How To Put your Career in Overdrive » computer science http://www.it-career-coach.net IT Career Coach Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:21:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Cowboy Coder Or Agile Programmer? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/26/cowboy-coder-or-agile-programmer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/26/cowboy-coder-or-agile-programmer/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:21:56 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2845 Cowboy Coder Or Agile Programmer

Cowboy Coder Or Agile Programmer

Are You A Cowboy Coder Or Agile Software Developer?

Software Developers facing a new programming project sometimes start coding before thinking through or planning an approach.

Coding without first planning or thinking through is a programming method known as cowboy coding.

Cowboy coders approach work with the mindset of coding without estimating or planning.

And they are at a complete lost when the results achieved by their cowboy coding tactics does not meet expectations.

Cowboy Coding Is Dead, Long Live Cowboy Coding

While many programmers publicly ridicule cowboy coding, they privately practice cowboy coding because it is the easier thing to do.

Look around you for cowboy coders. They exhibit some of the following tell-tale signs:

  1. They do not estimate the work required for a software development project before coding because that is too difficult or unnecessary for them

  2. They hack away at code instead of taking time to find the best algorithmic or coding approach for solving a programming challenge

  3. They frequently under-estimate the complexity of software development projects and so they work late nights, weekends or even holidays in a bid to catch up with late deliverables

  4. They dislike working with system architects, business analysts and project managers because the only work that matters to them … is that of writing code

  5. They can’t find time to sharpen or improve their programming skills because all their time must be spent on coding

  6. They get stuck in their code or hit dead walls because they under-estimate the complexity or difficulty of working with technology

  7. Cowboy Coders get frustrated because their programming projects always seem to take a longer time to market than they estimated.

    Unable to see the complexity of their code ahead of time, they are stumped when their efforts fail to produce working software on time or under budget.

  8. Cowboy Coders bite off more than they can chew by embarking on projects that are too large for such tactics.

    Since they do not take time to understand the complexity of their code, they are also likely to under-estimate the time or effort required.

  9. Cowboy Coders develop poorly designed, buggy, unreliable software because of a lack of proper architecture and a lack of a software development methodology

  10. Cowboy Coders produce poor quality software because of a lack of unit testing skills or good co-ordination with other software testers or quality assurance professionals

We Are Cowboys

Despite the superiority of iterative, agile or even Waterfall software development, Cowboy Coding is very much alive and well … and here are the reasons why:

  • Software Developers resort to cowboy coding because structured software development including Agile or Waterfall methods requires more thinking and planning skills from the developers.

  • Formal software development practice is more of an art than a science.

    And it requires additional formal training, education or discipline beyond that of just learning a programming language.

  • Agile or waterfall software development methods places an initial burden or responsibility on the programmer to think or plan their work first before coding.

    This goes against the natural habit of undisciplined cowboy coders.

  • Asking cowboy coders to go Agile hurts their feelings because it suggests that they cannot instantly, easily or intuitively come up with the best code for a programming challenge

  • Agile and Waterfall software development methods require more planning, design and architecture skills which are harder to come by or less intuitive than simply coding before thinking or cowboy coding.

Developers Go Agile!

Why the Waterfall model may seem like the next step up from Cowboy Coding, I recommend that developers bite the bullet and go agile for the following reasons

  1. Faster Time To Market:

    Agile developers work for their clients or customers.

    Agile Software Development helps you get the most important features to market first knowing that about 60% of software features are never used.

  2. Customer As King:

    Agile software developers work for the customer and not for the development process.

    They are empowered to focus, respond and adapt to the customer’s needs with the end goal of giving the customers what they want!

  3. Agile Project Management:

    Agile project managers focus on the current iteration or use it to make better estimates for the next one.

    Agile software developers have better, more realistic or more accurate project plans to work with because they are only tasked with producing working software for the current iteration and not for the entire project at once!

  4. Agile Software Testing:

    Agile software testers work with software developers to produce high-quality software a the end of each iteration instead of waiting for the entire project to complete before testing!

    Testing for bugs at the end of each iteration, reduces the chances of producing unreliable, buggy software at the end of the entire project unlike the waterfall model.

Case Study: An Agile Developer Breaks The Cycle Of Unemployment

Here is a real-life case study of how I helped a C/C++ programmer break the cycle of un-employment using Agile Programming techniques.

Un-employed C/C++ Programmer

Sometime ago, I was approached by a C/C++ programmer with a college degree who had been unemployed for a couple of years.

