Just to post a second reply to say that it would be really nice if anyone who wants to go into programming HAS to do a lot of low level programming like people between 7x-9x. I don't really get the chance to program tools in my work. It's going to be super stupid and a big no-no if one wants to do some lower level programming in a higher level job. That's why I would love the chance.
You probably would ask "Sure why not do it at your free time"? Well would love to but right now with family and work and a bit of mental issues (difficult to focus) it's really tough for me to do it after 10pm. Plus the free time I get is scattered among hours, not in a big chunk.