I am doing a project where I must interview a computer programmer. It would be very very helpful if one the programmers here could help me with these questions.


1. What are your primary responsibilities?

2. How have you prepared yourself for your profession?

3. What has been the most influential/significant experience you have encountered on the job?

4. What are some rewards of your profession?


I REALLY REALLY APPRECIATE THIS

These questions shouldnt take you more than 5 mins to answer. PLEASE HELP!!

A wee bit impatient, aren't you? Obviously five hours is plenty of time for use to help you with your homework project, because we all just wait expectantly online to help someone in need. </sarcasm>

Seriously, if you want the help you need to wait at least a day. Most of us have jobs and families, not to mention a life outside the Internet. People will read and reply when they can, like now.

So, just to be nice, I'll answer your questions.
Right now I'm the project manager for developing and implementing a content management system for a military intelligence command. While waiting for formal requirements from DIA, we are learning how to use an off-the-shelf CMS program and adapt it to the needs of the intelligence community, specifically in the requirements of my current command.
I have an AAS in Electromechanical Technology, a BS in Computer Engineering Technology, and I'm working on an MS in Infomation Management. I have 13 years of tech support and general computer/IT knowledge. I learned several programming languages in school and I've self-taught myself Python. I spend much of my free time reading technology web sites to keep track of computer trends.
Realizing that I probably have a wider range of practical IT knowledge than 3/4 of the people at my command. Honestly, the government is lacking in computer knowledge; the vast majority of technical experience comes from contractors. There may be people who are more proficient in programming, networking, databases, etc. but in my experience I know more about the "computer geek" culture than they do, especially the F/OSS community.
Free access to the supply closet. Seriously, I would have to say that since the the project manager, I really don't have a lot to do in regards to the actual job; my team is responsible for learning the nitty-gritty of how the CMS works and what needs to be done to get it working for our needs. Hence, I have a lot of free time to do what I want. Apart from surfing the 'net, reading sites like Slashdot and Ars Technica, I get to work on my pet projects. Currently I'm developing a game (see my signature) and I'm creating an inventory program for my wife's business. Though they aren't mission-oriented, they are relevant to maintaining and upgrading my programming skills, so nobody cares.

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Common Sense v2.0-Striving to make the world a little bit smarter.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You have no idea how much I appreciate this.