I am looking into possibly getting an Associates Degree in computer science - programming and I have a few questions for some folks already in the field.

I'm not quite sure how to look for this info online anywhere, and I know there are quite a few programmers in the Civ IV community, so maybe some of them are pros that do it for a living. Anyhow, on to the questions.

One of the main things I am looking at here is how hard it'll be to get a career in programming. Do most companies looking for programmers require actual experience, or is it fairly easy to get a position with only the degree for a background? Basically, will the degree really do much to help me out here.

A big question is how hard is it to get a programming job that allows tele-commuting? Thing is, I can't really afford to relocate, and I don't really want to unless it's to an area I would like to go to (like the Pacific Northwest). If I could find a company that will let me work from my home, it would be a huge help for me. I'm not sure of many opportunities for programmers in my area. It seems like programming is something that would be easy for businesses to do over the internet, since it's pretty much entirly computer based. Is this something that can be found (tele-commuting), or am I going to have to expect to relocate? That might be a problem for me.

Does anyone know of a forum or anything somewhere where I can get this kind of info and maybe talk with some professional programmers? A programmer's disscussion forum or something.

Not sure if anyone here can answer these questions, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Later,
Cory

Does anyone know of a forum or anything somewhere where I can get this kind of info and maybe talk with some professional programmers? A programmer's disscussion forum or something.

http://www.codeguru.com/forum/

When you first start you'll likely be a code-monkey for a while. After becoming established you'll be given more power and creative control over your projects.. or so I hope - becaues being a code monkey sucks.

I am looking into possibly getting an Associates Degree in computer science - programming and I have a few questions for some folks already in the field.

I'm not quite sure how to look for this info online anywhere, and I know there are quite a few programmers in the Civ IV community, so maybe some of them are pros that do it for a living. Anyhow, on to the questions.

One of the main things I am looking at here is how hard it'll be to get a career in programming. Do most companies looking for programmers require actual experience, or is it fairly easy to get a position with only the degree for a background? Basically, will the degree really do much to help me out here.

A big question is how hard is it to get a programming job that allows tele-commuting? Thing is, I can't really afford to relocate, and I don't really want to unless it's to an area I would like to go to (like the Pacific Northwest). If I could find a company that will let me work from my home, it would be a huge help for me. I'm not sure of many opportunities for programmers in my area. It seems like programming is something that would be easy for businesses to do over the internet, since it's pretty much entirly computer based. Is this something that can be found (tele-commuting), or am I going to have to expect to relocate? That might be a problem for me.

Does anyone know of a forum or anything somewhere where I can get this kind of info and maybe talk with some professional programmers? A programmer's disscussion forum or something.

Not sure if anyone here can answer these questions, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Later,
Cory

In my experience with the IT industry - if coding can be done via tele-commuting then it's offshored to India.

Kansas is not really the place to be a programmer now. Back before the .com bubble burst it was much better. I have noticed the trend is starting to upswing now, but it really depends on what company and where. Okay, Kansas City is a different market than Wichita, so you may have better luck out there.

I don't know your personal situation, but it would probably be better if you were willing to relocate. You've got Topeka and Kansas City to the north, with maybe possibly some jobs in Emporia or Lawrence, and OKC and Tulsa to the south. So if possible, don't limit yourself.

In my experience with the IT industry - if coding can be done via tele-commuting then it's offshored to India.
hmm, here the trend seems to be reversing, many companies are realizing that often the benefits of offshoring aren't worth the hassle. but still many companys here don't allow tele-commuting at all, even if it would be possible.

experience seems to play an even bigger role in programming than in other areas, but once you've got your foot in, it's getting easier :)

The computer industry is really hot around DC right now. If you want to relocate to northern virginia you would probably be able to find a job easily.