Discovering computing

This paper presents findings of an exploratory, qualitative study of professional web and graphic designers who regularly write computer programs. These participants have a wide variety of educational backgrounds, including some who had a few classes in computer science. Our participants report having found a career in which they enjoy being both creative and technical. They want to learn more about computing, but do not find computing curricula as meeting their needs. We discuss their perceptions of the computing discipline, motivational aspects of their jobs, and their interest in learning more about computing. We also consider implications for computing curricula if we were to try to meet the needs of these professionals who are unlikely to appear in our current classes.