ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » college http://www.it-career-coach.net How To Take Your Career To The Next Level Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:09:27 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Self Study or College, Which Is Better? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/07/27/self-study-or-college-which-is-better/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/07/27/self-study-or-college-which-is-better/#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:25:23 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3243

Self Study or College, Which Is Better?

Self Study or College, Which Is Better?


Here is the question: can you study all the subjects that you are passionate about through self study (by using the internet and textbooks) and still learn more than someone who goes to college for the same purpose?

Consider both sides of the debate. Forking over $40,000 and 4 years of your life to college gives you something that you can hang on your wall, a certificate that both you and your employers can be sure off.

But what happens after you get your foot in through the door? Job descriptions change at such a rapid pace that what you learned after 4 years of college education may become obsolete in a heart beat!

What happens when your employer shifts your focus away from a task that you learned in college (like writing test cases) to a task for which you have no formal education like (analyzing and documenting business requirements)

Or what would you do when technology shifts emphasis from one platform like Mainframe Programming to another like Web Programming … would one go back to college and spend another 2 to 4 years and $20K to $40K on another college degree like a Masters or a Doctoral Degree?

However you look at it, there are not too many options for learning or studying new information after college … You may:

  • Self study or learn from scratch using textbooks and the internet …

  • You may enroll for another College Degree …

  • Or enroll in a training program.

In this post, I will only compare the pros and cons of self study compared to more college education.

How to self study or learn anything by yourself

Studying by yourself may work if you enjoy reading or if you are the kind of person that is not afraid of a challenge.

Self study is far cheaper than paying your way through college but at the same time it may require some form of external support or coaching just like a college education requires the external support of a university and college professors.

The first thing that you have to do is to create, get or buy a study / learning curriculum.

How To Study Using a Curriculum

The curriculum you get should be comprehensive and it should cover all the topics that you need to study in the right sequence or order.

In other words your self study curriculum should differentiate between beginner, intermediate or advanced level topics.

You can only create a curriculum after you have created a list of topics that you need to study or concepts that you need to master.

How To Create Study Lists of Textbooks and Internet Articles

Next research the study textbooks and internet articles that complement the topics or lessons listed in the curriculum.

Most of the topics listed on your curriculum will be covered by multiple textbooks or internet articles.

You are going to be doing a lot of personal study and you must get used to the idea of spending a lot of evening me on bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com

However, do not expect that any one textbook, website or article will supply all the information you need.

When I was building my skills as an Information Technology consultant, I would visit Borders Bookstore at least once a week and spend up to $200 at any one single visit which means that I could spend up to thousands of dollars per year on study textbook alone!

How To Learn By Doing

Arrange for additional handson activities, quizzes or assignments that you can participate in to verify all that you have been learning.

Self study needs the presence of an online community which is a community of users, studying similar topics.

Your community is a forum or group that you can bounce questions against, answer the questions that they ask, discuss ideas with solve or troubleshoot problems with, exchange study lists (list of textbooks and articles), job interview questions, etc.

You will also need the help of coaches, group moderators or group sponsors who can help you answer the bigger questions or keep motivated just like a top performing, world class athlete needs a personal coach or trainer or help them get the best out of their abilities.

How To Get A Formal Education?

Alternatively, you may enroll for more formal education in college. Keep in mind that a college education may set you back by tens of thousands of dollars.

Evaluate your background

You also need to evaluate if you qualify, because getting the right prerequisites or educational profile for an advanced college degree like a masters or a doctorate may set you back a few months depending on whether you have the right background.

Do you have the right background or prerequisites

How will you manage the schedule?

Time is also something that you have to factor in. Before you finish 2 to 4 years getting a Masters or a Doctoral Degree, your job or your company may not be there and you may be left with an expensive education but without a job to match.

Scheduling may also be a pain. Some colleges may require that you attend classes during official working hours meaning that you have to choose between your job and your education or even have both suffer.

Also keep in mind, that Some colleges may be inaccessible to you because of their location or you will have to relocate before you can actually finish or complete the enrollment / degree requirements.

The best thing about a college degree is that you will have a certificate that you can hangup on your wall and say, I went to Princeton, Yale, Harvard or whatever school that is and you can feel really proud of your accomplishment!

How Does Self Study Compare To A College Education?

Here are some answers to this question …

  1. A college education is important because it allows the employer an objective assessment of your capabilities and skills. For that reason, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree.

  2. Your first college degree will help you get your foot in through the door, but when it comes to keeping up to the demands of a fast paced, constantly changing workplace, you must learn how to advance your skills through self study

If you need more coaching, help or guidance with choosing self study or a formal education, let me know by posting your comment or feedback on this post and I will be glad to help you!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/07/27/self-study-or-college-which-is-better/feed/ 0 Is College Worth The Money? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/02/22/is-college-worth-the-money/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/02/22/is-college-worth-the-money/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:00:30 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3109

Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses

Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses

The answer to the question: “Is College Worth The Money?” is YES … so please go to the best college you can afford because there are doors in life that will be easier for you to open if you have a college degree.

That being said, there are pros and cons to attending college and a right / wrong mindset that you need to be aware of.

In a new book, “Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses,” sociologists Richard Arum of New York University and Josipa Roksa of the University of Virginia, are of the opinion that “College Students in the US are not learning Much“

Reporting on a study of more than 2,300 undergraduates they discovered that 45 percent of students show no significant improvement in the key measures of critical thinking, complex reasoning and writing by the end of their sophomore years.

Based on the findings of the report, it looks like students who work hard, drain their personal or parent’s savings and take on a huge debt to go to college … are not getting what they paid for!

Click here to read the article titled: College Students Not Learning Much

I believe that college is worth the money, if you know how to get the best out of it.

Here is my advice on the matter:

  1. Go to college to expand your mind: Study a topic that you are really curious about and intellectually invested in.

    While you are at college, seek to understand or learn or acquire knowledge as a means to personal enlightenment and not as a means to making more money or finding a job.

