Here is how I did it: 1) Pick a challenging language that you have to do memory management (C++ for myself); 2) Start learning it and building applications that

Here is how I did it: 1) Pick a challenging language that you have to do memory management (C++ for myself); 2) Start learning it and building applications that you care about; 3) Start learning design patterns (gang of four); 4) Pick up a second language at a higher level (Java was mine); 5) Add databases, caching, etc., to your programs; 6) Ask what is practical to learn in the field you choose based on your local market; 7) Get a job as jr.; 8) You've made it and the learning just begins.