#DevDiscuss Archive | Participate

The seventh #DevDiscuss is starting now This week's topic: Education Paths (college/bootcamp/self-teaching/etc.)

Rules: - Stay on topic - ALWAYS use the hashtag #DevDiscuss - Be NICE/POSITIVE ❤️ - Quoting other tweets for clarity is encouraged

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:02 PM EST

university graduate in Soft Eng - most devs I meet without formal education tend to lack basic fundamentals. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ElPtDelTwit Nov 29 @ 9:03 PM EST

#devdiscuss How should one go about self-teaching? What are your keys for being a good autodidact?

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:03 PM EST

#DevDiscuss It's easy to get lost while self-teaching. A bootcamp gave me an environment full of peers with different perspectives.

grmpyprogrammer Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Self-taught for web stuff - I finished my community college program in 1997(!) before the web got big #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

castillobgr Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

#DevDiscuss it doesn't matter where you start (bootcamp, college, etc) as long as you take software seriously. (1/n)

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

#devdiscuss as a hiring mgr w/ non-std ed myself, I find the popular bootcamps don't prepare for well at all. 1/?

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:06 PM EST

Learning comes in all forms. I have. BFA in Graphic Design, but have self taught most of what I know, along with workshops etc #DevDiscuss

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:06 PM EST

#devdiscuss They feel like expensive Rails or node tutorials w/ no skills outside those specific tools and methods 2/?

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Tribex_ Nov 29 @ 9:07 PM EST

I started programming at a young age, drifted into webdev w/ no formal education. Haven't found myself at a disadvantage at all. #devdiscuss

brunatrf Nov 29 @ 9:07 PM EST

Self-study is the best strategy for learn anything, in my opinion. It's the hard way, but It's very cool. #DevDiscuss

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:07 PM EST

#DevDiscuss 1 thing I would do differently: finish more projects. So many went unfinished during my early self-teaching @ThePracticalDev

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:07 PM EST

Self-ed after formal-ed feels more natural, I wouldn't know where to begin if I hadn't spent that time studying #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

uz88 Nov 29 @ 9:08 PM EST

I took my first programming class in college in 2004. It worked for me, wouldn't change a thing. I think things are diff today #DevDiscuss

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:08 PM EST

It really comes down to understanding the fundamental idea behind dev, the rest is learning languages and syntax #devdiscuss

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:08 PM EST

#devdiscuss I've hired lots of devs w/ nonstd education but zero bootcampers though I over interviewed from that group 3/3

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

0x736a6f Nov 29 @ 9:08 PM EST

#DevDiscuss In traditional or conservative areas, degrees are vital for finding a job.

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Mike_Flores23 Nov 29 @ 9:08 PM EST

a little in college (through comp sci minor), a *lot* of self teaching. Could have skipped college probably. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:08 PM EST

I taught myself HTML and some JS when I was younger. Took some CS in college, but dropped out of program, then re-self-taught #DevDiscuss 🤓

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

castillobgr Nov 29 @ 9:09 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Be disciplined & strive to improve. SW Eng/ programming are deep & wide fields, so we have a lot to learn. (2/n)

In reply to @castillobgr

phillipcjohnson Nov 29 @ 9:09 PM EST

I did go to college, but for Chinese (yes!). All tech skills were learned on the job or at home. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

quangdaon Nov 29 @ 9:09 PM EST

I got an internship straight out of high school, and am now working as a full time front end developer. Thanks, @experienceGray! #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

shnsbrn Nov 29 @ 9:10 PM EST

currently taking an online course & supplementing with self learning. planning on taking an immersive BC soon #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

JavaScriptErika Nov 29 @ 9:10 PM EST

Self-teaching & enrolled in a bootcamp Spring '17. Went to college prior, wish I would have found code earlier #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

phillipcjohnson Nov 29 @ 9:11 PM EST

What's your top self-teaching recommendation? #DevDiscuss

In reply to @PaolaNotPaolo, @ThePracticalDev

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:11 PM EST

agreed and it feels the bootcamps do the latter, hence limited value #devdiscuss

In reply to @kellyjandrews

Tribex_ Nov 29 @ 9:11 PM EST

My opinion: No matter how you study, nothing beats just working on projects hands-on, even throwaway ones. Over-and-over again. #devdiscuss

uz88 Nov 29 @ 9:12 PM EST

Tech folks are early adopters in all fronts. Education is changing. I think code schools are a great. YMMV #DevDiscuss

