I am a fresh graduate Mechatronic engineer who just secured myself a job as an Automation Software Engineer one month ago. While majority of the working time I will be dealing with PLC-based programmings such as AB RSlogix 5000, Siemens TIA portal and Omron NB designer. However, I do wish to retain my PC-based programming skill and further polish my resume in the software direction (since some companies out there do rely on PC-based programming more than PLC-based programming to automate a system).
FYI: I do have some experience in C, C++, C#, Python, ROS during my tertiary study.
Here are the doubts I am facing:
1. Is there anything I can do to enhance my programming skill and polish my resume at the same time?
2. May I know more about Open Source contribution? How to get involved, where can I search for such an opportunity, etc.
3. Kindly advise the selection of the programming languages I aims to pick up currently: Python, C#, SQL, Java.
4. Does freelancing an option?
Best Regard YSY
What I have tried:
I do found some PAID "Programming Certification Exam and Course" provided by reputated companies like Microsoft and Intel. Does this kind of certification provide me advantages over the others in the industry?