I completed a Bachelor’s and Master program in Electronics & Communications and Computer Engineering. I also interned at some of the local companies during this time to gain industry experience and knowledge. Networked with other Engineers to learn their perspective.
3. What classes would you recommend to take?
Foundational courses in Data Structures, Operating Systems, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Compute Networking, Cloud Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Parallel Processing, Programming Languages, Compilers, Microprocessors etc. would prepare you well.
4. What company do you work for?
AT&T
5.What skills prepared you for this job?
There are hard skills and soft skills.
Hard Skills: Knowledge of Communication Systems, Communication Principles, Computer Engineering, Computer Networking, Financial Management, Quality Principles etc.
Soft Skills: Collaboration, Leadership, Public Speaking, Project Management, Mentoring etc.
6. What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice?
Bachelors - Electronics & Communication Engineering
Master - Computer Engineering
It was a combination of the two that prepared me for a career in the Communications/Networking industry.
7. How much does the training/education cost?
Cost of education varies depending on the school and scholarship award. Choice of training/education should primarily be driven by your area of focus and what will prepare you best for a strong career.
8. How newcomer friendly is the Job?
That varies depending on the company you go to work for. Important to assess the team dynamics and how they mentor newcomers. During and before the interview research the company using online resources. You are also trying to find a good match as you look for a job.
9. What’s the annual income, on average?
This will depend on the role/level of education/college brand. In the beginning of one's career hard skills will help with compensation. As the career progresses and you add more and more soft skills that will add to the influence on compensation. In technology it is key to be a life-long learner and keep growing your skills.
10. Why did you pick that career?
I am always curious about how different systems are designed and their functionality. I studied and prepared myself for a career in Engineering. During the first year in Eng. School, I studied all branches of Engineering and that helped me choose the area I was most interested in; Electronics and Communication Eng. This helped me prepare for a role where I can help to connect the people and devices around the world.
What do you like about it?
I love my job because what I do helps to connect the people around the world across vast distances using latest technologies like 5G, Cloud, Fiber etc.
1.What made you do this this Career?
As a Software Engineer (started as one) I was very interested in how SW is designed, coded, integrated, and tested before use by customers. I trained and acquired skills needed to perform these functions of a SW Engineer.
2.What did you do to prepare for this career?
I completed a Bachelor’s and Master program in Electronics & Communications and Computer Engineering. I also interned at some of the local companies during this time to gain industry experience and knowledge. Networked with other Engineers to learn their perspective.
3. What classes would you recommend to take?
Foundational courses in Data Structures, Operating Systems, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Compute Networking, Cloud Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Parallel Processing, Programming Languages, Compilers, Microprocessors etc. would prepare you well.
4. What company do you work for?
AT&T
5.What skills prepared you for this job?
There are hard skills and soft skills.
Hard Skills: Knowledge of Communication Systems, Communication Principles, Computer Engineering, Computer Networking, Financial Management, Quality Principles etc.
Soft Skills: Collaboration, Leadership, Public Speaking, Project Management, Mentoring etc.
6. What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice?
Bachelors - Electronics & Communication Engineering
Master - Computer Engineering
It was a combination of the two that prepared me for a career in the Communications/Networking industry.
7. How much does the training/education cost?
Cost of education varies depending on the school and scholarship award. Choice of training/education should primarily be driven by your area of focus and what will prepare you best for a strong career.
8. How newcomer friendly is the Job?
That varies depending on the company you go to work for. Important to assess the team dynamics and how they mentor newcomers. During and before the interview research the company using online resources. You are also trying to find a good match as you look for a job.
9. What’s the annual income, on average?
This will depend on the role/level of education/college brand. In the beginning of one's career hard skills will help with compensation. As the career progresses and you add more and more soft skills that will add to the influence on compensation. In technology it is key to be a life-long learner and keep growing your skills.
10. Why did you pick that career?
I am always curious about how different systems are designed and their functionality. I studied and prepared myself for a career in Engineering. During the first year in Eng. School, I studied all branches of Engineering and that helped me choose the area I was most interested in; Electronics and Communication Eng. This helped me prepare for a role where I can help to connect the people and devices around the world.
What do you like about it?
I love my job because what I do helps to connect the people around the world across vast distances using latest technologies like 5G, Cloud, Fiber etc.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Emilio
I wish you much luck in your journey!
Billy Vardharajan
Steven Whitehead
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Steven’s Answer
1. What inspired you to pursue this career?
> Initially, I was drawn to creating video games. I came across a Kotaku article where a game developer wished they had chosen software engineering instead, due to work stress, job stability, and salary. That article convinced me to follow this path!
2. How did you prepare for this career?
> My high school lacked programming classes or clubs, so I learned most of my skills before college during my free time. I enjoyed engaging in nerdy activities, like making games on my computer. Aside from that, I focused on excelling in school to get into a good college.
3. Which classes do you recommend taking?
> In high school, consider taking Computer Science, Robotics, and the most challenging math and science courses available at your school.
4. Which company do you work for?
> I'm currently employed at IBM.
5. What skills prepared you for this job?
> My coursework and personal programming projects equipped me with the necessary skills for my job.
6. Which college/training program did you attend, and what influenced your choice?
> I completed a B.S. in Computer Science. In college, I knew I wanted to work with computers, so I had to choose between Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. I opted for Computer Science as it focused more on software, while the other two emphasized hardware.
7. What is the cost of training/education?
> College can be costly, but there are ways to manage expenses. In-state colleges are typically more affordable, as are public state universities compared to private ones. Additionally, you can apply for financial aid and scholarships to help cover costs.
8. How welcoming is the job for newcomers?
> At work, we ensure that new team members have a positive experience learning the ropes. Everyone is friendly and more than willing to answer any questions you may have.
9. What is the average annual income?
> This depends on your job location and experience level. For instance, my starting salary was around $80,000 in the Raleigh, North Carolina, USA area.
10. What do you enjoy about your job?
> I love solving engaging problems daily and collaborating with people I enjoy working with.
> Initially, I was drawn to creating video games. I came across a Kotaku article where a game developer wished they had chosen software engineering instead, due to work stress, job stability, and salary. That article convinced me to follow this path!
2. How did you prepare for this career?
> My high school lacked programming classes or clubs, so I learned most of my skills before college during my free time. I enjoyed engaging in nerdy activities, like making games on my computer. Aside from that, I focused on excelling in school to get into a good college.
3. Which classes do you recommend taking?
> In high school, consider taking Computer Science, Robotics, and the most challenging math and science courses available at your school.
4. Which company do you work for?
> I'm currently employed at IBM.
5. What skills prepared you for this job?
> My coursework and personal programming projects equipped me with the necessary skills for my job.
6. Which college/training program did you attend, and what influenced your choice?
> I completed a B.S. in Computer Science. In college, I knew I wanted to work with computers, so I had to choose between Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. I opted for Computer Science as it focused more on software, while the other two emphasized hardware.
7. What is the cost of training/education?
> College can be costly, but there are ways to manage expenses. In-state colleges are typically more affordable, as are public state universities compared to private ones. Additionally, you can apply for financial aid and scholarships to help cover costs.
8. How welcoming is the job for newcomers?
> At work, we ensure that new team members have a positive experience learning the ropes. Everyone is friendly and more than willing to answer any questions you may have.
9. What is the average annual income?
> This depends on your job location and experience level. For instance, my starting salary was around $80,000 in the Raleigh, North Carolina, USA area.
10. What do you enjoy about your job?
> I love solving engaging problems daily and collaborating with people I enjoy working with.