Can I make a Career in C++?

Question

I took a class back in high school on C++. I am looking for a career with computers. I would have to learn it all again, but I remember I did enjoy the class in school. I dont have a college education, but im wondering if 1) you can do some type of career with on learning strictly C++, and 2) If so can you learn C++ like at home with programs or anything? Or am I just completely off course? Thanks

Answer 1

yeah.....but most places prefer that you use c#.  

Answer 2

Your answers:

1 - No.

2 - Yes you can learn at home, but it will be useless.

The answer to the first question is no, because nowadays what pays off is to find a solution for a specific problem by using technology. And by technology I mean any kind of technology, so C++ is a good skill to have, but you need more skills if you want to make a career. Let me give you an example, suppose that someone got the idea of developing a tracking system for supermarket goods, that will require programming skills, let be C++ or any other language, but it also will require specific knowledge about tracking systems, about how a supermarket handles its merchandise. So if you only know about a specific programming language you will become an e-janitor, someone who knows how to use the tools but does not know why.

To your second question, of course you can learn anything at home (and at the beach as well, I don't see any difference), but how do you compete against a guy who actually went to college and got a degree? You may be smarter, and more skilled in C++, but that guy got a degree, any employer will hire the guy with a degree, period.

I recommend you to go and get that college degree, it is never too late. And you will get training in other areas as well, like java, c#, Delphi, Basic, databases, networking, graphical interfaces, etc etc.

Answer 3

Yes, you can be come a computer programmer and C++ is one of the languages.

Can you learn enough at home to get job is a little harder to answer.

If you worked hard and wrote a killer program to show your skills, I suppose it would be possible.

I think you would need at least a 2 year degree in programming to get your foot in the door and a 4 year computer science or programming degree would be best.