Transition From C/C++ Programming

Instead of just re-writing the programmer’s resume, I counseled the C/C++ programmer to learn a new programming language and database platform from scratch.

Agile Hands-ON ExperienceFor acquiring hands-on experience in the new programming language, I gave the C/C++ programmer an iterative software development project to build from scratch.

I also tasked the programmer with building a working release of the project very early in the lifecycle and then presenting that to hiring managers immediately.

Guess what happened, including the agile development experience in a resume, got the developer hired in the very first job interview and with only 1 month of software development experience in a new programming language!

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/26/cowboy-coder-or-agile-programmer/feed/ 0 Would You Like To Study A New Programming Language? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/28/would-you-like-to-study-a-new-programming-language/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/28/would-you-like-to-study-a-new-programming-language/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:42:53 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2660
Learn Hot Programming Languages

Learn Hot Programming Languages

Learning new software development languages can be fun.

That is one of the reasons why software developers like their careers … they get to learn or solve problems with new software development languages.

However, learning a software development language is a real-world exercise because programming is learnt by doing.

That’s why computer programmer job interviews are designed to test practical programming skills or abilities.

Apparently, some college graduates have a hard time grasping this concept because they seem clueless on how to get a programming job despite their computer science degrees!

So, what do I advise?

  1. Practice as you learn – at the software developer boot camps, graduated hand-on assignments allow software developers to practice solving programming problems.

  2. Solve real world problems – Find a small, real world programming challenge and solve it. Solving real world problems improves your analysis, design and project management skills.

  3. Ask for help – Get help from skilled programmers. Don’t spend weeks sweating the small problems when an e-mail to a coach, mentor or colleague will do.

    Note: One-on-one private coaching is included in the software developers boot camp as part of the training. Click here for more information

Some tech workers still see programming as being difficult because they are unable to work through difficult programming problems by themselves. I argue that learning new programming languages is not difficult!

Register today and get an additional, free training program as part of our 2 for 1 promotional discount which ends this week!

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/28/would-you-like-to-study-a-new-programming-language/feed/ 0 8 Tips for Business Analysts: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/26/8-tips-for-business-analysts-how-to-stand-out-in-a-crowded-job-market/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/26/8-tips-for-business-analysts-how-to-stand-out-in-a-crowded-job-market/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:03:30 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2639 stand out in a business analyst job market

This question was submitted by Merry who wants to know “how to become the best business analyst in a competitive business analyst job market.”

If you need help with a Question or Challenge, be sure to ask it as a comment on this page and I will answer it fully just as I am answering Merry’s questions below!

Here is Merry’s Question on Becoming The Best Business Analyst

Hi

I recently graduated from university with a BSc degree in Computer Science. I am now doing a Business Analyst Internship at an IT company in RSA. My contract with the company is expiring in the next four months.

My greatest concern now is how do I go about finding the perfect position that meets my qualifications,skills and experience. The other challenge is that hiring managers or companies themselves are looking for people who are highly experienced and I only have one year experience.

As I was reading some of the articles published here, I learned that you say people should not aim at getting Junior Business Analyst positions as employers are not really looking for Junior Business Analysts.

Now my questions are with the little experience that I have and still need more exposure in this field(IT Business Analysis) what kind of positions should I apply for? and which steps must I take in order to become the best business analyst and for me to be considered for Business Analyst positions?

Thank you for your time. Looking forward to your response

Regards

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Business Analyst Job Market

    In a competitive business analyst job market, only the best business analyst candidates will succeed.

    So, here are a few things that you may do to become a stronger or better business analyst:

  1. Learn more about business analysis – become the best business analyst by getting a well-rounded in-depth understanding of core BA subjects.

  2. Improve your presentation or communication skills – employers hire business analysts with strong verbal communication skills.

    Click here to join your local Toastmasters club for one of the best communication skills training programs … it costs next to nothing!

  3. Become a better business writer – one of the senior business analysts I interviewed and recommended, got the job on the basis of her strong documentation or writing skills.

    Click here to join a training program like the business analysts boot camp which incorporates a lot of hands-on business analyst documentation or writing projects.

  4. Make your resume stand out – your resume or cover letter is the first point of contact with potential employers.

    There are two simple but effective things that can improve your business analyst resume immediately:

    • Incorporate your personal brand into your resume and do not present a chronological but boring list of previous business analyst jobs.

    • Use an appropriate layout and format your resume to make it attractive.

