I've just completed a maths degree and have been looking for jobs in London in data analyst, consultancy, mainly, but not because I am passionate about these area, but because I think I will have a good chance at getting these jobs.
However, I have just been teaching myself Java over the past couple of weeks and absolutely love it. When I was at school I taught myself HTML, javascript and visual basic and enjoyed making things from these, but since then I have completely forgotten about programming. Over these past two weeks I have done online video courses on programming fundamentals, OOP, Java, and now learning about design patterns.
I have realised that I think I would really like a job in programming. I have a naturally analystical mind, love understanding how things work and creating new things, love problems solving, love puzzles etc.
My question is, realistically what level do I need to be at to get a job in programming? And, if possible, is it realistic to get to this level in say two months if I spend 6-8 hours per day learning?
To give you an idea of the speed I learn at, in two weeks I have covered and understood the syllabus of the Oracle Level 1 Java SE exam from scratch, along with programming fundamentals and OOP courses I mentioned above. I have been watching all videos at about double speed, and following along by creating my own code using what I have been learning. I have also been writing down any questions I have had along the way which I look up in my own time.
I personally feel that in one or two months at this rate of learning I could complete the Oracle level 2 Java SE exam, however I understand that there is a vast difference between having the technical knowledge to pass an exam, and having the technical intuition and isight that only comes with experience.