About 10 days ago I passed the SUN
Java 2Programmer exam with a score of 76%, which is of course most probably nothing exciting because a number of people pass that exam on a daily basis, and some even with impressive scores.
My case, however, may be a bit unusual because I do not have any programming background, I never had C, C++, etc., and I never took one single class of programming. I bought a couple of books "The Complete Java Reference by H. Schildt" and "Java 2 Exam Cram by Bill Brogden". I also used the on-line Java Tutorial. I taught myself the necessary amount of Java to pass the exam. Of course, the great Java Mock Exams provided on-line by unselfish individuals were invaluable, and without them I could never have done it.
Furthermore, I am 64 years old.
I would not like for anyone to think that I am an excentric individual, trying foolishly to impress anyone. I am genuine in my desire to become a Programmer. I have many years ahead of me, which I want to make useful and productive. I realize that the people reading this note are much younger than I am, and I want to assure you that I am not trying to play a prank on anybody. I have too much respect for computer professionals, regardless of age.
Provided I have been able so far to convince you of my seriousness in this matter, I want to ask for your help in the form of advice. Please let me know what you think my next steps should be to make myself marketable and be able to get a real job. I would like to do more study and learning in the direction of database application development and web design.
By the way, I have some experience in network administration, although I mention this only for the sake of completeness, since I want to stay in programming. Thank you guys.