  2. Go to college to study your passion: Study a science or art that you genuinely want to make a heartfelt contribution to.

    The process of trying to make a contribution to your industry will let you know if you are passionate enough about it or if you have the goods to succeed in that industry.

    If you can’t think of a way to improve the industry while you are surrounded by volumes of books and some of the smartest folks in the world, then you may be studying for the wrong career!

  3. Go to college to connect with your industry: Use your time in college to connect with or network with potential employers.

    Get a real-world part-time or full-time job and do something practical along the lines of your career regardless of whether you get paid for it or not.

    The feedback that you get from a real-world job is invaluable! It allows you to get the type of handson experience or practical skills that results in a good offer after graduation.

  4. Do not go to college to get a job: Going to college solely for the purpose of getting a job is a waste of your time and money.

    You will not learn any real-world skills from college and you will probably not learn much from your college studies either as the authors:p Arum and Roksa point out.

  5. Going to college does not entitle you to a career: I have hired, worked with and advised college graduates who are basically adrift in their careers because they assume that they are entitled to a career because they have for example a computer science college degree.

    These group of people find it very very hard to empty themselves of their preconceived notions of what society owes them and they typically have too high an opinion of themselves to start from the bottom or build their career up!

    They are typically very opinionated, very low in practical skills or experience and very high in expectations of what they will earn or what their skills will command in the market.

Going to college can be worth the money, if you have the right set of expectations about what it offers or will not offer you.

While in college, endeavor to widen your mind, your horizons and your vision.

Finally make the best use of your time in college by working on real world projects so that you can build the relevant skills or experience before you graduate.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/02/22/is-college-worth-the-money/feed/ 1 What Is the Toughest Challenge Facing your Career? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/11/the-toughest-challenge-facing-your-career/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/11/the-toughest-challenge-facing-your-career/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:30:35 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3062

What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Compliments of the Season and Merry Christmas To You. What is the toughest challenge facing your career right now?

Post a detailed question regarding your challenges right now, and I will help you take care of them, once and for all!

How To Discover Your Passion?

Perhaps, your toughest challenge is …

  • How to choose the right career or
  • How to make a career change or
  • How to get an entry level job that is inline with your career goals

Regardless of the type of challenge facing your career, go ahead and post a detailed question regarding your challenge and I will answer it for you

How To Do The Work You Love?

Perhaps, your toughest challenge is …

  • How to become highly skilled at your job or
  • How to get suitable hands-on experience or
  • How to transition from a beginner or junior position to a senior-level job

Leave a detailed comment about your challenging career situation using the form below and I will answer it for you!

How To Take Your Passion To The Market?

Perhaps, the most challenging situation facing your career is …

  • How to rewrite your resume and/or cover letter, so you can get the job you want or
  • How to distinguish yourself from others in your industry, so that you can standout or get hired or
  • How to ace your job / technical interviews so that you can get jobs more easily …

Whatever your challenge, just go ahead and ask a question using the “comment form” below and I will answer it for you.

I may answer by writing a new article that addresses your concerns or by posting a comprehensive reply to your comment below.

The concern or challenge facing you is important to me, so go right away and post it as a comment on this page.

The sooner you ask that question, the sooner I can take care of it for you. So, let’s get started


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/11/the-toughest-challenge-facing-your-career/feed/ 53 Breaking News: Software Engineers Have The Best Jobs In 2011 http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/05/software-engineers-best-job-2011/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/05/software-engineers-best-job-2011/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:12:33 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3056

I dedicate a considerable amount of time to debunking myths and half-baked truths. And one about the future prospects of software developer careers has just been ratified!

According to a survey of the best and worst jobs in the United States, Software Engineers will have the best jobs in 2011.

For this survey, 200 professions were analyzed based on their pay, environment, hiring outlook, stress and physical demands using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Census Bureau and trade association studies.

According to this survey, the high-demand for Software engineering jobs is fueled by the desire for high-tech gadgets, iPods, tablets and other devices.

Click here to read more about the survey by CareerCast.com on MSNBC, titled: “Software Engineers Have Nations Best Job …”

Software Developers Have The Best Careers

The survey agrees with what I have been saying on this website: which is that web programmers or software developers are in high-demand because of the demand for technology and internet products or services.

Here are two our of several articles on future prospects for software developers / computer programmers:

  1. Reasons for Becoming A Computer Programmer
  2. Benefits Of Becoming A Computer Programmers

I Like Debunking Myths

I have been debunking myths about software developer careers including the following:

I’m not just interested in debunking myths about computer programmers. I’m also rebutting half-truths or misconceptions about business analysis, databases, project management and other careers in Information Technology.

In my opinion, too many smart people have wasted their lives or taking long, expensive detours because they accepted a half-truth, lie or misconception about their career!

I hate mental limitations because the worst prison is that which exists in one’s mind!

So, work with me as I help you identify or remove self-imposed limitations. Have an Awesome Year!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/05/software-engineers-best-job-2011/feed/ 0 Is An MBA Required For Business Analyst Jobs? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/10/is-an-mba-required-for-business-analyst-jobs/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/10/is-an-mba-required-for-business-analyst-jobs/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:42:11 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3031

MBA - Laid Off and Looking For Work!

MBA - Laid Off and Looking For Work!

[Ask IT Career Coach] is a Career Advice Column for Information Technology (IT) professionals looking for answers to their most challenging career situations.

This question was submitted by a reader who would like to know: “If An MBA Is Required For Business Analyst Jobs“.

Here Is The Question on Educational Requirements for Business Analyst Jobs:

… I will be working for one year then I have plans to go for a one year MBA program.

Will this plan help be to become a business analyst? And in this one year of working period before going for an MBA, i would like to load myself with extra courses like SAP or SAS or any other relevant courses.

