So you think knowing C/C++ will make you rich?

["Ken Mays" <kenneth.l.mays@cpmx.saic.com>]

Hi,

I think that the problem is many college graduates think knowing C/C++ will
make
them rich or instant consultants. Think again. Most of the graduates who are
making decent money started out as interns or made good contacts with
companies.

You should erase the thought that C/C++ is the mainstream language. Its the
most common and supported computer programming language. Why? Because the
language was available (Borland's Turbo C++ or MicroSoft C) at decent prices
to
students. COBOL and RPG was mainly taught at specialized computer schools or
college.

Knowing C/C++ is just a start. You have to understand databases, transaction
processing, telephony, API development, compiler design, embedded
programming,
and many other things. YEARS of experience (ok, 3-5 years is good). You
should know the difference of a programmer, software engineer, system
engineer, and system architect. Those title carry different responsibilities
and some focus on design and integration issues. Just knowing C/C++ just
won't cut the mustard (maybe, the butter?).

Good Luck!
--
Ken Mays, Systems Architect/Engineer
SAIC/MicroSoft Sitebuilder
http://www.wbgallery.com