.net programming or other new

I am a system information consultant, currently programming in cool:gen 5th gen. language. Pay is ok, but business programming is boring. I want to get into some new technologies, and possiably find work with some tech company. Anybody got a clue where to start to get to these positions. What training do you need?

------------------
Asus A7V266-E AMD XP 1900+...(3) 256mb Crucial DDR...Asus GeForce3 Ti200 Deluxe
Western Digitial "Special Edition" 100Gb...3Com NIC with 3XP...Hercules Theater XP
Lian Li 68usb - enermax EG465P-VE(FC), Pioneer 16x slotDVD
CD/RW, Sony E-400 19", Monsoon sound system...Win XP Pro

I'm working for a software company, but have a background in Engineering/Research.

Generally, from my personal experiences and also from talking to our clients, tech companies tend to look for a strong science/engineering/mathematics background above a strong computer background. Guess they assume anyone with a strong science head can pick up programming when needed, but it's harder going the other way.

I you have a science background, this is what I'd stress most on your resume or CV. If you don't, know you know your starting point!

------------------
The price of freedom is high.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by kajon_patrick:
I am a system information consultant, currently programming in cool:gen 5th gen. language. Pay is ok, but business programming is boring. I want to get into some new technologies, and possiably find work with some tech company. Anybody got a clue where to start to get to these positions. What training do you need?

---

Personally, I think your going about this all wrong.

Find something you like and try to steer yourself into that field.

I'm sure there are some people who agree with the science/math stuff above, but I haven't found that to be the case.

What I found helps is have your resume stacked full of projects you have completed, so they get an idea you can actually do something. (Whoops, reminder to self, update resume!)

I have found more people with credentials stacked up the ying-yang but can't actually do something. I once heard that a masters degree is the snooze-button of life and I tend to agree with it now.

Pick a language or two and learn them on your own. I would suggest C/C++/Java. .Net is cool, but it is too early to be useful, but if it does work as advertised, I will be happy to chuck Java in the dumpster of life!

Working on an open-source project or two may be helpful.




------------------
I want an OS, not a hobby...