techdevman

I got my degree in EE and applied for software jobs and got one. I worked on side programming projects and taught myself basic programming (C++ at the time). When I interviewed I was able to 1) show that I understood concepts like polymorphism and object-oriented development, and 2) cared enough to work on software projects in my own time.

I did get burned on a few interviews where I claimed to know C and then they asked some difficult pointer questions that were out of my depth. Truth was I had done C++ and a little bit of C in one class but not much. So you need to be able to pass a verbal interview and a coding interview.

If I were you I would also suggest not trying to get a job in one of those sub-fields right away, but instead look for any decent software job, get some experience, then look to move into a niche area.

I have a friend whose company is similarly using C++ for cross-platform components on mobile devices. I find it cool to see C++ getting new wind in its sails.

Originally of course that was one of its strengths (following in the footsteps of the C language), but with each mobile platform having its own preferred development language, and with C++ not being a popular choice for web backends, it fell out of fashion. Seems like that is starting to change now.

The MSc option sounds best to me, especially if it is a one-time chance to get such an opportunity. It will give you a better foundation in the fundamentals of computer science and software development.

Meanwhile, you can do side projects that apply what you are learning or that help you learn new technologies that your course work won't cover.

You can definitely be a founder. You should seek one or two other people with complementary skills: architect, vision type people who have solid technical skills.

You could then start with a Mastermind group with people like this, then talk about doing a joint venture (company, website, blog, podcast, etc.).

I developed C++ apps on Windows and Linux from 1999 to 2007 before moving over to C#. Unfortunately, I think the author is correct that C++ has moved from one dark age to another. It will simply never receive the love that C# and related technologies get.

Programming is hard. C++ gives you almost total power but with that power comes enough rope to hang yourself and a small village. Having done C# now for eight years I can't imagine having to go back to C++.