I am taking classes and they teach us the basics in a few computer languages such as: python, vb, and c++. we will be taking basic java soon as well. I am wondering what good languages or tools should i focus on to help or augment me finding work when i graduate. From searching job ads and looking at some of the items on this site I have come to think that my curriculum is very behind todays times. I have a cpl of people who have told me that sharepoint, c#, vb are some of the best to focus my energy on. I would prefer to learn skill sets that will be up to date (as much as that is possible). Also when getting job in your own personal experiences what is more important or needed: experience, a degree(im currently getting my associates then going for bach), or certifications. I am just trying to get the best footing in this ever changing field. Thanks for all responses.

Not bad advice. Of course, it all depends on the area where you're looking for work, so you should browse the job boards and see what is most in demand in your area. Where I live, .NET (C# and VB) and Java are about tied for most used, followed by C++ and then PHP. Those are pretty much the only languages on the map. I've seen some Sharepoint, but not a huge amount - most of the .NET work here is just generic C#/VB with SQL Server. Of course, things may be different where you live, so do the research.


Experience is definitely the big thing (especially in a tough economy). As for the others, it depends on the job and the company. Some companies aren't picky about education, but others use it as a screening criterion, i.e. they won't even look at you if you don't have a bachelor's degree. I've not seen much demand for certifications - I think they're generally seen as a "nice to have" and might be a tie-breaker if 2 candidates are very close, but they aren't usually a requirement.

As you have identified this is a rapidly changing field.

Very few companies will expect you to be proficient in whatever language they use.

If you have mastered two computer languages you will be able to master any language they want you to use and they know very well that the chance you will be with them and working in the same language in 10 years time is around 10%.

As AdaHacker has pointed out what they are interested in is demonstrated competence through experience. Except for a few companies they want solid performer who will get the job done. They don't want stars who produce excellence they just want people who show up and get finished work out on schedule.

You will find programming for a living involves a lot more reading, emailing, Word processing, attending meetings and other activities like that than writing code in an editor/IDE. School is less like the working world than some people realise. (Again the exceptions make the news but 90% of working stiffs don't have the drive or skills or whatever to be in that world.)

So a few ideas to consider:
1 - get yourself a blog to show you have web skills and are able to communicate.
2 - join an open source project
3 - develop your own project of whatever kind in whatever language. don't just code it. write the specs and the user guides and FAQs etc etc.
4 - prepare a portfolio of different code snippets in different languages that you carry about on a thumb drive to use to impress people with how quickly you can glue them together to make a working program
5 - practice writing simple algorithms out on a whiteboard in a couple of mainstream languages. it's a common expectation at job interviews that you will be able to do this and practising is important.
6 - volunteer for internships. if you are very good apply for the Google Summer of Code.
7 - participate in coding competitions
8 - participate in forums like this one
9 - as well as reading up on specific languages etc try and read up on 'concept' books like 'The Mythical Man Month", "Code Complete 2", etc
10 - if you think you want a job with a company ring up and ask if you can come in and ask about their development environment and then go and practice using their preferred languages, IDE, etc

Hope it's not too much but really the last thing a good employer cares about is skill in a given language (unless you are contracting on a very short-term basis). If you are clearly a good programmer and have some exposure to their main language the rest will happen on the job and they know that.

wow thanks for all that info. thats the kind of info i've been looking to find out. i am looking to be the most prepared and with the information yall have provided and continue to provide will help make me the best out the gate i can be. especially in this market i want to get the best skill set i can to get a job. thanks again.

The last thing you should focus on is a particular language. Make sure you understand the theory first. That means that you should focus on Math, algorithms and data structures. Don't worry about mastering any specific language. Syntax is easy, you can learn it in a week.

Even if you're a master at, say, C++, you won't be able to produce a quality code if you don't have a solid foundation.