[Cialug] Reply to advice and another questions

[Josh More]

Stop thinking about "in the Des Moines area".

Find a Java-based open source project that you like.  Join the mailing list and say that you're not very good at Java yet, but you'd like to help.  It's usually best to start with documentation.  As you grow to understand the project better, try to fix a few bugs or help users file better bug reports.  After a bit of time, try adding a small feature.  Solicit feedback.  As time goes on, add bigger and bigger features.

If your project doesn't have a supportive community, find one that does.  There's no limit of volunteering opportunities, you just have to keep trying until you find one that works well for you.

As your skills grow, so will your ability to see solutions.  At that point, you'll be able to go to local non profits or even businesses and have productive discussions about what you have to offer them.

Josh More | Senior Security Consultant - CISSP, GIAC-GSLC Gold, GIAC-GCIH
Alliance Technologies | www.AllianceTechnologies.net<http://www.AllianceTechnologies.net>
400 Locust St., Suite 840 | Des Moines, IA 50309
515.245.7701 | 888.387.5670 x7701

Blog: Don't just blame the bad guys, it's your fault too
http://www.alliancetechnologies.net/blogs/morej

How are we doing? Let us know here:
http://www.alliancetechnologies.net/forms/alliance-technologies-feedback-survey
________________________________
From: cialug-bounces at cialug.org [cialug-bounces at cialug.org] on behalf of Aaron Cooper [darthcooper24 at yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 15:23
To: cialug at cialug.org
Subject: [Cialug] Reply to advice and another questions

Hey everyone,

Firstly thanks for all the advice, I put out that question both for advice and to see how active/friendly the group is.  For advice, activity and friendliness I give you guys an A+.

I'm thinking after all the advice I should try Java.  I took a basic logic class that used java for a couple examples plus even though my two year degree isn't in computers I'd like to try and learn some skills that I could get a job with.

For the new questions. What are some good skills and or certifications for a entry level job in computers in the Des Monies area.  I don't have a degree in computers though i do have a two year degree in accounting.  I might be able to take a class or two but would rather learn on my own.  A new degree is not something I can do right now.

Also someone said to look for volunteer opportunities and i just wanted to put out that if anyone has advice on finding volunteer opportunities in computer related activities in the Des monies area or know of any good one please let me know.

thanks,


Aaron Cooper

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://cialug.org/pipermail/cialug/attachments/20110412/83cbbbd0/attachment.html>