ChristinaKeelan Nov 29 @ 9:12 PM EST

Currently attending a bootcamp & think it's a good fit for me. Worked in tech for years, but was non-technical #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:12 PM EST

I agree, they teach a level that misses a deeper understanding of the core concepts. #devdiscuss

In reply to @roger_b_m

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:12 PM EST

I took to CS in college about as well as I took to school at any point in my life... poorly. Felt lost and demotivated. #DevDiscuss

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:12 PM EST

I wonder if it's wildly different across the atlantic? In UK you go to study a subject such as SoftEng from the beginning. #DevDiscuss

JavaScriptErika Nov 29 @ 9:10 PM EST

Self-teaching & enrolled in a bootcamp Spring '17. Went to college prior, wish I would have found code earlier #DevDiscuss
In reply to @ThePracticalDev

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:13 PM EST

self taught from 12 to 25yo then 2 formal classes, and self taught for the rest. Degrees in non tech fields. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ChristinaKeelan Nov 29 @ 9:13 PM EST

Needed a quick & focused way to finally nail down my technical skills (am between gigs) and this worked well #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

claudiordgz Nov 29 @ 9:13 PM EST

Why lost? Some places have a really hard way of approaching subjects, very theoretical #DevDiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:14 PM EST

Exactly the opposite to me, interesting! I wonder if you'd have felt the same studying elsewhere geographically? #DevDiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

ChickenOvaRice Nov 29 @ 9:14 PM EST

I dabbled and self-taught basic web stuff, did GA this year and wish I'd done a little CS in college. #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

igormp Nov 29 @ 9:15 PM EST

College, for a more formal and theoretical approach, along with self-ed, since a uni wont teach you how to work #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ChristinaKeelan Nov 29 @ 9:15 PM EST

Can see how it's not for everyone, but based on my school & previous experience, this has been a great choice #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

castillobgr Nov 29 @ 9:15 PM EST

#DevDiscuss money, orgs & lives depend on SW. We can't afford to half-ass things anymore. Do your best & don't settle.

In reply to @castillobgr

JustRiedy Nov 29 @ 9:15 PM EST

#DevDiscuss I agree with this, self-teaching can hit a wall or send you down the wrong path. Having peers makes a huge difference.

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:03 PM EST

#DevDiscuss It's easy to get lost while self-teaching. A bootcamp gave me an environment full of peers with different perspectives.

claudiordgz Nov 29 @ 9:15 PM EST

I agree, contests/hackathons also help by setting up time limits, though loosing is hard, it helps finding great people #DevDiscuss

In reply to @Tribex_

DevDiscussHQ Nov 29 @ 9:15 PM EST

remember to use #DevDiscuss hashtag 😁

In reply to @PaolaNotPaolo, @ThePracticalDev

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:16 PM EST

Was sad to see women overrepresented in bootcampers because it feels they're getting sold a bill of goods. Maybe not typical? #DevDiscuss

ChristinaKeelan Nov 29 @ 9:16 PM EST

Don't really like the bad reps that bootcamps have, def depends on the school... The Iron Yard has been amazing #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:16 PM EST

#devdiscuss I started coding when I was finishing up my non-tech degree. Took an AI course final semester. Wish I took more CS coursework.

