O'Reilly Programming Certification

[Tuero]

Does anyone have experience with the O'Reilly Programming Certification course? I have recently switched university programs to fast-track a math/compsci double major. Since I am on a work term now (for my previous program, not compsci related), I figured I would get a jump start and start learning new languages for job prospects later on down the road. I figured that if I am going to be spending the time learning a new language, why not go along with the course so I can get something to show for afterwords (certificate). 

 

Obviously, previous work experience will trump certificates for job applications, but for someone just starting out in the field with no previous work experience in programming, do you think it would make sense to go with the certification route? I am worried that just teaching myself will not be enough for jobs, as just saying "I know programming language x" doesn't really mean anything. At least with this course, I can show a track record of the topics covered, and that I indeed have a certification from them.

[Art Vandelay]

You can demonstrate your knowledge of a programming language in an interview. You don't need to indicate that it is self taught or anything like that on your resume, though being able to list a course would probably look a bit better. However, I don't think many employers look highly on beginner programming courses; my first programming course was awful and barely taught me anything.

 

If you are trying to get a job interview, I'd recommend making sure you know the basics of how pointers, dynamic memory allocation, etc. works, in addition to knowing the things you are actually going to work on. It's just good to know the low level, so you can describe things better.