>>14
I agree. Everything important is written in C. If you want to write software for anything important C is a must. Most high-tech companies use C++ but don't actually use much of the C++ features that aren't in C.
Examples:
Siemens - Makes control software for equipment used in nuclear power plants.
Ericsson - Makes the world's best LTE/4G base stations.
Cienna - Makes the world's fastest ethernet/optical equipment which is used for submarine optical lines which run under the ocean from north america to europe.
All of these examples are what I consider "real programming" Everything else like web-design and UI are just fluffy hobby shit that anyone can do. This kind of programming actually involves thinking hard about what you have to do, taking into consideration a ton of constraints. Having done both high-level programming (UI/Web), mid-level (Game industry), and low level (embedded real-time drivers), I would have to say that the low level is where it's at. It's the most challenging and most fun if you are tenacious and are able to become obsessive with your work. It also lands the most money. LTE/4G designers make more than directors.