>-How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
I think I'm well suited to my job, and it interests me greatly. As for how I got started, I did it to win a bet.
>-How did you get your job? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
I got my present job by being very good at what I do, and what I do is be awesome.
>-Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain this necessary experience?
Open source projects are a good way to get experience without having to convince someone to pay you. I've also found forums like Daniweb to be very instructive. You can solidify your own understanding and give back to the community at the same time.
>-What are the most important personal satisfactions and dissatisfactions connected with your occupation?
When I stop learning, I'll switch jobs. The most important "satisfaction" to me is learning new things.
>-Why did you decide to work for this company?
It didn't require me to relocate.
>-What do you like most about this company?
I get to do what I enjoy and what I'm good at.
>-Do you find your job boring or exciting? Why?
It depends on the day. Sometimes I'm having a hackergasm with new and interesting code, sometimes I'm writing documentation. You can guess which of those I find exciting.
>-How does a person progress in your field?
Intern -> Junior -> Senior -> Lead -> Manager.
>-What were the keys to your career advancement?
I know what I'm doing and can get results both from myself and from my coworkers.
>How did you get where you are and what are your long-range goals?
I love being a programmer, so I have no intention of following the management path. I'm currently where I want to be, and if I move it'll be sideways rather than up or down.
>-What are the skills most important for a position in this field?
Communication, no question. Business knowledge is important as well. Many newcomers are surprised to learn that the skills most important to a programmer are often seemingly unrelated to programming.
>How did you learn these skills?
I'm largely self-taught.
>How can I evaluate whether or not I have the necessary skills for a position such as yours?
Apply for the job and I'll tell you.
>-How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work?
Laid back.
>-What work-related values are strongest in this type of work? (security, high income, variety, independence)
Having something interesting to do is usually more important than any perks. I'd take a pay cut if it meant doing something cooler than I'm already doing.
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