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FSAwannabe
11-02-2003, 12:27 PM
After I take my exam this week, I expect to have some free time on my hands as I search for an entry-level position. I thought it would be a productive use of time if I learned something about programming. It seems that programming skills significantly improve the marketability of actuaries.
Which programming language would be the best for me to learn ? And how would I go about doing that ? I am not interested in taking a course at a regular college. I have a couple of friends who would be willing to help out on any topics I find too difficult.
A little while back I taught myself quite a bit of HTML just through online free tutorials. Are there any similar sites that do a decent job teaching programming. Any good books that a beginner could get through ?
Thanx for the help.
NoName
11-02-2003, 01:40 PM
Start with VBA (probably learning the basic language, then objects related to Excel, then objects related to Access). I have no suggestions for books, but this topic has been discussed before and you may want to search to see what other people have said.
DW Simpson
11-02-2003, 02:27 PM
After Excel, Word and Access, I agree, Visual Basic should be next on the list.
glenn
11-02-2003, 02:35 PM
VBA, something you're likely to use routinely as it allows you to automate tasks in Excel and other MS apps.

The nice thing about VBA is that if you have Excel, you can 'record' macros by turning on the record function then performing your actions with the mouse and keyboard that you want to automate, then stop recording. At that point you can look at the macro - which is just the VBA code. Great way to learn.
Cynic
11-02-2003, 02:50 PM
Here are a few links to threads discussing books for VBA. I also strongly recommend Excel 2002 Power Programming with VBA by John Walkenbach.


http://www.actuary.ca/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=18050&highlight=book

http://www.actuary.ca/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=15548&highlight=book

http://www.actuary.ca/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=9651&highlight=book
FSAwannabe
11-12-2003, 03:20 PM
Thanx everyone for the replies..
I may be wrong but it seems that the book by John Walkenbach may be a little too advanced for a real beginner..
I see VBA For Dummies mentioned on a couple of threads..
Would this maybe be a better book to start out with for a real beginner..
Thanx