What should I learn?

[funkyCable]

Hi,

I'm in my late 20's and would like to get something behind my name. I have a south african matric which I gather is a UK a level. I've done A+, N+ a few oracle and pl/sql course. I enjoy web developing which is currently what I am doing.

Any Ideas what I should do next to extend my knowledge and career as a programmer and get some qualifications?

[MadGamer]

Have you looked at Learn Direct or the Open University for course ideas?

[v0id]

With Level 2 quals in an IT area, maybe consider doing a HNC or HND in Computing?

[funkyCable]

vOid sorry courld you explain a bit further? Level 2?

---------- Post added at 20:30 ---------- Previous post was at 20:29 ----------

Originally Posted by MadGamer

Have you looked at Learn Direct or the Open University for course ideas?

I had a brief look at Open University. I'll have a look at Learn direct. What about computeach is it any good?

My funding is quiet limited at the moment.

[squealy]

Here ya go - qualification levels explained:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Educatio...ed/DG_10039017

What are you developing in? Do you have any work on the web?

[MadGamer]

Originally Posted by funkyCable

vOid sorry courld you explain a bit further? Level 2?

---------- Post added at 20:30 ---------- Previous post was at 20:29 ----------


I had a brief look at Open University. I'll have a look at Learn direct. What about computeach is it any good?

My funding is quiet limited at the moment.

Ive read on here about experiences with Computeach and other companies like that, they aren't very good. That was the impression I got anyway

[funkyCable]

ORACLE Application Express which uses html,javascript,css , pl/sql and sql. I have taught myself the basics of PHP and have and some experience with jQuery. I also used vba to which I think would be at an intermediate level.

---------- Post added at 21:30 ---------- Previous post was at 21:29 ----------

unfortuantely most of my work has been inhouse and only accessable for our companies intranet

---------- Post added at 21:31 ---------- Previous post was at 21:30 ----------

I'm so confused about all these degrees, diplomas, honours and certificates.

I'm so confused about all these degrees, diplomas, honours and certificates.

What is your confusion?

[haydnwalker]

To be honest, unless you are looking to change jobs, theres little point in the qualifications aspect of IT.

I think these days, a degree is what you need to get the interviews, but the experience is what you need to be successful. I would create some example works and have them hosted online, which gives prospective employers an idea of your competency (if web developing).

[Scrubbs]

learn another language, always helps at any job interview

n'est-ce pas

[funkyCable]

My company is offering apprentiships for IT and there are there levels anyone heard of this ?

EDI Level 1 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF)
EDI Level 2 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF)

EDI Level 3 Diploma for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF)

[funkyCable]

I'm thinking of doing this http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergr...cation/c39.htm which also covers some optional material for BSc Technolgy

[cookie_365]

Have you thought about more general skills - project management, finance, influence skills, that sort of thing?

[Richard M]

Originally Posted by haydnwalker

To be honest, unless you are looking to change jobs, theres little point in the qualifications aspect of IT.

I think these days, a degree is what you need to get the interviews, but the experience is what you need to be successful. I would create some example works and have them hosted online, which gives prospective employers an idea of your competency (if web developing).

I agree, practical experience is what matters - not a list of qualifications.
I've seen new grads not have the experience to know when they are making mistakes, or to know basic stuff like using faster more simple routines is usually best rather than create a monster function that does too much.

Saying this, if you like web development, you could do worse than learn how to use Zend Framework (http://framework.zend.com) - they offer various training courses although you could just learn it for free by yourself.
I completed their fundamentals course back in September and it was pretty easy (although I am fluent in PHP already).

If sysadmin stuff or Bash/Perl is your thing, you could look at Red Hat Engineer Certification.
Be warned that this does not come cheap at $3000 (about £1800?), luckily I'm getting mine paid for me and I'll be doing it in February.
They do other starter courses too.

Finally, if you prefer low level stuff and want pure C, just install GCC on a Linux VM (I'd advise using a copy of Ubuntu/Ubuntu Server for most development work), a text editor and this site:
http://publications.gbdirect.co.uk/c_book/

I'll also add that depending on where you end up working, learning data security is also an advantage.
A few basics for web development would be:

- never store a password in a reversible format
- always use SSL when processing a login and wherever practical after that
- use a salt with a password (Google it), this protects you even if your database is compromised
- avoid sending passwords by email to your user, use a "click here to reset" link which expires in 60 minutes
- always quote variables in SQL statements, escape special characters and never trust user-supplied data