[programmer23]

hi i am currently a senior who about to finish college in December 2012 and will graduate with a degree in information systems and i am trying to get my foot in the door i know some of programming languages like java php html and i have knowledge of databases like access and mysql and now i am learning c# and c/c++ on my own I have questions


1) do anyone think i should start applying for entry level it job
2) should i get into databases as to begin a career as a dba or software developer/engineer
3) what kind of advice would you give to someone that want to get into the field
4) do they provide on the job training for college graduates
5) how did anyone start as far as learning programming, applying to their first programming job, etc

[fromTheSprawl]

1. Yes, definitely.
2. Go for the software developer path. More often than not, you will be in charge with the database design and construction anyway. The DBA will be there to give you access and create your tables for you in the production environment.
3. Just keep studying the core concepts of programming, pick your favorite language, and go with it.
4. Depends on the company.
5. I sucked at school, but I got interested in programming when I picked up a cheap C book. Looks like learning at your own pace is better than waiting for your teacher to give you spoon feeds. Just learn learn learn! Oh, by the way the company I applied to called me first. Just be confident on the interviews and do well on the exams.

Good luck!

[tlhIn`toq]

All of this is covered pretty well in the Q&A with the Experts thread.

[DarenR]

1) why would you wait?
2) If you want to be a software engineer then start there not in databases
3) dont give up-- some companies will interview new guys and treat them like crap while others are more about actually understanding your knowledge.....you will understand when you interview and guess which you should not work for?
4) most companies that I have worked for did not
5) college and just applied--- try to get a head hunter you will find getting job offers a lot easier