Kindly let me know which part time course will be suitable for me to in this one year working period to become a business analyst.

I am not from computer background so do i need to do some computer programming related courses like c++ or java which will not be so easy for a beginner?

Thank you

Is An MBA Required For Business Analyst Jobs?

Here is the answer to the question: is an MBA required for business analyst jobs?

Business Analyst Jobs Are Not Traditional

Your question is based on the premise that Information Technology (IT) jobs are just like other traditional careers (law, medicine, education, etc.) … but they are not!

The IT Industry is fundamentally different from other sectors of the economy. For one, it is in a constant state of change and it is also in its infancy.

The Business Analyst Career has its roots in Systems Analysis, Software Development and Business Process Engineering amongst others.

So, business analysis as a profession is still in its infancy and it is still evolving and unlike other non-IT industries, there is no degree required for a job in business analysis or any of the other information technology fields.

So the answer to your question is: NO, an MBA Degree is not required for a Business Analysis Job.

Which College Degree Is Required For A Business Analyst Job?

Neither an MBA or SAS or SPSS or any one degree is required for a business analyst job … that is old school thinking!

Any degree will work for you because hiring managers are more concerned about your actual performance on the job than on your paper qualifications or credentials!

As a matter of fact, even if you get a job based on your paper qualifications, you are bound to lose the job, if you don’t understand the roles and responsibilities of a business analyst and perform accordingly.

Information Technology is a performance driven, prove-it field and business analysts are not exempt from that culture.

Your college education only goes to prove that you are literate and that you can be trusted to converse or discuss on workplace issues, intelligently.

Your college degree by itself does not qualify your for a business analyst job.

What Are Hiring Managers Looking For?

Hiring managers are looking for functional business analysis skills because business analysis skills are different from MBA skills or SAS or SPSS or any other body of knowledge.

In other words, getting an MBA degree does not convey functional business analysis skills.

To start with, business analysts gather, document, validate and manage requirements using specific processes like UML or Use Cases.

So, you can’t expect to get that from an MBA program or bypass this skill requirement by learning another course like SAS or SPSS.

In addition, employers often view business analysts as domain specialists because they are looking for subject matter expertise and previous business knowledge in their industry.

This is why you may see job postings for CRM Business Analysts or Sales & Marketing Business Analyst or IT Business Analyst.

Understand How To ACE IT Jobs / Principles of Success in IT Careers

My goal in this community is to get you started down the path that leads to career nirvana and stop you from forking over thousands of dollars in hard-earned money or waste time chasing down self-imposed limiting beliefs or myths supplied by others.

So, I would advise you to do just this:

  1. Don’t analyze Business Analyst jobs the way you would analyze jobs in other industries because that won’t work :-) .

    Don’t assume that an MBA degree pre-qualifies you for a business analyst job the way that a medical or law degree places you in the direct path of becoming a doctor or a lawyer.

  2. Don’t try to bypass the requirement for business analysis skills by taking non-business analysis courses.

    Learn business analysis first and then if you need to get an MBA or any other degree to fulfill your personal educational ambitions, do so afterwards.

  3. Take the shortest path to becoming a business analyst and give the hiring managers what they want.

    Learn business analysis, get hands on business analysis experience and bring you resume to market as quickly as possible.

  4. Focus your learning on business analysis techniques, skills and practices.

    You may learn business analysis in an online class because that fits in more conveniently with your hectic study schedule.

  5. The most impressive thing on your resume is your handson experience.

    So either get handson experience as an IT business analyst or get domain / subject matter expertise relevant to the domain you may want to specialize in.

Take a direct path to becoming a business analyst and don’t spend your time chasing rabbit trails … that is the [IT Career Coach's] ACE (Affordable, Convenient, Effective) :-)


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/10/is-an-mba-required-for-business-analyst-jobs/feed/ 14 Why Tech Jobs Are Better For You http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/11/30/why-tech-jobs-are-better-for-you/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/11/30/why-tech-jobs-are-better-for-you/#comments Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:45:05 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3019

Tech Jobs Are Better For You

Tech Jobs Are Better For You!


I get questions all the time about the suitability of technology careers for those who’ve never worked a tech job.

I understand those asking are anxious about their future.

However, making a career change to Information Technology is in many cases a better financial investment than taking on debt to buy a house or go to college!

If you are one of those, here are some of the best reasons why changing jobs to Information Technology (IT) is a sound financial decision.

  • Technology Shapes Our Future

    Technology is the currency of our civilization now and in future.

    Those that work with technology will be the ones initiating or driving our society / civilization forward.

    Those that don’t will be the ones left behind … and there is no sitting on the fence because you are either in or out!

  • No Glass Ceiling

    You can grow or succeed in an Information Technology (IT) job regardless of your age, sex or ethnicity or educational background.

    The IT Industry employs professionals with diverse backgrounds (sciences, liberal arts, etc.) and there are no set limitations that will make it impossible for you to rise to the top or disqualify you for a good IT Job!

    If you want to be the master of your own destiny, get an IT job!

  • Tech Jobs Are IN Demand

    Technology workers are employed in every industry (legal, healthcare, finance, insurance, tourism, etc) instead of being pigeon holed in one industry.

    Tech jobs are in-demand now even though people say that jobs are scarce in other sectors of the economy.

    Our economic growth depends on the pace of technological change so working a tech job puts you where the economy needs you the most!

  • Low Barrier To Entry

    You can transition into a tech job without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars in expensive education or re-training … quite unlike other professional, high-paying careers.

  • Lower Learning Curve

    You can transition into an IT job without first having to invest years in a lengthy or expensive certification program.

    This is quite unlike what obtains with careers in healthcare or the legal sector (for example) … where you are legally restricted from working as a professional until you pass specific certification exams!

  • No Certifications Required!

    You can get an IT Job without first getting some sort of certification or credential because the tech sector is a credentialess industry.

