Decide what you want to program before finding a mentor, even though some mentors might help you find a language to specialize in rather than just teaching you

Decide what you want to program before finding a mentor, even though some mentors might help you find a language to specialize in rather than just teaching you a small part of what they know and how they think. If you want to be more involved in web side of things and getting dynamic website stuff (forms, etc. etc.) done quickly, go the PhP or Ruby on Rails route. If you want to have a job almost anywhere, do Java. With Java you could be doing anything from server-side, embedded code in chips, to Android apps, to web applications (dynamic websites). If you want to have a job with almost as good of a chance as knowing Java, learn C#/.Net. You can cover the Microsoft side of the virtual world. If you like utility, crazy looking slashes and text manipulation, learn Perl. Want to write software that runs a lot of the faster stuff, operating systems, things that allow Java, Ruby, C#, Perl, etc. to run, software that runs devices, etc., learn C and C++. There are many more options as well. Try to choose something that fits where you want to be, not just something easy. I agree with those who say you should find a programming job that showcases your pilot's knowledge. That will provide you with the greatest chance of success. Find out the type of programming that Boeing, etc. need, and do that. Odds are, it is C/C++ or Java. Or check out Flight sim companies. These two might be interesting: http://www.prepar3d.com/ http://www.prepar3d.com/ or http://www.cascadegamefoundry.com/ http://www.cascadegamefoundry.com/