I have to agree. There are many young programmers that have programmed circles around experienced programmers with years of experience. What they are lacking though is business knowledge and business experience. Even having a business degree is not sufficient. I would definitely hire a young programmer to do programming under supervision but not as an analyst. For that, I'd want an experienced analyst programmer with experience translating business rules and streamlining business practices (and also good communications skills and experience dealing directly with the customer). Typically a good shop has a mixed bunch of both.

>>>How does a 17 year old with no experience in any programming languages become a proficient C++ coder(and get a job)?
>>>
>>>There are plenty of 24 year olds i know who currently work as c++ coders ( and they do a good job). They did not know any programming languages 10 years ago.
>>>
>>>In general I think human resources people put too much importance on current knowledge level.
>>>
>>>If you are not given lattitude in who you chose to hire then the hiring process becomes even more difficult.
>>
>>Well. I never said "it" never happens. I think your examples are exceptions, not the rule.
>>
>>Let me see 17 year old kid.... he probably has a great personality or .. uh ... nepotism? :)
>>
>>I think hiring process should be, as you say, "diffcult". Employers should be picky. If I was hiring I would be.
>
>My fathers' in got son was hired for his first FoxPro job exactly on this age - 17. He cames from C++. Is he proficient C++ coder?? - absotutely he was member of national computing high-school team.
>My son is 15 years old and go behind him. But he already received some small VFP tasks from my wife.