Awesome post!
For those looking to develop in data intensive environments, you will most likely need some SQL knowledge.
This is a great place to start:<p>sqlzoo.net<p>This site is where I learned the basics. I now use this site to teach an intro SQL class to my department at a Fortune 50 company.
2. Support<p>Meetups and user groups are good; Some subreddits are helpful, some will send you to SO. IRC channels and mailing lists/google groups are helpful to various degrees<p>3. First Job<p>github portfolio is key, along with good writing (both tech bullet points and clear communications) on Stackoverflow, mailing lists or blog.