How do you become a programmer?
I have a friend who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Masters) and he's looking to shift his focus to programming.  Does anyone have any ideas or clues on how he can do this?  

For example, how many hiring managers would look at a mechanical engineer's resume and would even want to hire the person since his education does not include Computer Science?

Should he try to go to college and get an associate's degree - and in these days - are those even worth pursuing to get a foot in the door?

He has worked on some personal projects before, but nothing substantial.  But everyone's got to start somewhere and he needs some pointers on what he can do.
How do you become a programmer?
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I have a friend who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Masters) and he's looking to shift his focus to programming.  Does anyone have any ideas or clues on how he can do this?  

For example, how many hiring managers would look at a mechanical engineer's resume and would even want to hire the person since his education does not include Computer Science?

Should he try to go to college and get an associate's degree - and in these days - are those even worth pursuing to get a foot in the door?

He has worked on some personal projects before, but nothing substantial.  But everyone's got to start somewhere and he needs some pointers on what he can do.