    Your only valid credentials are your resume, handson experience, job interviewing skills and your reputation in the industry.

  • Tech Skills Are Portable

    Tech Jobs offer you the maximum portability for your working life.

    You may start out as a business analyst and switch to a project management role or vice versa.

    The portability of Information Technology skills means that you don’t have to be trapped behind a job that you hate, just because you made some wrong choices eariler in your career.

    This means that you can easily retrain yourself, migrate to another branch of the IT Industry and take advantage of new financial opportunities.

  • If you know what you’re doing … it may not even take you a long time to advance your career, become highly skilled and start earning a higher pay because you’ve moved upwards in the industry.

    And you can even make career advances that may take decades to achieve in other sectors of the economy within a few of years of starting your tech career.

The Information Technology (IT) sector of employment is a gold mine for many professionals because tech workers can re-train or learn new IT skills from the comfort of their home or office and then get high-paying jobs or move up in their carees because of the high-demand for their technology skills.

[ASK IT Career Coach] is a Career Advice column that provides tech professionals with answers to their most challenging career situations.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/11/30/why-tech-jobs-are-better-for-you/feed/ 0 How to Prepare for the Real World When College Doesn’t Help! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/08/22/how-to-prepare-real-world-without-college/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/08/22/how-to-prepare-real-world-without-college/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 06:22:46 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2981

Prepare for Life after College

Prepare for Life after College


How do you prove that you have learned or mastered business analysis or computer programming or project management or any other Information technology career?

Do you demonstrate your competency with a college degree or by gaining hands-on experience or acquiring a certification?

In some professions like medicine or law, there is a rigorous licensing, certification and training process without which you cannot practice practice the profession or get a job.

But in Information Technology (IT), you can become a software tester, business analyst, computer programmer, IT Manager or project manager without any supporting certification, college/post-graduate degree or license.

However, unlike so many other professions, you cannot get a job or succeed in an information technology career without a fair amount of hands-on experience or professional expertise.

As a matter of fact, the IT Industry is notorious for being performance or results driven. This explains why many managers fail to attach extra weight to educational qualifications and the like.

When was the last time your firm hired a web designer based on the web designer’s educational qualifications or hired a project manager with an MBA and zero work experience over a project manager with 10 years of hands-on experience and no MBA degree?

The superiority of hands-on experience over college education or certifications becomes self-evident when computer science or information technology college graduates find it hard to get jobs because they lack practical, hands-on experience or skills!

With that in mind, here is a question submitted by a college student on “how to deal with college”.

… the toughest challenges facing my career includes methodologies that our lecturers employ in teaching IT related topics; being not practical rather too theoretical, lack of competence criteria, difficulties in job seeking.

Become A Practical Learner

Find a way to build, create or perform the real-world tasks that correspond to the courses you’re taking in college.

If you are learning web design or computer programming, join an open-source project an contribute your code or start one of your own.

If you’re learning technical writing, volunteer to work on a commercial or open-source project where your skills and contribution will be used to create real-world solutions.

That will help you create a portfolio of projects that will open doors for you!

Find the real-world practical tasks that correspond to whatever theoretical skills you are learning from college and get a heads-up on your competition that way!

Take a Lot of Knowledge-Based Tests

Take tests or certifications not to get a job but to sharpen your skills, advance your knowledge or deepen your understanding of the industry.

Do not depend on tests or certifications to get a job because hiring managers realize that certifications by themselves are not necessarily a true test of ability.

Practice tests or certifications are better used for sharpening your skills or improving your comprehension or retention of a subject.

Discover and Follow your Passion

Don’t worry about making money after college. Rather use your time in college to find what you love or what you’re good at.

After college, get a job you’re passionate about at any cost … even if you are under-paid compared to your colleagues.

Don’t go into a career because it is popular or because it pays well.

Rather, follow your dreams, passions or strengths and the money will follow you after a while because you will excel and command the top pay in your industry .. if you are passionate about your job!

  1. Click here to read: Use Practice Tests For Boosting your Skills.

  2. Click here to read: How To Start A New Career.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/08/22/how-to-prepare-real-world-without-college/feed/ 6 FREE Coaching on How To Make A Career Change http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/07/27/free-coaching-on-how-to-make-a-career-change/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/07/27/free-coaching-on-how-to-make-a-career-change/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:16:11 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2954

Coaching on How To Change your Career

Coaching on How To Change your Career


Some of you have been asking about “how to choose the right career” or “how you can make a career change“.

You are searching for specific, practical step by step instructions for transitioning or making career changes.

The answer to this question is important to you because you spend the majority of your waking time at work.

So you understand that this question determines how happy or successful you will be for several years or until your next career change :-)

With that in mind, I am devoting this series of FREE workbooks, study guides, career coaching, practical advice or instructions to answering your questions on how to choose or change careers.

How To Make A Career Change

Let me start by saying that you are going to consider changing your career at least once in your lifetime!

Gone are the days when you worked at one job, employer or career for your lifetime. The reality is that employers will probably not think highly of your skills if you stay at one place for too long!

This is true especially in the Information Technology (IT) industry, where your career diversity works for you and not against you!

So, it is okay to change careers, because you will benefit from gaining a broader perspective or a wider range of skills and your employer will view you as a more resourceful, capable cross-functional knowldege worker.

That being said, changing careers is still not easy. You could get lost in the transition or waste a lot of time chasing rabbit trails of certifications or college degrees only to discover that the trail leads to the door of hands-on experience or skills.

That is why this series is devoted to helping you make a successful career transition. By participating in this online career changers discussion group, you will receive answers to burning career transition questions such as:

  • Should I change my career or stick to the one I have always known?
  • How do I choose the right career?
  • Will I be able to successfully transition my career?
  • Is it wise for me to start from scratch in a new career?
  • Am I too old or is it to late for me to change my career?
  • Is this the right time for me to change careers?
  • How should I learn the skills, duties or roles required of me in a new career?

