Well, a little background, I'm studying computer science, and my long-term goal is to eventually become a software developer. I suppose I might be a "black sheep" in a way because I don't want to simply limit myself to that avenue of study the way a lot of people do in their respective disciplines, whether it's networking, web-developing, or programming. I want to spread myself out a little more, not because of money or prospective career gain, but mostly because of interest. My interest in computer technology ranges from everything in the field, and it would be worthwhile for me to gain a solid grasp of many of these topics.

So, while my goal is to become a dev, I would still be interested in having a few certs, not necessarily related to that work. I'm going to start working on A+, even though many claim it to be useless, and they might be right, but I think it's important to have a solid foundation on the platform for which I'll be doing most of my work. I'm also considering Network+, but I'm not sure where to go after A+, so if you guys could share any insight into which certs are worth the money after A+, it would be greatly appreciated.

The Net+, Sec+ from CompTIA are nice to get. Cisco and VMware certs are also pretty valuable. I'm wanting to take the Certified Ethical Hacker exam eventually. The questions on the practice material aren't that difficult.

But really the security field is massive right now, any certs having to do with security can really help out.

Currently I have the A+, CCENT, VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization

I've gone fairly far in the software development/architecture area, but like you, I enjoy just about every aspect of computing technology. I started my career as a technician...pulling cable, making/testing connections, setting up satellite offices, troubleshooting/fixing equipment, light network admin stuff, etc. I was lucky and landed a development job there, so I was able to build my resume before I moved on. I got enough experience that I never really had a need for any kind of certifications, but at some companies they can get you a little more money. I guess they can help you get a foot in the door at some places as well, but to be honest, I don't pay any attention to them when I'm hiring developers. I've worked with too many lousy developers with certifications, I guess.

lol, I've heard certs can be detrimental, and I'm not surprised, simply because some people feel that they don't need experience, which to me is ludicrous. But I'm looking at getting my foot in the door right now, which is why I'm working on A+. I don't want to simply rely on certs, but I do feel that they can compliment and applicant well, when combined with experience, and a degree. What do you think?

Oh, yeah, I don't think they're detrimental. They do show commitment as well as some formal exposure to certain technologies. When looking at resumes, though, I assign a lot more value to work experience than anything else. Certs are great, but they don't prove that you're a good thinker/problem solver/learner, which are the most important traits (IMO) for a developer to have. Heck, I assign more value to how well-organized and well-composed the text of the resume is than I do to certs.

lol, and I bet you've seen your fair share of jacked up resumes too. You're a developer also, may I ask what kind of path you took to get to your current position? I'm only asking to see what I can do to better myself for the future. Right now I'm studying Python and delving into some low-programming study to understand "how it all works."

So would helping out with open-source projects be a good way to demonstrate that kind of thing, absent an actual software job?

Lots. Less lately, though. We've been using a headhunting firm to save us some of the initial filtering time (albeit not exclusively), although they do let some duds slip through every now and then.

My strategy was to put my time in with a company that already liked me until I felt my resume was strong. The way I see it, there are rungs that are usually easiest to climb from within an organization. Once an organization lets you move up one, you gain some universal credibility (assuming said organization has some to share ). I started working for a company writing document automation scripts and macros for the legal department as a summer job while I was still working on my undergrad. When a full-time job opened as a technician, I took it despite it not being what I ultimately wanted to do. I worked hard, and I was the lead technician before I finished my undergrad. While I was doing that, I wrote utility software for my team, and when a development position opened up I was in a good spot to get it because they'd already seen what I could do first-hand and knew what kind of employee I was.

So, by that point I'd climbed from a part-timer to an intermediate developer much faster than I would have been able to by moving around between employers. After another year or so I had solid footing as an employable developer, and I moved on. At that point my resume was strong enough be considered for positions with organizations that had room for me to move up, and I went from there.

Definitely. Especially if your pull requests are accepted!

That seems to make sense, I could see myself doing that. What programming languages and knowledge did you find your employer found most useful if you don't mind my asking? My plan right now is to get my degree and move out to San Jose and apply for every company/start-up that will employ me, whatever the cost, I'm just trying to get started, don't necessarily care about the salary or long-term viability lol.

edit:I'm sorry if it seems I'm picking your brain here, but you seem like you have some experience, so I would like to know what I could do to get where you're at, if you're willing to help me out. Any help is appreciated.

certs without reason are a waste of money. You can learn everything related to a cert without paying to take the test. Certs are just resume fluff to get past automated systems, so don't bother with them without a reason for them.

Edit: Like softnerd, I worked on real-world experience rather than focusing on certs. When you have nothing to go on, certs can help maybe get you past the HR resume scanners, but that's it. I've never heard of someone being impressed by certs. I'd recommend working on open source projects and getting internships/part-time entry-level jobs.

languages come and go, best practices and patterns last forever. Instead of focusing on learning languages x,y, and z learn object-oriented and functional programming. Learn design patterns, learn best practices. If you do that you'll be able to quickly pick up the different syntaxes of different languages.

If you just want to get started, I'll just reiterate the internship point: It can be quite valuable. Just showing you can do both school and work is something that really catches people's eyes. I didn't have an internship, but my entire time at University I was working 30 hours a week in IT.