Hello,
I am over thirty years and thinking of becoming a software developer.
Am I too old to become a computer programmer?
Do companies really hire computer programmers over thirty (30) years?
I currently a Director of Instructional Technology and I hold a Masters degree so technology isn't new to me, it's just I would like to become more "technical."
Let's assume a company WOULD hire a 30+ year old, what's the best way to get my foot in the door to become a software developer?
In the computer programming industry, employers and hiring managers will judge you by "how you perform on the job". And not by your skin color, your sex (male or female) and certainly not by your age.
You may have read that some employers won't hire 40 - 50 year old job candidates.
Well, there is such a demand for good computer programmers, that this is not really an issue in the information technology industry.
At one of my consulting gigs in 2004, I worked with a gentleman, who was at least 50 years old. He had distinct grey hair and some of my colleagues referred to him as "the old man". However, within 3 months of his employment, he was promoted to a team lead position.
The lesson here is that no matter what your age is, if you can do the job, you will succeed in your programming career.
The best way to get your foot into the door as a software developer is to get a lot of hands-on computer programming experience.
This method works because computer programming is a career driven by practical expertise, skill, talent and passion. So, what employers want you to demonstrate is that you have the passion, drive or skill to get the job done ... if you demonstrate that, then you won't have to worry about your age ...
Pleae read this article: how your age affects your computer programming career