PaolaNotPaolo Nov 29 @ 9:16 PM EST

Honestly, the absolute best way to learn is by doing. Build a project that interests you. #devdiscuss

In reply to @phillipcjohnson, @ThePracticalDev

jmyers893 Nov 29 @ 9:16 PM EST

I'm a dev with an Econ degree! Self taught, hired by a comp that held a bootcamp to strengthen skills. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:17 PM EST

This is where SW differs from other Eng fields - too many people 'having a go'; I wouldn't try & build a bridge. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @castillobgr

jmyers893 Nov 29 @ 9:17 PM EST

For me this worked because it's something I always wanted but felt stuck in school, just needed to graduate. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

claudiordgz Nov 29 @ 9:17 PM EST

Or another school, I remember feeling the same in some approaches to Algorithms #devdiscuss

In reply to @ajednet, @bendhalpern

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:18 PM EST

#devdiscuss I was trying to source more female candidates, even junior. Bootcamps delivered lots of candidates, all inadequately trained :(

seahcy Nov 29 @ 9:18 PM EST

currently a college student, but most of what I know in software engineering / webdev is self taught #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ChristinaKeelan Nov 29 @ 9:18 PM EST

Oh, last one :) FWIW I have a B.A. Psych + A.S. Fashion Design, and will be a frontend grad in a few weeks :D #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Chacho60 Nov 29 @ 9:18 PM EST

first tried college and couldn't finish. I found self-teaching the best way for me to get the skills I needed. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

__biancat Nov 29 @ 9:18 PM EST

I did do college but everything industry-related I learned outside. I wouldn’t have the discipline on my own :/ #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

TashasEv Nov 29 @ 9:18 PM EST

I'm teaching myself, but I have the real benefit of having a great (if challenging!) mentor #DevDiscuss

_Capocaccia Nov 29 @ 9:19 PM EST

Attended 6 month bootcamp got a job as a dev 2 months after graduation, been a working dev for a year now! #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:19 PM EST

👇This is not a path you see very often. Reminds me of a classic apprenticeship model. #DevDiscuss

quangdaon Nov 29 @ 9:09 PM EST
I got an internship straight out of high school, and am now working as a full time front end developer. Thanks, @experienceGray! #DevDiscuss
- ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST
  
  Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

AITBW Nov 29 @ 9:19 PM EST

I went to college for an Information Engineering degree, but most of my dev skills came thru self-teaching. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

io_exception Nov 29 @ 9:19 PM EST

I studied a degree, but I've learned more by other means than school. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:19 PM EST

I took scheme and Pascal in high school, then database mgmt as an elective much later. Concepts - can't stress that enough #DevDiscuss

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:20 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Bootcamps aren't a silver bullet. Some programs are too short, curriculums can be dated, some may be flat out bad.

In reply to @roger_b_m

Ebbenstein Nov 29 @ 9:20 PM EST

#devdiscuss What are good minors to have with Software Eng./ Comp. Sci.?

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Alina569 Nov 29 @ 9:20 PM EST

I took CS at University and a lot of self-teaching #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

claudiordgz Nov 29 @ 9:20 PM EST

That is great path! Not everyone has the opportunity, peer pressure & social proof are heavy on career #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

io_exception Nov 29 @ 9:20 PM EST

If I were to do something different it'd be start learning by myself earlier in my career #DevDiscuss

ATXChristina Nov 29 @ 9:21 PM EST

I took a boot camp class for front end web dev still looking for a work #devdiscuss @ThePracticalDev

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

JavaScriptErika Nov 29 @ 9:21 PM EST

Sounds similar - in US colleges, students are able to declare their majors in the beginning and can switch at anytime. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ajednet

Chacho60 Nov 29 @ 9:22 PM EST

it was a tough path and required a lot of commitment, but it was the best decision. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

giant_spacebook Nov 29 @ 9:22 PM EST

no degree, took low paying PT research job just to get real world experience with #rstats & Python #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ELagergren Nov 29 @ 9:23 PM EST

taught myself 2 years out of HS, have worked for 2 years & now finishing my bachelor's while I work #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:23 PM EST

If you think about BC as getting in shape, you still have to learn more later. Its more of a catalyst. #devdiscuss

In reply to @SurlyMae, @roger_b_m

io_exception Nov 29 @ 9:23 PM EST

I don't regret getting a degree, it helped me to meet ppl & to diversify my knowledge. #devdiscuss

