I have worked as a mainframe Programmer/Analyst for over 25 years(initially with COBOL, more recently with Adabas/Natural).

I have a gap developing because I got laid off from a permanent position in late 2007(had been there 18 years) and then again from a contract position in late 2008.

Both layoffs were attributable to the economic downturn.

I am now going back to school learning an Enterprise Developers Curriculum(C#,Java,.NET,Object Oriented Programming,SQL,
Oracle,XML,J2EE,Web Services).

The program ends in October.

In this depressed economy, will I be able leverage my many years of experience in mainframe programming plus my new training to secure a new developers opportunity?

I understand and fully agree with the expert’s advice to this Oracle person who has not done used his skills recently.

I am retooling and getting sharp on some IBM Mainframe skills that I used for 12 years (but not in the past 10 years).

However, my challenge is HOW TO GET THE “HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE”.

My skills are MVS Systems Programmer, not mainframe developer, so I really NEED to get my hands on a mainframe to say I have current hands-on experience.

I don’t know how to get hands-on, without first landing at least a consulting gig. But then they want recent hands-on, to get that gig. It seems like a catch-22.

Do you have any expert advice on how to fix this job landing shortcoming?

Thank you,

Bill

Based on your observation about the C++ Video Game market, I would say that you’ve got good analytical skills.

Yes, you probably won’t be able to get a remote C++ Video game programming job without a lot of education (post graduate / doctoral) and lot’s pof years of hard-core game programming experience.

The good news is that Microsoft .NET is in high-demand right now, so you’ll be able to get a jonb once you master it.

The Learning Curve for Microsoft .NET is short compared to the C/C++ Video Game market.

I covered the specific steps that you would have to take in the book “The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide to High Paying Computer Programmer Careers” which you will find here: http://www.it-career-coach.net/training-ebooks/

Briefly you want to learn ASP.NET (used for building web applications or websites), C# (actual programming language) , SQL Server (Microsoft’s Relational Database) and a number of other topics.

I would like to discuss this with you further and answer as many questions as you may have.

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Thank you

1. Align your goals with your department’s. Find out from your manager which goals are your responsibility every quarter. The manager or department has been given goals from corporate and your goals have to align with that.

2. Break up the overall objectives or goals set by your manager into milestones. Because IT is fast paced, you want to set weekly goals. You may end-up having weekly goals for each objective shared with you by your manager.

3. Develop a personal strategy for the goals you’re given. Find out if you have the resources to achieve the goals. Do you have enough time, skills, training, resources etc. Identify the areas where you will need your managers help and share it with your manager.

4. Implement your plan and track it personally on a daily basis

Raise up any issues that may drastically affect your goal planning early with your manager.

That’s it in a nutshell.

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Thank you

I am Oracle PL/SQL Programmer of 4 years experience, Having some basic knowledge of Oracle DBA (Imports, Exports, Data base tablespaces and schemas, Triggers). In my current company i should have to set SMART Goals for every Quarters. What kind of SMART GOALS i can set, So that my career can get better growth.

I also having knowledge of SQL Server programming, DTS Package.

Please advice,

Thanks,

Virul Patel

Am a study at DeVry work on my BS in Computer Engineering Technology. Most of my classes are C++ base and electronics design base.

I have worked on a few casual video games made with C++. But now I want to move into .Net programming because it’s hard to get a job working for a game company on a remote bases.

What would be the best move for me?

Thanks,

You also have to make sure that your interviewiung skills and resume are up to par.

Hello sir

Thanks for your mail.

I have not done graduation but having worked in dot net nearly 4 years.

Will I get a good job?