The answers you are getting are based on my career coaching book:The Blueprint, The Roadmap To Career Success

Some of this FREE information will answer whether business analysis, software development, project management, quality assurance or any other career is right for you.

Some of my practical advice will be in the form of Question & Answer (Q&A) discussions on this page.

And some step by step instructions will be downloadable as FREE Coaching Workbooks or Study Guides!

The First coaching guide in this series is titled: “Why We Change Careers“. It is the first in a series of workbooks with activities, discussions and free coaching on “How To Change Careers”.

I encourage you to download and read the free coaching guide and participate in all the activities contained both in the workbook and forthcoming series.

Note: Do not miss any of the activities, workbooks or articles in this series or you will be unable to benefit from this free coaching series.

Download the FREE Report below on How To Make A Career Change. It contains coaching information, workbooks and practical tips on transitioning your career!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/07/27/free-coaching-on-how-to-make-a-career-change/feed/ 13 Don’t Let Your Career Become A Silo! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/07/03/dont-let-you-career-become-a-silo/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/07/03/dont-let-you-career-become-a-silo/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:01:51 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2942

Is Your Career A Silo?

Is Your Career A Silo?

Don’t let your career become a prison. Use it as a launching pad for achieving your dreams.

If you would like to change career but feel like you can’t satisfy the specialized requirements on job postings, here is some good advice for you!

[Ask IT Career Coach] is a Career Advice Column for IT professionals looking for answers to their most challenging career situations.

Why Is Changing Roles So Hard?

Changing roles is hard because Information Technology (IT), Web, or Software Development Managers want depth of experience in specific, narrowly defined or over-specialized skills.

For example, you may be a strong HTML developer and yet fail at a job interview because you don’t have HTML5 on your resume even though you will easily learn it, if hired!

Or you may be an e-commerce business analyst (ba) with 5 years of experience and yet you can’t qualify for an “e-commerce ba job because it requires an agency or advertising background”. This type of job description seems to imply that having an agency or advertising background is essential in a business analyst role!

Is Your Career A Silo?

IT careers have not always been silos. Software developers have been known to gather or document requirements for their projects (business analysis), create software manuals or help files using specialized programs (technical writing) or create and execute test plans (quality assurance).

But because of the siloing of IT roles, our personalities are now limited by our careers instead of being expressions of them.

Don’t Let Silos Stand In Your Way

Transitioning careers is harder than it needs to be because of this narrow, over-specification of skills.

  • Your career is not bound to your college education. You are better of assuming that college is a training ground for improving thinking, probelm solving or analytical skills. College does not dictate your life work!

  • You are more than your resume. You succeed at work because of your intrinsic personal abilities which transcend job descriptions. Your resume only proves that you can get things done. Your resume does not determine what you can or cannot do!

The ability to succeed at a job is within you. It is not limited by over-specialized job postings. This means that you should believe in yourself and let that confidence drive your career transition.

For example, if you are a software developer used to gathering requirements for your team, believe that the same intrinsic personal traits (good communication or documentation skills) will help you transition into a full-time business analyst or technical writer job.

I am saying that you musn’t let your current job become a silo. Use it as a launching pad to your dream career.

Software Development As A Launching Pad For IT Careers

Believing in yourself means that you focus on building bridges between your current and dream career instead of focusing on the restrictive or limiting words frequently used on job postings.

with all this in mind, here is how you can transition from a software developer to a business analyst role.

Expand the scope of your day to day computer programming tasks to take on more business analysis tasks.

A good number of software development projects lack full-time business analysis resources. Take advantage of this opportunity to become a business analyst. Here is how:

  • Volunteer to gather, elicit or document the requirements for your software development projects. Don’t stay within the silo fo a typical software developer job role.

  • Learn UML and Use Cases which are skills that are common to both business analysts and software developers. This helps you build a bridge between your current and desired skills.

  • Bridge the gap between your current programming team and stakeholders. Become the go-between who interprets requirements to software developers or explains the programmers’ concerns to stakeholders.

  • Distinguish yourself by studying or training to be the best informed business analyst on your team. Many software developers have fragmented or incomplete knowledge of what business analyst do. Don’t be one of those.

    For example, some software developers know a little bit of Use Cases or UML, But having fragmented or incomplete knowledge doesn’t get the job done.

  • When an opportunity for a full-time business analyst resource opens up in your company apply for the position and ask the same stakeholders you are working with to recommend you.

  • If a business analyst position does not open up in your firm, document all the work that you are doing and apply for a full-time business analyst position at another company.

Don’t let your career, education or job postings become your silo. You have to believe in yourself and learn how to build bridges between your current job and the career you want.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/07/03/dont-let-you-career-become-a-silo/feed/ 1 IT Career Coach Named A 50 Best Career Coaching Site http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/01/22/it-career-coach-named-a-50-best-career-coaching-site/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/01/22/it-career-coach-named-a-50-best-career-coaching-site/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:54:17 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=579

NAMED A 50 BEST WEBSITE

NAMED A 50 BEST WEBSITE

It is official. We (IT Career Coach) has been selected as one of the best 50 career coaching or job hunting sites on the web by Online University Review.

This selection is important because with the predictions of US unemployment approaching 10% by the end of 2008, there is no more important time than now to take interest in your career prospects and professional marketability.

The 50 best job hunting sites cover interview tips, resume writing, employee workplace experiences, personal, pertinent and honest advice on very personal experiences encountered while job hunting.

IT Career Coach was chosen for

teaching and coaching for computer programmers, data analysts, and software developers.