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:23 PM EST

Same - but I'd also then still complete the degree, that invaluable time was spent learning how to research, working w/SW teams. #DevDiscuss

io_exception Nov 29 @ 9:20 PM EST

If I were to do something different it'd be start learning by myself earlier in my career #DevDiscuss

nikhataly Nov 29 @ 9:24 PM EST

Started with a bootcamp, and now an awesome career training program. Focusing on long term self-learning in a supportive group #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

oculusriff Nov 29 @ 9:24 PM EST

#devdiscuss I got a job as a junior dev straight out of high school. 8 years later I’m now Technical Lead at a digital agency in Sydney, AU.

io_exception Nov 29 @ 9:24 PM EST

If it were up to me I'd have only taken programming courses, missing out on lots of other stuff. #devdiscuss.

giant_spacebook Nov 29 @ 9:24 PM EST

In my experience, MOOC's are good to learn basics, but cannot replace having to learn on the job to survive #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:25 PM EST

There's no scope for switching in the UK or concept of 'minors'; I feel this kept me focused on the goal. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @JavaScriptErika

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:25 PM EST

#DevDiscuss I think the non-tech courses I took have had a huge impact on my approach to coding and what I appreciate in tech

In reply to @io_exception

DereckCurry Nov 29 @ 9:25 PM EST

Taught myself basic at age 10 on a TI-99/4A. C at age 16 on an Amiga 500. College for a degree in Electrical Engineering. #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

Chacho60 Nov 29 @ 9:26 PM EST

now at work I'm constantly learning new things really fast and I totally lo e it. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:26 PM EST

Sounds like you spent time learning how to continually learn and self teach. A good quality to have for sure. #devdiscuss

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:23 PM EST
Same - but I'd also then still complete the degree, that invaluable time was spent learning how to research, working w/SW teams. #DevDiscuss
- io_exception Nov 29 @ 9:20 PM EST
  
  If I were to do something different it'd be start learning by myself earlier in my career #DevDiscuss

mobbsdev Nov 29 @ 9:27 PM EST

Currently studying Mgmt Info Sys, but since it's technically a BBA I'm having a hard time finding a software internship. Advice? #DevDiscuss

pryelluw Nov 29 @ 9:27 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Self taught here. Best way that works for me is to find and collaborate with others smarter than me .

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

briana_eng Nov 29 @ 9:27 PM EST

currently a student at @adaacademy & loving it. tuition-free program (+ 5 month internship!) for women ❤️ #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev, @adaacademy

io_exception Nov 29 @ 9:27 PM EST

yes! attending school is not only about hard-facts knowledge, it can teach you lots of things beside your degree. #DevDiscuss.

In reply to @ajednet

Daniel_Walin Nov 29 @ 9:27 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Coded as a kid, got Classics PhD, taught at Cal for a few years, then back to coding through a bootcamp because yay fun

mobbsdev Nov 29 @ 9:28 PM EST

Doing a CS minor and Hackathons as often as possible - but I'm scared recruiters toss out anyone's resume who isn't a CS major! #DevDiscuss

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:28 PM EST

don't know iron yard, thx for tip #devdiscuss

In reply to @ChristinaKeelan, @ThePracticalDev

billperegoy Nov 29 @ 9:29 PM EST

Learned Fortran and BASIC in high school. Got degree in EE. Did chip design for years before switching to pure SW this year. #DevDiscuss

claudiordgz Nov 29 @ 9:30 PM EST

Can't stress this enough For all of u wanting to migrate ur family to another country A degree will help tons Get one #devdiscuss

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:30 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Go to every meetup you can, offer to buy coffee for anyone smarter than you & pick their brain for knowledge.

In reply to @mobbsdev

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:30 PM EST

a fair point. I'm always on twitter to help as well. :) #devdiscuss

In reply to @SurlyMae, @roger_b_m

mobbsdev Nov 29 @ 9:30 PM EST

How do you prove to a recruiter you'd be valuable if you can't say you're a CS major? #DevDiscuss

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:30 PM EST

In college I was completely bored with topics that now fascinate me. #DevDiscuss

billperegoy Nov 29 @ 9:30 PM EST

Making the switch to SW was a challenge. Two solid years self teaching and working on side projects before I could get a gig #DevDiscuss

billperegoy Nov 29 @ 9:31 PM EST

Biggest change I would have made was switching to SW 10 years earlier. It’s a much more dynamic field these days. #DevDiscuss

