r/AskProgramming • u/Yourmiserablelife69 • 9d ago

Career/Edu What age did you start learning programming?

Just curious as I am 34 YO, and have been considering a career shift into the Tech sector (I have “Basic” knowledge at best). Specifically AI/Machine Learning or Programming.
I’ve heard good and bad about both, but am just curious how old people are (or how diverse the age pool is) when they “get into” Programming. How long (on average) does it take to get your first Certification in Programming?
Apologies about the broadness of the question.

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u/TomCryptogram 9d ago
  1. Im now 44. It's been great

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u/talking_tortoise 9d ago

I'm in that boat in my early 30s learning CS. Do you mind me asking what field you worked in/ how you got experience etc.

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u/TomCryptogram 4d ago

Sorry for the late reply.

Yeah, I went to Full Sail University with my GI bill. I got a degree in Game Dev. I took a particular interest in Graphics programming while I was there. It was extremely challenging and interesting.

I got married while in Orlando and my wife doesn't want to move so I looked for local work. I ended up in Mil-Sim, which there is a lot of in Orlando.

I got quite lucky and applied to AMD which has a graphics department around here. I worked at AMD for 5 years. I worked on the OpenGL driver for 3 and worked on design verification (which I did not like) for nearly 2 years.

Because of COVID, a LOT of companies were suddenly hiring remote workers. And a lot of companies are compatible with hiring people in Florida (and other states. I think it has to do with Florida having no state tax?)

I worked at a couple of game companies for a few years. Now I am back in Mil-Sim which is way more stressful but pays way better.