Click here to learn more about the top 50 best career coaching or job hunting sites.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/01/22/it-career-coach-named-a-50-best-career-coaching-site/feed/ 0 How To Get A Computer Programming Job Without A College Degree http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/22/how-to-get-a-programming-job-without-a-college-degree/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/22/how-to-get-a-programming-job-without-a-college-degree/#comments Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:02:32 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/22/how-to-get-a-programming-job-without-a-college-degree/

If the possibility of spending 4 or more years in college studying computer science is remote for you then breaking the degree barrier or knowing how to get a software developer job without a college degree will be helpful to you. So here is how to begin a computer programming career when college just isn’t an option.

While it may be easier to find a programming job with a college degree in computer science, a large percentage of computer programmers either don’t have a degree in computer science, or a college degree at all. The secret to success is to gain technical skills and real-world experience that makes you as good or even better than someone who only has a computer science degree.

What Are Employers Looking For?

At the end of the day, employers are looking for raw programming talent and skills when it comes to software developer positions. You must get these skills through formal computer science college education or get them on your own through personal development and self-education. As long as you can demonstrate that you’ve mastered the programming skills you listed on your resume … even if you gained them by self-learning or self-taught means, you will get the job you are looking for.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 33% of all computer programmers in the US do not have a college degree; the key to their entry into the software development industry is their personal knowledge and programing skills and not college accreditation.

Will Certification Improve My Chances Of Getting A Job?

An alternative to a computer science degree is to get certified which helps to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in a given platform, technology or language. According to CertMag.com some of the top certifications for programmers include:

  • Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform (SCJP)

  • Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)

  • Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)

  • SAP Certified Technical Consultant

  • Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

And there are a lot more. Many employers consider certification as being as important as a college degree when it comes to proving your programming skills. For a lot of companies, the general computer science skills provided by a college education are not enough and you must show that you have programming skills in specific technologies rendering a college degree irrelevant.

According to a study by Fairfield Research, computer programmers and IT professionals with relevant and current certifications typically earn $2,000/yr. to $5,000/yr. more than others without certification, even if they’re doing the same work. And as the level and number of certifications increases, so does the pay level, often on an exponential rather that linear basis.

Experience Is King

The great thing about computer programming is that you can gain real-world relevant experience without having a job. Unless your chosen industry involves working with platforms that are hard to access at home such as mainframes or satellites, you will be able to find ways to gain experience in your field before landing your first job.

How to get a job without a college degree

The thing to emphasize when going for a job is your software development knowledge and programming skills, and any relevant experience you’ve gained while preparing for your first job. If you don’t have a degree, play to your strengths and emphasize the knowledge you do have, along with other programming skills, training or experience. Make sure your employer knows that while you don’t have a computer science degree, you have the software development knowledge and practical programming skills needed to get the job done. Chances are, other members of the team don’t have degrees either!

Your first programming job is unlikely to be glamorous or make you wealthy. But it will likely pay a lot better than other entry-level professions. The truth is software development is very much performance-based when it comes to pay and advancement. If you have the relevant programmer skills and you’re effective at your job, the manner in which you obtained those programming skills will become less and less important.

So, Where Does This Leave You?

What it boils down to is that programming skills and real-world experience is more valuable than computer science degrees and diplomas. If you have the practical programming knowledge and experience, you’ll find companies willing to hire you easily.

Keep in mind is that the software developer industry is still in transition and is a long way of from maturing. If you don’t have a degree in computer science, you’re still in some pretty good company:

  • Bill Gates – founder of Microsoft

  • Larry Ellison – founder and original developer of Oracle

  • Steve Jobs – founder of Apple

  • Steve Wozniak – co-founder and original developer of the Apple/Apple OS

Looking at the list above, you might say to yourself, “yeah right, all of these guys got into the business early, and that’s why they were successful“. But, while timing certainly played a part in their success, remember this: computers had been around a long time before these guys came on the scene, they just took advantage of the opportunity .

What really made these entrepreneurs successful was that they stayed young in their thinking and kept an open mind even in the face of sceptics.

Today, I am asking you to take advantage of the opportunity offered through my book to launch your own programming career:

My book details the path to contract programming or a full-time software development career.

It shows you how to learn programming, gain relevant experience and start your career in as little as 4 months.

It will shave years off your learning curve by showing you how to learn programming fast, how to prepare your resume so you will get noticed by hiring managers, how to prepare for and excel at technical job interviews so you can get job offers easily.

I even throw-in an additional 1 month free software developer mentoring which allows you to get one-on-one coaching on any aspect of your software developer or business analyst career.

The opportunity presented by my book is incredible, the rewards are real and tangible … and the results come surprisingly fast. But the ball is in your court. Stop doubting and procastinating. Take action now. Order a copy of the book and discover how you can easily master computer programming and become the best programmer you are capable of being.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/22/how-to-get-a-programming-job-without-a-college-degree/feed/ 1 Thinking of Changing Careers To Computer Programming? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/08/thinking-of-changing-careers-to-computer-programming/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/08/thinking-of-changing-careers-to-computer-programming/#comments Sun, 08 Jul 2007 23:53:32 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/08/thinking-of-changing-careers-to-computer-programming/

One of my blog readers emailed me the question below about the feasibility of changing careers to computer programming in Malaysia.

Question:

Hi,

I am 34 years old, currently working as an electronic technician and am thinking of a career change and take up programming as a career.

I am interested to know if you have come across anyone like in my situation from Malaysia who has done your course and managed to get a job as a computer programmer?

I ask because the conditions in Malaysia is somewhat different as in the need for a degree, for example. So, it would be refreshing to know of a proven case for me to bear in mind when making the crucial decision to get myself to really go for it.

Thank you. Kind regards,

Edward

Answer:

Hi Edward,

  1. Is A Computer Science Degree, a Legal Requirement? I’m aware that programmers who have degrees are sometimes preferred to those who don’t at job interviews. Notice that I use the word preferred. However the question to ask yourself is this: “Am I legally required to have a computer programming degree from a college or university?”

    The answer to this question in many cases is NO. No because in most countries that I know of, you are not legally required to have a computer programming degree from a college or university. Let’s examine my claim more closely. If you want to become a lawyer or medical doctor, in most countries you need to have degree from a university or college.