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:32 PM EST

agreed - did it, was relatively easy as I was a SWEng grad + salaries significantly better earlier in career. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @claudiordgz

claudiordgz Nov 29 @ 9:32 PM EST

You'll need a portfolio of projects or published apps #devdiscuss

In reply to @mobbsdev

KathyApplebaum Nov 29 @ 9:32 PM EST

I did a Master's in CS while working full time as a dev. Best of both worlds. #devdiscuss

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:32 PM EST

I've never passed based on degree alone. Its a body of work.#devdiscuss

In reply to @mobbsdev

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:33 PM EST

Side projects, internships, github. They can assume knowledge of a CS grad - but you have to prove you're on par #DevDiscuss

In reply to @mobbsdev

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:33 PM EST

#devdiscuss I've never tossed out a resume from non cs major, fwiw. I welcome those and know several managers who do. SF Bay Area

In reply to @mobbsdev

smpalladino Nov 29 @ 9:33 PM EST

Started college and part time dev job on the same day. Got academic and practical learning at the same time, was great! #devdiscuss

claudiordgz Nov 29 @ 9:34 PM EST

In college really hard topics change in one week, not allowing you to savor d madness behind creating a toroid tree #DevDiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

TonyTalksTech Nov 29 @ 9:34 PM EST

learned from unofficial mentor and self taught during undergrad comp sci degree. Everything seemed to work out #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

billperegoy Nov 29 @ 9:34 PM EST

I wish I’d taken non tech subjects more seriously in college. A 4 year degree should give a diverse education. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @io_exception

GuitarKat Nov 29 @ 9:35 PM EST

College out of a polytechnic. So more practical experience. Taken some business classes too. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

MarcCornella Nov 29 @ 9:35 PM EST

what changed? Is it possible to apply that to college on the side of both the professor or the student? #DevDiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

rasputinjs Nov 29 @ 9:35 PM EST

I actually got in trouble for doing more advanced things that we hadn't learned as a class yet. : / #DevDiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

GoldfishWarning Nov 29 @ 9:35 PM EST

my uni really wants us to all be entrepreneurs and pushes us into business minors and i don't want a company i want to sleep #devdiscuss

GuitarKat Nov 29 @ 9:35 PM EST

@ThePracticalDev Self taught also with people I know with experience with different things in coding also some side courses. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

CaptainPandaz Nov 29 @ 9:36 PM EST

Learned bash scripting very young. Took CS in HS-Failed Pushed into college and LOVED it, im a semester away from my BA in CS #devdiscuss

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:36 PM EST

After dropping CS and finishing with a marketing degree, I got a job at a tech startup. Got jealous of programmers real quick 😄 #DevDiscuss

TonyTalksTech Nov 29 @ 9:36 PM EST

have friends who teach in bootcamps. Firmly believe in their value. Self learning is key though. Pet projects! #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

znewman Nov 29 @ 9:37 PM EST

I started out working in IT, became a linux sysadmin and took some college CS classes and am now a Software Engineer. #DevDiscuss

GoldfishWarning Nov 29 @ 9:37 PM EST

The uni also encourages us to represent the school at as many hackathons as possible, stop encouraging working >24hrs #devdiscuss #needsleep

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:37 PM EST

same here. Was moving at a faster pace, but you have to follow their timeline.. womp #devdiscuss

In reply to @rasputinjs, @bendhalpern

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

#DevDiscuss I dropped my CS double major after being intimidated by math (how naive of me). Marketing grad also.

In reply to @bendhalpern

RyanWelling Nov 29 @ 9:39 PM EST

Got a BA in Crim. Justice in '10; finishing BS in Comp Sci in '18. 35yr old intern -> full-time QE. Should have started sooner #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

JavaScriptErika Nov 29 @ 9:40 PM EST

Yes- it's too easy to switch by simply telling an advisor. Too many options can be a bad thing (& for the pocketbook)! #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ajednet

rasputinjs Nov 29 @ 9:40 PM EST

another time I was working ahead and halfway through the class the teacher changed textbooks 🙃 #DevDiscuss

