Coding or IT work?

Hi all,

I'm a newbie trying to enter the tech world. I just passed my A+ exam, but after reading some disconcerting threads about the state of the IT market, I am unsure if I should go for the Network+ cert.

I would like to jump on the Virtual Reality bandwagon before it takes off (even though I need a job now). Do you recommend that I continue building up certs or should I learn coding languages?

As you can see, I'm fighting with the option of picking up a tech job quickly VS. potentially finding a coding job in the future. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

PS. If there are certs that might prove useful for virtual reality tech, please let me know.

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Comments

Magmadragoon

It depends on what you really want to do with life. If you are going towards Virtual Reality type of work realize that the market is quite new and few companies are working on that technology. If you are looking into that field I see that a lot of C++ programmers and 3D engineers are filling that need.

slamwise

Thanks for the response.

Do you know what kinds of positions are available for entry-level C++ programmers?

ccnpninja

One does not exclude the other. You may find a job while learning a programming language in your spare time or when you come home. Besides, having a job provides you with a steady income.
Don't wait for the opportunity to come. Work hard and it WILL come.

robS

There's also the emergence of infrastructure-as-code / software-defined-infrastructure which includes networking. You'll most likely see this under the very broad and sometimes ambiguous 'devops' banner. It may be worth looking at git and provisioning/management scripts such as chef/puppet.

varelg

You started your post with the statement about being a newbie and entering the IT market. I take that entering the IT field is what is actually concerning you and VR is something you'd like to pursue once you get your foot in the door. I however may be wrong.
Try yourself at coding first, in your spare time and see if you like it. From what I've seen, the closer coders get to the actual machine code the closer they get to be hired. Am not saying you should code in all 1's and 0's, but dip yourself in Assembly and/or C. Embedded systems and such.
How did you like studying for A+? Would you rather fix configurations and see the actual problem being physically represented? Maybe that is more exciting for you than coding?

NetworkNewb

So you want to go into Programming (Virtual Reality) but got your A+ and are looking for tech jobs? Don't see how working on fixing computers is going to help you get a job doing what you want to do. Just because fixing computers and programming are both considered "IT" doesn't mean getting a job in one will help you get a job in the other later. Get a random job and start working on your coding skills. If your looking for types of jobs, go to Indeed and type in C+ programming...

slamwise

Thanks for all the responses!

To clarify, I am most interested in the aesthetic aspect of virtual reality, but do not know how to move in that direction. At the moment, I'm just pursuing certs for some credentials on my CV (my previous work experience was in a completely different field).

*Sigh* feeling lost

Kinet1c

slamwise wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses!

To clarify, I am most interested in the aesthetic aspect of virtual reality, but do not know how to move in that direction. At the moment, I'm just pursuing certs for some credentials on my CV (my previous work experience was in a completely different field).

*Sigh* feeling lost

Chin up

I felt completely and utterly lost for the first few years due to now knowing what I wanted to do. I sort of have a direction I want to go in now so just learning stuff as I go. Keep plugging away at study and certs.

slamwise

varelg wrote: »

You started your post with the statement about being a newbie and entering the IT market. I take that entering the IT field is what is actually concerning you and VR is something you'd like to pursue once you get your foot in the door.

Yep, you hit it right on the money.

I didn't care too much for the "physical components" part of the A+, and I definitely preferred the software/command line part. Which C language do you recommend? C++ or C#? I would really enjoy coding if I could see the effects come to fruition visually (visual learner).

Any advice from anyone else would be great too, thanks!

Priston

I'd say look at job advertisements and pickup the skills listed on them

Virtual Reality Programmer - Epic Games - Careers

Qualifications

Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and architect various core engine systems
A keen analytical mind with strong problem solving skills to develop around the constraints of VR
Firm grasp of 3D math as it pertains to both 3D rendering and translating real-world motion into games
Demonstrated gameplay design sense and an interest in games
Experience with multiple core system tasks such as graphics, tools, audio/video, networking, memory handling, script compilers, I/O, etc.
3 years professional experience developing games or game engine technology

Preference to applicants with

Rendering experience
Experience with latency optimization
Experience with motion control systems, tracking, wearable computing, or other HIDs
Performance optimization skills

JB3

slamwise wrote: »

Yep, you hit it right on the money.

I didn't care too much for the "physical components" part of the A+, and I definitely preferred the software/command line part. Which C language do you recommend? C++ or C#? I would really enjoy coding if I could see the effects come to fruition visually (visual learner).

Any advice from anyone else would be great too, thanks!

Start with C/C++ and then pick up C# if you are interested in writing stuff for Windows. Honestly, once you get a basic grasp of programming, switching from one language to the next is just a matter of syntax.

slamwise

JB3 wrote: »

Start with C/C++ and then pick up C# if you are interested in writing stuff for Windows. Honestly, once you get a basic grasp of programming, switching from one language to the next is just a matter of syntax.

Cool, very helpful, thanks