This is something that I have been searching extensively for throughout the techblogs site archives as well as many of the other discussion forums for tech.
I am in a situation where I was looking to get more involved in the computer side of technology. I have worked in the broadband industry as an RF and Fiber engineer for 8 years but want to focus more on what excites me. Yes, I love where broadband is headed (television and the special features that are going to take home entertainment to the next level, HSI, VoIP, etc.) but I want to be more involved in the development of the newest programs and technologies that will shape the way the entire globe will interact.
My biggest problem is that I do not know what the first step should be to get in the door. I have always been looked at as a creative person. I am always looking for new things to learn about. I have started studying HTML, XHTML, Java, XML, to familiarize myself with the languages involved.
Does this mean I want to be a programmer or designer? No. I am looking more at entering in at a management level. I want to utilize my business education (BS in Business Management and an MBA) along with my excitement and love for technology to help guide the direction and development of programs, etc.
So I am asking for input from people that may have made a career change such as I am trying or from people that have a better understanding of the inner networks of the programming world.
Am I going about it in the right way by learning the basics of the languages or should I do something else first?
I look forward to watching this site and company grow. It is forum's like this that help people like myself find our place in the tech world.
Best regards,
Mike Kinney