In reply to @kellyjandrews, @bendhalpern

joshmatz Nov 29 @ 9:40 PM EST

.Had never been interested in classes. Built what I thought was fun and self-taught where I am now. #DevDiscuss

Tribex_ Nov 29 @ 9:40 PM EST

That self-teaching doesn't teach you the fundamentals. You definitely have to apply yourself to do so. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:40 PM EST

BA in CS, then 17yrs as professional developer. Would only change BA if finances were more strapped. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

billperegoy Nov 29 @ 9:41 PM EST

So much judgement on all sides. Degree people often don’t respect bootcampers. Bootcamp folks may downplay need for CS basics. #DevDiscuss

OhAyeVee Nov 29 @ 9:41 PM EST

starting a bootcamp in march. Self teaching was good but gets distracting &having peers will help I believe.. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:41 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Bootcamp grads are often ignorant of CS theory/concepts. But our new skill set makes us itch to learn about them!

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:41 PM EST

I think there are archetypes for the expected educational paths that are probably more like stereotypes. #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

Tribex_ Nov 29 @ 9:42 PM EST

A certain someone probably watching this chat knows I mixed up hashing and encrypting not that long ago. -_- #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ZackBellGames Nov 29 @ 9:42 PM EST

A great part about gamedev is that I actually just see a lot of respect from AAA to indie devs, and vice-versa. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:42 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Bootcamp grads are often ignorant of CS theory/concepts. But our new skill set makes us really want to learn about them!

KathyApplebaum Nov 29 @ 9:42 PM EST

Formal Ed doesn't give nearly enough hands on experience with real world issues. #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:42 PM EST

So true. Once you grasp the "Science" part of CS, the rest is mostly language implementation details. #devdiscuss

In reply to @kellyjandrews

JavaScriptErika Nov 29 @ 9:42 PM EST

When I tell people I'm teaching myself, I'm not taken as seriously as if I were to say I'm going to college for a CS degree #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:43 PM EST

Lots of perceptions; I choose to ignore and evaluate the person. You can pass anything without learning. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:43 PM EST

Initial education, formal or not, is nothing compared to the ongoing career-long education process. That's a much bigger deal. #DevDiscuss

Tribex_ Nov 29 @ 9:44 PM EST

Indeed. #devdiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

LuishXY Nov 29 @ 9:44 PM EST

Self teaching is imperative for knowing how you learn, w/out that school and boot camps will not yield as much. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:44 PM EST

Similarly - driven people can achieve anything, they'll seek knowledge every time they realise they have a gap! #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:44 PM EST

#DevDiscuss This is very true for any thing in life!

In reply to @ajednet

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:44 PM EST

Get your hands dirty with real-world projects: green-field &pre-existing; big & small. #devdiscuss

In reply to @phillipcjohnson, @ThePracticalDev

Rubberduck203 Nov 29 @ 9:44 PM EST

Dropped out of an e-commerce major a decade ago. Became business guy who automated his job. Became obsessed with #cleancode #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

__biancat Nov 29 @ 9:44 PM EST

That good school + good grades = good software engineer. So inaccurate. They could be good at academics/exams/single projects #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

JavaScriptErika Nov 29 @ 9:45 PM EST

It's inaccurate.This IS a field where you're constantly learning, and doesn't require traditional education to be successful in #DevDiscuss

emoreno911 Nov 29 @ 9:45 PM EST

Six years ago I got my Telecomunications Engineering BS, since then I switch to Webdev and self-teaching has been my path #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:04 PM EST

Let's talk about education paths. What path have you taken? College? bootcamp? self-teaching? Would you do anything differently? #DevDiscuss

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:45 PM EST

There is little difference between those two things really, outside of ignored nuances. #devdiscuss

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:41 PM EST
I think there are archetypes for the expected educational paths that are probably more like stereotypes. #DevDiscuss
- ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST
  
  What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

dvdmuckle Nov 29 @ 9:45 PM EST

Started out as a film student for two years. Now a CS Major in my junior year, wish I could go back in time #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

TashasEv Nov 29 @ 9:45 PM EST

I've got a lot of respect for people who ship working production code, regardless of how they got there. #devdiscuss

rasputinjs Nov 29 @ 9:45 PM EST

A little discouraging to apply for jobs when that's your sole experience too #devdiscuss