    So, you will be doing something illegal if you present yourself as a medical doctor or a lawyer without having the college or university degree to back it up. However, with computer programming, the preference is not a legal requirement. This means that you can present yourself as a computer programmer without having a computer science degree.

    So, this is what I urge you or any of my readers to do. If you are really serious about changing careers to computer programming, take advantage of the opportunity to do so now because the entry requirements and barrier to beginning a career in computer programming is quite low.

    The mechanics of how to master computer programming and begin a professional computer programming career is what I teach in my book: “the street smart guide to computer programming careers“.

  2. What Are Employers Looking For? Yes, there are many job postings that list a computer science degree as a requirement. However, in most of these cases, the computer programming degree requirement applies to full-time computer programmer job postings and not to contract programmer positions.

    This is because the contract programming market works differently from the full-time employment market. For contract programmers, the important requirement is to have strong industry experience and the technical skills for the job and simply present your resume. It’s far better to focus on developing the technical skills required to master programming than on the degree requirements because employers would often hire programmers who have the required programming skills without a college degree.

  3. Focus on Outsourcing And Increase Your Employment Options: You cannot focus on your local employment market in Malaysia alone because you limit your options by doing so. Whatever country you live in (Singapore, Japan, South Korea, South Africa), you have access to the internet and to a global supply of computer programming jobs. This means that even though you live in Malaysia or Kenya, you can bid for programming projects originating in US, UK, Canada, etc.

    Often these projects pay more than those originating in your own country. So, if you decide not to become a computer programmer because of the employment conditions in your country, you lose the option of working on better paying programming projects posted by more open minded employers on the internet. These software development projects do not require a computer science degree and are posted by employers in the US, UK, Canada, etc. for computer programmers living anywhere to participate in.

Edward, I have given you 3 good reasons why you should begin your professional computer programming career today without hesitation. Please let me know if I can answer any other question or comment that you may have.

Finally, If you are considering changing careers to computer programming, begin by reading the definitive book on how to master computer programming easily and get hired for a programming job fast.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/08/thinking-of-changing-careers-to-computer-programming/feed/ 0 Computer Science Students Learn By Doing http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/03/05/computer-science-students-learn-by-doing/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/03/05/computer-science-students-learn-by-doing/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:06:12 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/03/05/computer-science-students-learn-by-doing/

In my University years I observed two groups of students.

The first group was ultra-focused on their studies. They attended all their lectures, turned in assingments on time and fraternized exclusively with smart or smarter students.

The second group paid attention to their studies. In addition, they had part-time jobs and projects working for local companies. They cared more about how their studies impacted their world and not just the academia. Sometimes, they were at the top of their class and sometimes they weren’t.

This brings me to my point. While in college studying computer science, programming languages and software development, do you want to focus exclusively on your course work or do you want to learn how the real world works as well?

If you are interested in learning how the real world works, do a few or all of the following:

  1. Get a part-time programming job. Get a job writing software code for a company. Get used to the pressures, challenges and requirements of commercial software development.

  2. Become an expert at a programming language and database software. Don’t just use a language because it’s recommended by your professor. Find a programming language that is aligned with your career goals and then master it. Remember that as a programmer you are only as good as your skills.

  3. Put your learning into action. Whenever you write code, observe how your computer science learning affects you ability to write better code or not.

  4. Begin early to be an entrepreneur. If you want to own your own software or contract programming business one day while wait till you graduate? While not start designing, developing and selling your idea while you are still in university or college?

    That way by the time you graduate, you will know what works and what doesn’t. For example, If you want to be a computer game developer, write software games in college and sell your games online.

  5. Study what you love. Computer Science Students don’t be generalists. If you want to be a computer game programmer, why don’t you take a lot of classes on Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics and Algorithms? Why take more general computer science courses when you know what you want to be?

  6. Study ahead of your class. Don’t go to college or university because it will make your parents happy. Go for yourself by digging deep into your studies. Find a branch of computer science that truly fascinates you, then study and develop yourself to the limit of your mental powers.

  7. Know yourself before you graduate. By the time you graduate, there will be a lot of pressure, expectations and opportunities waiting for you. Wait, just don’t go with the path of least resistance, follow your heart instead.

    If you don’t know yourself enough to say why you are choosing one job over another you have have learnt little. On the other hand, if you were able to discover your talents and yourself while at university (college) then you have gained the whole world.

I advocate that you discover your own unique gifts, skills, talents and innate abilities while in college or university studying computer science.

Use your time in college as an opportunity to learn how computer software works and how life works as well.

That way when you graduate you are better prepared for the rat race or human race – your choice :-) .

To Your Career,


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/03/05/computer-science-students-learn-by-doing/feed/ 0 Beginning An Entry Level Java Programming Job In Spring http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/14/beginning-an-entry-level-java-programming-job-in-spring/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/14/beginning-an-entry-level-java-programming-job-in-spring/#comments Sun, 14 Jan 2007 18:31:12 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/14/beginning-an-entry-level-java-programming-job-in-spring/

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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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/14/beginning-an-entry-level-java-programming-job-in-spring/feed/ 4 The Pros and Cons of Computer Programming http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/10/18/the-pros-and-cons-of-computer-programming/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/10/18/the-pros-and-cons-of-computer-programming/#comments Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:50:18 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/10/18/learn-the-pros-and-cons-of-computer-programming-first-if-you-aspire-to-a-career-in-programming/

Dear Mr. Tagbo

My name is Jose Perez. I am currently in the 12th grade of High School and I plan to be a programmer. I would like to hear from you since you have a blog on helping computer programmers.

I live in Miami, Florida and I’m planning on going to the University of Florida to get a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. I would like to know if being a programmer is a good idea.

I’ve researched upon the subject and I have found that as a programmer I would receive a good starting salary and workplace comfort.

