Programmers and Artists have an easier time breaking in to the industry because it’s easy to test the applicants knowledge (programming interview/test, art portfolio, etc).
For Programmers:
- Get a BS in CompSci. It’s not required but it helps get you to the initial interview as it implies a level of proficiency.
- You will be tested on your C++ knowledge. Know your data structures, good programming habits (const correctness, defensive coding, etc), and just in general “how things works” from a high level view (memory access, caching, etc).
- Don’t be a jerk. Seriously. Be humble, talk through your thought process. I will always hire a humble, slightly-weaker programmer than a toxic, know-it-all Rock Star. Talent can be taught, but behavior (especially in a team environment) is much more difficult to correct.