Hi,

I would like to have a career in the S/w industry. I know a bit of C and like coding/algorith writing. I have good logic and would like to work with PCs. Can someone please help me out with my following queries.

a) What is the career map like in the S/w industry. After you join as a trainee, how does your career grow.
b) What basics should be learnt/are taught at professional courses.
c) What subject should be covered before joining the industry.
d) What is the difference like between academia and the actual workplace.
e) What is taught during the training period in a company.
f) What is the work profile of a programmer.
g) What are the different streams within programming.
h) How good are the Microsoft Certifications. Would it suffice if is just study the subjects for the MCSD Certification and join the industry as a fresher. How about the Sun and the Oracle certifications. Are they good.
i) ARe there any specific books that you would recommend me to read.

Thanks.