Looking for some serious advice here...
My company is willing to send me back to school for any skill that I feel will be beneficial to the company. This includes certification programs and upper education like a master's degree. I have been considering going back to school to take some Computer Science Information classes. I have found a certificate program that is 18 credits that is supposed to serve as an intro to computer science certification. There is a CS 101 class (and a glorified excel/access class from what I understand) that is required, but there are also classes in beginner Java, C++ and understanding Unix. On the other side, my company is also willing to allow me to use online/free resources as long as their reputable and a good use of my time (I can work on studies while on the clock - within reason of course). I've been looking at Learn Python the Hard Way, but there's a ton of other good resources on the things I am interested in learning.
The reason why I want to study these things is because right now I am most involved with a Content Management System at work. I do mostly the front side moderating adminning stuff - I'm not the root admin so I can't see the code or make changes. However as time goes on I think it'll be beneficial, especially if the company grows, for me to have a basic idea of how to implement or properly delegate developmental tasks for the CMS. I don't know if my end result is to become a programming pro over the next several years, or if I just want the basic understanding to clearly state my needs and requirements for when we do grow (which will become more necessary if the company goes the way it wants, cryptic vague info ftw!). At this current moment I only want an understanding of programming and system administration - namely I've been interested in database administration. As for how far I go from there I haven't decided yet.
So what are your thoughts? Is self-taught the way to go, or are there merits to these intro classes/structured classes? FYI: none of the classes lead to industry certifications.
Sounds more like you're really just bragging, of course you should take the free school.
What's your company? I thought you were just some blogger grocer.
Nooo this isn't just bragging, its more that I'm wondering if others feel a classroom environment is worth it. It might look better on a resume unless I had some portfolio pieces that I made, but otherwise I'm looking for people who learned both ways or one or the other to say what they liked about one or the other, what they didn't like, etc.
Blogger grocer? Where'd you get that idea from? I used to work in a bakery at a grocery store, now I do Project Management.
I think it's useful for understanding what your underlings understand, since you're management it can go a long way. Especially towards earning their respect and unwavering affection.
And then... The world.
MUAHAHAHAHA.
None.
Since you're not really talking about becoming a programmer yourself, but just trying to understand it so you can project manage, I think you'd be best off with the free online courses for programming, with paid courses in project management etc.
None.
>be faceless void >mfw I have no face
University is a really slow way to learn, if you're able to self-learn at home online it'll be much faster. Of course, some people find that difficult, so a structured course might be better for you.
Red classic.
"In short, their absurdities are so extreme that it is painful even to quote them."
Since you're not really talking about becoming a programmer yourself, but just trying to understand it so you can project manage, I think you'd be best off with the free online courses for programming, with paid courses in project management etc.
That is definitely the alternate root - there is both an internationally recognized Project Management certification(s) program as well as a Business Analyst certification program - don't know if the BA is international, but I would assume so.
Since you're not really talking about becoming a programmer yourself, but just trying to understand it so you can project manage, I think you'd be best off with the free online courses for programming, with paid courses in project management etc.
That is definitely the alternate root - there is both an internationally recognized Project Management certification(s) program as well as a Business Analyst certification program - don't know if the BA is international, but I would assume so.
Do it.
Spending lots of time and money to learn programming when you're not actually going to be actively doing it yourself is pointless. While it's true that understanding your subject makes you a better manager, it isn't required, and when it comes to programming you can get a good basis by doing free online courses, but I don't believe you'll find anywhere as much good free online stuff for project management.
Furthermore, project management qualifications will look much better on your CV when you're applying to work at company XYZ doing NotSoftwareDevelopment than a few comp sci credits that haven't prepared you enough to work in that industry.
None.
