Searching for someone to interview on Python

[NPpain]

Hi! I'm new to the whole programming thing, but Python looked like the best way to learn to program. Anyways, I have a class where I have to interview a programmer, and I thought this would be a good place to ask. If this isn't the right forum to ask that type of question on, could someone please direct me to the right one? Thanks.

[nilamo]

Sure, what's the questions?

[DeaD_EyE]

Just ask. Don't ask if you can ask.

[NPpain]

So here are the questions. They mainly are for someone who works in the field, but if you don't then it's fine.

Could you describe a typical day when programming Python?
What parts of programming do you find most challenging?
Are there too many or too little people in programming?
What technological developments could affect jobs in this field?
Why do people leave the programming industry?
How did you get into Python, and to this point in your Python experence?
What qualifications could employers look for in potential hires?
What courses should I take to get into the programming field?

[nilamo]

Could you describe a typical day when programming Python?

I rarely write Python at work, as it's only used for the sales dashboard on the TV near the kitchen. Typically, I write C#.

What parts of programming do you find most challenging?

Giving estimates for how long something will take :p
Because I'm almost always doing something different, I frequently have to do some amount of research, which makes it really difficult to guess how long any particular task might take (managers love me!)

Are there too many or too little people in programming?

Neither. I feel like we're at a good point right now. There's plenty of jobs for people who need them, but not so many people that it's hard for them to find jobs, while also having room for freelancing if desired.

What technological developments could affect jobs in this field?

Aside from a major psychological shift to avoid computers, I don't actually think the field will be impacted in any meaningful way by new tech. Even if AI comes in to do things automatically, there will always be a need for weird things here and there which makes the field in general exist on a long-term basis.

Why do people leave the programming industry?

To become managers of other programmers.

How did you get into Python, and to this point in your Python experence?

It seemed cool, so I started learning it while in college. Then I kept using it for personal projects.

What qualifications could employers look for in potential hires?

Finished projects, and someone's github account.

What courses should I take to get into the programming field?

I don't think classes are relevant to programming. So much of it you'll need to learn on the fly, as you go, that if you can't learn it outside of a classroom, then it probably isn't the field for you.

[Skaperen]

i remember a former employer (was former at the time of the question) asking me if i could build a certain kind of CRM system for him. i estimated it would take 9 months to build. he wanted it done and runnung in 3 months and offered to triple the pay. i said 9 months, not a minute less. he said someone else would do it for sure and rattled off the names of about five people we both knew who were skilled enough to do it.

6 months later we met again and he asked if i'd reconsider doing that CRM project. i said it would take 15 months. he then asked why 15 now since it was originally estimated to be 9 months. i said "new information". he asked "what information?" i said "five very skilled developers turned it down ... must harder than i realized."

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when i post jobs for programmers, i ask for a list of certifications ... so i know who not to hire.