Re: Question concerning entry level programmer skills

IMHO.

Assuming the individual has the basic natural abilities. The ability to 
break a problem down to understandable logical steps is mandatory. 
This is just basic to any programming language. If he/she can't think 
in logical terms, there is no amount of training or schooling that will 
help.

Another factor is the quality of the education they received. As a 
former RPG instructor in a local technical school, I can assure you, a 
diploma is no garantee the student learned anything. Only that they 
paid there full tuition.

If I were you, I would make up my own test questions that YOU think 
the person needs to minimally qualify. You might give them a listing 
of a program and ask them to explain what the program does.  You 
could even put errors in the listing and ask them to find them. 

If you find someone with the minimal qualifications, then make the 
commitment to bring them up to the standards you prefer. It's easier 
to teach a new dog old tricks, than an old dog new tricks.  Do not let 
this process up to them. They don't know what skills you want. Lead 
them, and guide them. They will respond to your commitment and 
leadership in like manner. 






From:                   kjennings@garan.com
To:                     RPG400-L@midrange.com
Date sent:              Fri, 12 May 2000 11:31:01 -0400
Subject:                Question concerning entry level programmer skills
Send reply to:          RPG400-L@midrange.com



Hi, group!  In your opinion, what knowledge and skills should an entry level RPG
programmer have fresh out of school?

Kevin


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