Philadelphia Tech Company Shares Online Educational Content With The World
Joe Dooley is a tech writer for Linode, located in Galloway, New Jersey. Linode is a cloud service company that helps solve problems, code software, and make cool stuff happen.
What sort of education is needed to successfully do your job?
"Any programming courses are helpful. Programming helps train the eye for strict detail and train the mind for strict logic. Logic is extremely necessary to work with computers on a day-to-day basis. Aside from the usual courses in Java, C++, or Python, web technologies like Linux, HTML, or JavaScript are becoming increasingly important. Math courses help with rigorous logic, and Liberal Arts courses are helpful for communicating, writing, and higher level problem-solving. Even a few college courses can help, along with the traditional associate, bachelor's, or master's degree paths."
What is the most relevant aspect of your education that applies to your day-to-day job?
"My master's degree in English helps me to communicate effectively with the written word. On the technical side, the courses I have taken in Linux and Java have given me a strong start on many larger projects. Education can help with creativity, setting and accomplishing goals, time management, technical skills, and exposure to new topics."
What is the most fun aspect of your job?
"Sharing online educational content with the world. I write many complex how-to and overview articles. Providing accurate technical information that found free online helps the world grow faster and faster. Being even a small part of that process, makes my job really fun. And, overall, Linode is a great company to work for; from the occasional ping-pong break to the weekly catered lunches, we have a great team."
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the field of technology?
"Understand that learning any computer science technology can take time. Never be afraid to re-read an article or re-program the same tutorial or textbook example. Computer science has more to do with an interest in the topic, than with some sort of natural ability. Keep reading and keep typing. For job opportunities, follow trends from meet-up groups, tutorial comments, journalist reports, job boards, or online discussions. Think about what tools will be useful for the next decade."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.