In reply to @JavaScriptErika

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:46 PM EST

But having the theory helps learn new practices/languages. And theory changes much more slowly than practice. #devdiscuss

In reply to @claudiordgz

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:47 PM EST

#DevDiscuss CS degree still recommended for specialized sw eng jobs, e.g. optimizing search algos or self-driving car software

In reply to @mobbsdev

lanjoe9 Nov 29 @ 9:47 PM EST

While I know a degree isn't necessary, uni taught me lots of very important stuff I wouldn't have even considered otherwise #devDiscuss

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:48 PM EST

#devdiscuss Portfolio of your work, Github, StackOverflow, work experience if you have it.

In reply to @mobbsdev

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:48 PM EST

The dot-com crash pleased me, clearing the underbrush of "I can web devluper using Frontpage, pay me $$$" debris. #devdiscuss

In reply to @castillobgr

__biancat Nov 29 @ 9:48 PM EST

Or not having a CS degree means you’re not a good engineer — some the best SWEs I know didn’t finish school or do CS #DevDiscuss

In reply to @__biancat

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:49 PM EST

Agreed - easier to keep up when your core knowledge is sound. Gives more time to invest in following conferences & new tools #DevDiscuss

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:46 PM EST

But having the theory helps learn new practices/languages. And theory changes much more slowly than practice. #devdiscuss
In reply to @claudiordgz

kellyjandrews Nov 29 @ 9:49 PM EST

Self taught don't know enough terminology for CS majors to believe they know what to do. #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

Rubberduck203 Nov 29 @ 9:49 PM EST

I'd also be remiss not to mention @StackCodeReview. Priceless resource for self taught devs. https://t.co/6T4Ona3Nwf #devdiscuss

In reply to @StackCodeReview

daynedev Nov 29 @ 9:50 PM EST

bootcamp gave me a network & deeper understanding of dev team dynamics & practices I was missing self-teaching. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Ky_Roka Nov 29 @ 9:50 PM EST

Went to college for something else; changed halfway through to web design. Very expensive learning process. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

lanjoe9 Nov 29 @ 9:50 PM EST

Teachers made it easier for me to understand difficult concepts, esp. math. However, self-teaching is absolutely necessary #devDiscuss

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:50 PM EST

#devdiscuss ultimately it's about what you can do, now where/how you learned how to do it. Hard to prove that ability, though.

In reply to @billperegoy

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:51 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Does a SO account really carry much weight? Does it show that you have too much free time instead of build projects?

In reply to @roger_b_m

Sparkplug1034 Nov 29 @ 9:51 PM EST

#DevDiscuss I'm interested in studying cybersecurity (focused CompSci Degree) in college post HS... someone tell me what the field is like?

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:51 PM EST

I sometimes find folks with more formal ed have greater expectation that things will go as planned. Things rarely go as planned. #DevDiscuss

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:52 PM EST

But that's a big generalization likely steeped in bias. I don't put too much stock into that feeling. #DevDiscuss

practicingdev Nov 29 @ 9:52 PM EST

We don't yet have a complete educational model for software development at all, and so all paths have flaws #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Nov 29 @ 9:38 PM EST

What stigmas or perceptions are there around the various code education paths? How accurate are they? #devdiscuss

dvdmuckle Nov 29 @ 9:53 PM EST

My favorite thing about CS is there's no way to know everything and anything. Not knowing something is the norm. #DevDiscuss

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:53 PM EST

"doing…with a mentor". Their experience helps save you from making their past mistakes. #devdiscuss

In reply to @PaolaNotPaolo, @ThePracticalDev

lanjoe9 Nov 29 @ 9:53 PM EST

…because there is simply not enough time to teach everything one needs to know in university and people need different things. #devDiscuss

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:53 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Just like all things in software, it's all about tradeoffs.