I also like to know what languages are predominant out there and what I will need to learn in order to get the best out of being a programmer.

Just for the record, I like computers and becoming a programmer is a choice that I decided on a long time ago, however, I want to know if the cons outweigh the pros or vice versa.

Thank You.

Dear Mr. Perez

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about your career.

I will be glad to share from my personal experience, the pros and cons of computer programming. I will start by telling you a bit about myself.

I studied chemical engineering and worked for a year as a Process and Technology Manager? in a Fortune 500 company.

I left the firm because I disliked working as an engineer. Fortunately, while in college, I spent a good deal of time fraternizing with computer programmers, researching their tools and learning about their jobs. So, I was able to transition out of chemical engineering into computer programming, when I needed to.

In high school I wanted to be a Chemical Engineer because I was very good at math, physics and chemistry. It seemed that I should become an Engineer or a Medical Doctor with my educational background. Looking back, I realize I should have observed Chemical Engineers at work, socialized with and quizzed them about their careers. Had I done due diligence, I would not have spent years studying and preparing for a career I was not suited for.

Jose, your question is right on the money. Why should you spend $30,000+ and 4 years in college only to end up with a career you dislike?

You don’t want to make the wrong career choice and become trapped working a job you dislike, when you could have made a better choice.

You are asking the right questions, at the right time and here is what I am going to tell you about the pros and cons of a career in computer programming. I hope this helps you make an informed decision.

Learn Five Cons of Computer Programming Careers

  1. Fast Paced Career: Programming languages, tools, books, and technologies are constantly being released. As a programmer you have to be comfortable with learning lots of new information quickly and competently. For example, in the last 5 years, I have had to learn several new technologies including .NET Framework 1.1, .NET Framework 2.0 and SQL Server 2005. Currently, I am preparing for the release of .NET Framework 3.0. This rapid pace of change can be disorienting, because it feels like when one technology is mastered, another new technology takes its place.

  2. Hardcore Reading: You have to read several books articles each year to keep up with new or upgraded computing technologies. The volume of reading material can feel overwhelming if you don?t have a good plan for staying ahead of your reading list.

  3. Technology Driven: Programming is driven by the latest or most popular technologies. Your career, office discussions and relationships may revolve around how much technology you know. Also, your career advancement may be determined by how technical or technology obsessed you are. If you are not passionate about technology at heart, you may become unhappy over the influence it exerts on your values, career and lifestyle.

  4. Low Barrier to Entry: Anyone who is interested in programming can learn programming. You are not required to have a college or computer science degree or professional computer programming certification to get a job as a programmer. You may compete for programming jobs with candidates that have fewer educational qualifications than you or with nationals from other countries or candidates with less industry experience. This can become a bigger issue as you get older and you realize that seniority counts for little in computer programming.

  5. Health Problems from Geek Lifestyle: If you spend lots of sitting time and typing away on the computer or reading technical literature, your eyes, wrists and back may suffer. You risk experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome with your wrists, eye sight deterioration and increased weight issues from your sedentary lifestyle. If you become obsessed with technology or you become an internet junkie you may start losing sleep because you are always tinkering with code or surfing the web when you should be sleeping.

Learn Five Pros of Computer Programming Careers

  1. High Job Satisfaction: As a computer programmer, you get to use your mind and your creativity. You will not be doing mindless, boring or repetitive tasks and your individual software development efforts get to count. You have the power to visualize non-existing software and become the first person to create it. You have the ability to contribute a meaningful service to any organization by creating quality software. Programmers find the task of developing software products that solve real world problems personally rewarding and fulfilling.

  2. You Determine Your Destiny: There is no career limit for talented and hard working programmers. You can develop your own software product, distribute it over the internet and become The Next Google or Microsoft. You can work in a startup and become vested with stock options because you play a pivotal role in the development of a software product. You services and skills can be in high demand as a contract programmer. You can earn a six figure income early in your career because of your drive, competence and hard work. You can find well paying computer programming jobs in any reasonably sized city (I once found a job as a software development manager in a city of about 10,000 people). You can find work in most industries including health care, education, manufacturing, security or services industry. You can move from one country to another and find immediate employment because your technical skills are relevant to software development efforts in any country.

  3. Technology Centered: If you love technology or are obsessed with leading edge technology you are likely to enjoy being a programmer. Programmers develop websites and have to keep up with the rapid pace of change of both internet technologies and web development. Programmers develop applications that run on computer desktops and mobile devices. Programmers develop games for personal computers. Programmers have to learn new technologies that promise better, faster and more efficient ways of doing things.

  4. Multiple Career Options: A career in computer programming can prepare you for careers in other related technology fields. For example, you can become a data analyst, a data warehouse engineer, a database developer, a project manager, a software development manager or perhaps an Information Technology director. You can stop programming and move on to technical recruiting or information technology sales. You can also move on to careers in web design, search engine optimization and internet marketing. So, your computer programming experience can come in handy in several other careers.

  5. Well Paying Jobs: As a computer programmer you can earn from $60,000 to $100,000 and more! Also, you have the option of working on paid consulting projects in the evening or weekends to increase your total billable hours. If you are a contract programmer, you can count on 40 hours of paid work per week until your engagement ends. With some projects you can bill 50 or 60 hours per week. You also receive medical, dental and 401K benefits whether you are a contract or full time programmer. In some corporations you can participate in performance bonuses or stock options. Generally, if the overall economy is in good shape and you have marketable skills with good industry experience, you will be well paid.

Jose, only you can decide what career is good for you. To make the right decision, you need as much information as possible about the process of becoming a highly skilled, competent and marketable computer programmer. So, please subscribe to my Free computer programming career newsletter and get your own copy of ?The Street Smart Guide to High Paying Computer Programming Careers?.

If you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact me using the contact form on this website.

Regards,

Kingsley Tagbo, IT Career Coach

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