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Re:DHH: How do I learn to program? by tnorthcutt on Wednesday September 22, 2010 @11:42AM (#1716483)
It's different in my case because the traditional finance career bath does not appeal to me. I went to a large state school in a (relatively) small city, got married, and stayed here, which doesn't bode well for a career in finance. I got a job at a small regional bank in commercial lending, right when the credit crisis was hitting its stride. Stayed there for about 6 months, then left to start a company with my wife. My finance education has come in handy running the business, but I feel like I would have also benefited from some CS education as well. A half CS/half finance program may have been a good fit for me (not that something like that exists where I went to school).

I hope that makes some sense. Obviously it's hard to say where I'd be if I had gotten a degree in CS (or if I'd have made it out alive!); hindsight is of course 20/20.

Re:DHH: How do I learn to program? by jacquesm on Wednesday September 22, 2010 @11:57AM (#1716546)
That makes perfect sense, thank you!
Re:DHH: How do I learn to program? by tnorthcutt on Wednesday September 22, 2010 @12:28PM (#1716661)
You bet. It's very much an individual thing, but I also think that with a CS background, you're more likely to be able to create a "sky's the limit" situation for yourself financially. More potential for knocking something completely out of the park, if that makes sense. Of course, the very best people in finance will also be able to write their own ticket. I think the real focus should be on what makes the most sense for an individual given their personality, learning styles, and situation.