Can I get a job as Linux administrator/programmer?

Question

I'm working an internship where I'm doing a lot of Linux programming along with C. I'm using an embedded controller with a Linux OS on Virtual Box and using C language to write/modify programs. These programs contain code that control the embedded system and gpios connected to different devices.

I started this job with no linux experience or knowledge on it, other than it being another OS. Now I'm seeing the benefit and demand it has from employers. I see so many Linux related jobs. Can I develop these skills here (at my job- on my own ) and then write them efficiently into my resume. I'm worried without Linux classes or IT as my major in college, employers/recruiters will overlook my ability, since most of my courses have been C++ and Java. I'm assuming Linux jobs are dominated by IT guys? Anyways just looking for some advice/insight as to what my chances are of getting hired in a Linux position. Can I get hired with EXPERIENCE in Linux without the related course?

Answer 1

If you want to be a programmer, you need an education in Computer Science which includes algorithms, data structures, computational tractability, OS principles, programming language principles, cpu architecture including pipelining and memory management, etc., and a LOT of math. If you don't have that, you will be a mediocre programmer at best. I've been a software engineer for 25 years, and the worst programmers I've worked with were those that did not have a computer science education. They make a mess of things when they write code that I have to come along afterwards and clean up.



Do you know the difference between a double linked list and a scope resolution operator? Can you explain Big O and tell me the difference between geometric, exponential, and polynomial? Can you list the basic pipeline stages in a risc architecture? If not, you have no business being a programmer. Go to school and learn those things.



There is a HUGE difference between an Linux admin and a programmer. It's like the difference between a doctor and a nurse. Big differences in educational requirements, big differences in salary.

Answer 2

There is no course "Programming in Linux". The most anyone can teach you is how to navigate it.

Since you already have a understanding of Virtualization and Programming, just bring up a few distros (doesn't have to be

your work computer) and kick around a few things, like a LAMP stack or tomcat install.



Give Python and PHP a whirl.



Lots of systems programmers do the "get it to work, keep it simple" process.

Answer 3

Since you have experience, you can very probably get a Linux job. You will get a better job if you have a serious certificate. The LPI (Linux Professional Institute) Certificates are well regarded.