I recently talked to a member on another forum board that I visit. He is currently working for Microsoft, as to the specifics I'm unsure. However, I know he has EXCELLENT knowledge in multiple computer languages (C, C++, Haskell, Pawn (scripting language)) and computer concepts all together (networking, encryption, reverse engineering, etc). An interesting thing he pointed out to be was if you are truly looking to get into your "standard programming" career, then go for a Software Engineering degree rather than a Computer Science one (though, most colleges in the US combine the courses or have Software Engineering a subset of Computer Science). He said it is much more about the programming and engineering aspect rather than theory, which is heavily applied in Computer Science.
He also said he knows quite a few friends who went to trade/vocational/apprentice school rather than the traditional four year college due to debt right after graduation. He said they are doing perfectly fine with their education and have just as equivalent job standings as he. This is something that had me rethinking the whole four year college approach! It's so damn complicated to pick now-a-days
I also want to hear Chili's opinion on this. Too bad he's been gone for decades
