I’m still taking questions from my readers. Today’s question is about finding entry level computer programming job working with the Java programming language. Here’s the rest of my reader’s question:

Dear Mr. Tagbo,

I am sending you this e-mail to ask you if there will be any jobs available in the spring starting April 2007 because I am interested in becoming a Computer Programmer.

One of my personal strengths and experiences so far is tutoring other students at my former school in Algebra Math, and doing favorably well in a Java Programming course.

I have taken two programming language courses, and I will be taking another one next semester in my community college institution.

I love mathematics and logic, and I definitely want to enhance my logical thinking to prepare myself for more advanced programming and Scientific courses.

My favorite hobbies are research and speculation.

And here’s my reply:

There will be Java programming jobs in April or spring except if something really strange happens to the economy. However that doesn’t mean that getting an entry level programming job in Java will be easy.

1. Ease of access: Entry level jobs in Java, C# or C/C++ are not that easy to get except if you are a professional with real world computer programming experience. For example, there’re lots of jobs advertised on CraigsList, Dice.Com, Monster.Com, CareerBuilder.Com and other job boards for experienced computer programmers.

   However, if you search these job boards for “entry level programmer” or “entry level programming” jobs, you’ll find fewer programming jobs. The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers explains how to break-in to the tight entry level programming job easily and without making a fool of yourself.

2. Finding a good position: Not all entry level jobs are good. You need an entry level position, where you can gain good, relevant industry experience, be exposed to leading edge software development projects and be mentored by seasoned and experienced computer programmers, otherwise, your career may suffer. So it may be better to ask about “how to get a good programming job“.
3. Getting paid: Again, an entry level programmer’s problem. While experienced programmers may not find it hard to negotiate a high rate, entry level programmers sometimes have to work for free! So, the question is, what are your salary expectations and what’s your strategy for breaking into a well paying job?
4. Job interview hurdles: Convincing the hiring manager and/or a technical team that you really have the expertise to do the job is critical to your career success. The problem is that while there is a high demand for programming skills, that demand is reserved for people who have proven or can prove that they’re performers. It’s not easy then for entry level programmers to prove to hiring managers, team leads or a programming shop that they can perform.

   However, my e-Book The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers explains how to prepare for the technical job interview, ace the job interview and succeed by performing on the job.

5. Lack of experience hurdle: If you do not have real world industry experience (not classroom experience), you may face a tough battle convincing employers to hire you. Even if you get hired as an entry level programmer with little real world experience, you may not get a good pay, you may not be trusted with good projects and your employment or tenure may be on shaky grounds because the employer assumes that you are being done a favor. That’s not really a good place to be at.

   So, you should endeavor to gain serious industry experience before sending your resume to recruiters. Again, The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers, leads you through the steps of gaining serious real world industry exposure, the kind that hiring managers are willing to pay top dollars for.

So, the question is not if there will be programming jobs in spring. The real question is: “what’s your strategy for finding and keeping a good, programming job with a future?” Read The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers to find the answers you need to know.

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