How did you get your start?

Those of you have good jobs working with Java - how did you get your start and how long ago did you begin your java career?

Have dual masters in EE/CompSci for Universities in the US.
Have been working in SW industry for the last 11 years.
Have been working with java for the last 4 years.
Certified in SCJP/SCJD/SCWCD.
Worked for some good companies like IBM.
Work my butt off on the weekends when required (like I am today).

Started in 2001. I have a diploma in Applied Information Technology. Also SCJP and SCWCD certified. I have been working with CGI (competitor of IBM here in Canada) doing J2EE development for the past 1.5 years. I would not have a Java job if I wasn't certified. Certain consulting companies like certifications - and any letters after your name for that matter.

Did a business related degree & masters.
Got a job as a programmer in a small software house.
Got job in investment bank doing unrelated IT stuff.
(Note still no Java)
Decided I wanted to get into Java, so studied with Open University in my own time (but at company's expense).
Transfered internally onto Java project.
Took CJP.
The key point for me was the 6 month part time course I took with the Open University (which I would recommend to anyone who wanted to get into Java).