[NTLUG:Discuss] Software future in Linux

[Andrew Brown]

I have been working with Linux for about a year and have really got into
the software aspects of computers. Looking for a rec'd from any software
engineers or people in the know. I am looking to change into software
engineering and need a piece of advice, college degree or just get some
certifications and plug away to build abilities on my own? (current
degree is not related to computers, very little class based learning,
mostly self taught)

I see open source as a real future for companies as they move away from
homogenized products into more specific software products that serve
their particular needs and are more secure and reliable. I am not
looking for the path of least resistance to enter the OS movement, just
the wisest. My interest is in Linux implementations, Linux application
development and possibly porting software into the Linux environment.

Thanks for any help!