Which should I study, C++ or Java?
If you learn C++, you've learned pointer manipulation and have the ability to
handle and manipulate variables by pointer and by reference. You'll find Java
much easier if you've learned C++. Conversely, if you only learn Java, you'll
of course be ready to make "the big bucks" in the Java world, but your knowledge
of pointers will be severly limited (Java doesn't use them) and you'll find it a
bit harder if you have to work on a C++ or C project. Still, Java is "hot" at
the moment. So if you do go primarily Java, that is fine, just keep the C++
awareness in mind so that you could cross over if you have to. You'll find it's
not unusual to learn a couple or more new languages once you get into the
workplace. I had to pick up PERL and VB almost immediately when I joined
Lazard.

How much can I expect to work my first year in "the business"?

My first year in the business was 70+ hours per week, but that was because we were on a special conversion project within the firm. In reality, expect to work about 50 hours a week. You might work only 40, but expect to put in a little extra time to learn the biz, to study the code you are working on, to review some things at home and to fit into the office environment. Go into the business with an open mind and heart, eager to learn, to code and to establish yourself in a positive way with the good things you've learned in the CTA program. I did and it truly worked out for me.

Is age a factor in hiring?

This is a difficult question. Age can be a factor but it depends on the job you are being hired to do. To be honest, from my observations in the last five years, factors like age, sex and nationality/race have NOT been a factor. The industry (all industries) need programmers and tech people. If you can do the job, you can get the job. Is there age discrimination? I'm sure there is, just as there is sex discrimination and racial discrimination in the world, but you will probably find less of this in the IT-world. Again, I'm sure everyone's experiences are different. I could devote a book to political observations, however.... So, in the short term, my advice is not to worry about age and to push your tech-chops. Go for the job and be able to present yourself in the best possible way.