In reply to @practicingdev

practicingdev Nov 29 @ 9:54 PM EST

Our industry is actually many distinct subfields that will eventually diverge, but changes fast enough to be tough to pin down #devdiscuss

rasputinjs Nov 29 @ 9:54 PM EST

I think that's a benefit, us self-taughts are always ready to try to find another way to make something work #devdiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

saronoff Nov 29 @ 9:54 PM EST

@ThePracticalDev Continually improving and learning new skills is a must to stay relevant. #devdiscuss

In reply to @lanjoe9, @ThePracticalDev

mannynotfound Nov 29 @ 9:54 PM EST

i went to @lynda university and did a 10,000 hours fellowship. i learn from CS grads and vice versa. important thing is drive #devdiscuss

In reply to @lynda

__biancat Nov 29 @ 9:54 PM EST

I guess MAYBE *statistically* I understand why companies prefer CS grad candidates but dont let it be a personal bias #DevDiscuss

In reply to @__biancat

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:55 PM EST

College has its benefits but not without its costs. And, as @Chacho60 mentions, not for all learning styles. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev, @Chacho60

__biancat Nov 29 @ 9:55 PM EST

I find it super super unfair to amazingly talented programmers that didn’t go the traditional route #DevDiscuss

In reply to @__biancat

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:55 PM EST

A good mentor can make a world of difference when teaching yourself. Best wishes for you both! 👍 #devdiscuss

In reply to @TashasEv

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:56 PM EST

#devdiscuss Yes :D I don't know how much it matters. Some ppl find it useful. My SO and Github accts are empty; hasn't hurt.

In reply to @_matthamil

billperegoy Nov 29 @ 9:56 PM EST

#DevDiscuss That was my biggest gap getting my first SW job. People wanted real agile team experience and I didn’t have that.

In reply to @daynedev

adrianprieto00 Nov 29 @ 9:56 PM EST

Bootcamp or self taught, what really matters is organization dedication, hard work and commitment only that will make you great #DevDiscuss

practicingdev Nov 29 @ 9:56 PM EST

So the best thing a developer education program (at any level) can do is be clear about what its end goals are. #devdiscuss

In reply to @_matthamil

oaktree347 Nov 29 @ 9:57 PM EST

#devdiscuss

oaktree347 Nov 29 @ 9:54 PM EST

I think #SelfTaught is most impressive. #BootCamps get a bad rap.
In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Valencik Nov 29 @ 9:57 PM EST

Formal education is not a replacement for self-teaching, it should augment and challenge your existing desire to learn. #DevDiscuss

_matthamil Nov 29 @ 9:57 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Very true. All paths need to be clear about expectations and end goals

In reply to @practicingdev

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:57 PM EST

The best learning comes from *new* mistakes (yours or others'). I strive not to repeat mistakes. ☺ #devdiscuss

In reply to @seahcy, @ThePracticalDev

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:57 PM EST

The thing about most "traditional" education is that it is expensive as fuck. Cost benefit analysis has to weigh that heavily #DevDiscuss

roger_b_m Nov 29 @ 9:58 PM EST

#devdiscuss IDK how it's taught these days, but I do know it's a v. important field w/ not enough qualified professionals

In reply to @Sparkplug1034

ajednet Nov 29 @ 9:58 PM EST

go abroad - it's free in lots of Europe (FR+DE) + most courses are taught in English! #DevDiscuss

In reply to @gumnos, @ThePracticalDev, @Chacho60

Valencik Nov 29 @ 9:59 PM EST

The most successful students I taught/interacted with were learning *and* practicing outside the classroom. #DevDiscuss

gumnos Nov 29 @ 9:59 PM EST

It Depends™ Art, business, math, science, linguistics…what do you want to do with your degree? #devdiscuss

In reply to @Ebbenstein, @ThePracticalDev

bendhalpern Nov 29 @ 9:59 PM EST

When self-teaching I bought a $40 computer (which I paid it two installments of $20) and pirated https://t.co/Bg11tYcO7F videos #DevDiscuss

practicingdev Nov 29 @ 9:59 PM EST

Tricky part (and I say this as an educator / field researcher myself) is clearly defining and expressing those goals #DevDiscuss

In reply to @_matthamil

GoldfishWarning Nov 29 @ 9:59 PM EST

1 + of university though: 'Ethics in Computer Science' is a mandatory course. #devdiscuss