    • Use the correct verb tenses and tailor your resume for each job description.

    • A poorly written or formatted resume signals weak business writing skills, so learn how to write your resume properly or hire someone to do it for you.

    • Resume writers charge as much as $600 and if you have to re-write your resume for each business analyst job, the cost quickly adds up.

      Click here to use the limited-time discount code: resumeONEX for up to two (2) resume rewrites.

  5. Get a lot of hands on experience – employers are not comfortable hiring business analysts without strong hands-on experience regardless of their certification or academic qualifications.

    The demand for hands-on experience is so strong that college graduates are now paying for internship services!

    Click here to read how college graduates are paying for internship opportunities.

    So, do whatever it takes to get hands-on business analysis experience through training, volunteer, internship or personal leadership projects.

    Unlike some training programs, the business analyst boot camp incorporates hands-on projects, assignments and activities at no extra cost.

    So, for a limited-time, you may click here to register at the current low price.

  6. Become a Leader In Your Industry – don’t depend only on your resume for a job.

    Employers now research potential candidates on social networking sites. So, if you don’t have a well-crafted personal brand, you’re letting employers make up their mind before you have a chance to tell your story.

    Learn how to establish your personal brand or tell your story by reading this now;

  7. Prepare in advance for your business analyst job interview – start preparing for your business analyst job interviews several months ahead.

    Use business analyst practice tests to memorize, understand and recite the correct answers to potential interview questions.

    Click here; to read how scientific studies prove that using practice tests or quizzes boost retention, memory and recall.

    Note that the business analyst boot camp incorporates quizzes or practice tests as part of the process.

  8. Don’t be so narrow minded, get some technical skils - employers are hiring for broader skill sets in a bid to cut down costs.

    What that means is that business analysts are increasing being asked to demonstrate technical or programming skills.

    Broaden your skill sets by learning SQL, relational databases and HTML. If you’re brave enough, learn some computer programming.

    If your objective is to get a business analyst job, then give employers what they want and don’t be insisting that technical skills are for programmers only!

    Currently there is a 2 for 1 promotional discount which allows you to register for any technical training program at no additional costs … don’t miss it!

The reality is, “you have to work hard at standing out in a competitive job market“!

I have made this easier by explaining what employers are looking for, so, the rest is up to you.

Remember that the market doesn’t lie. Don’t invest time on how to circumvent business analyst job descriptions. Save time and effort by giving employers what they want.

This post answers a question on how to become the best business analyst in a crowded job market.

If you have a question or a challenge about your career, post it as a comment and I will answer it for you!

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/26/8-tips-for-business-analysts-how-to-stand-out-in-a-crowded-job-market/feed/ 1 How To Learn Many Programming Languages http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:20:35 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2397
learning multiple programming languages?

learning multiple programming languages?

This question was posted by a reader who needs advice on “how to learn many programming languages!”.

If you need help with a Question or Challenge, be sure to ask it as a comment on this page and I will answer it fully just as I am answering this reader’s question below!

Please, send this post to your friends using the “Tell a Friend” Button button below. You earn points or cash each time you refer an article to your friends using the Tell a Friend Button.

Here is the Challenging Situation:

I want to learn many programming languages including C/C++, Java, PHP and Microsoft .NET Framework because this will make be very good at programming and employable.

What do you suggest? Are there languages I should learn first or not learn at all?

What’s the best way to go about learning many programming languages?

How To Learn Multiple Programming Languages

There are benefits and challenges to learning many programming languages. Sometimes it’s better to master just one programming language and some other times it’s advantageous to learn more !

Learning many programming languages poses a special challenge. Part of this challenge is remembering the syntax or coding paradigms behind each programming language.

The challenge of devoting the time it takes to learn or master just one programming language should not be under-estimated.

On the other hand, the benefits of successfully learning many programming languages includes having more employment options because you can work on a wide variety of software developemnt platforms.

Here is additional guidance on when you may learn multiple programming languages:

Should Junior / Entry-Level Programmers Learn Multiple Languages?

If you’re just starting your programming career, then I would advise you to focus on learning just one programming language at a time.

This is because there’s little to be gained by listing many programming languages on your resume without really being good or highly skilled in any of them!

As a general rule, it’s far better to learn one programming language and master it well before learning other programming languages.

Beginner, Entry Level, Junior or Hobby Programmers are more likely to fall into the trap of learning on too many programming languages.

They are likely to dabble in multiple programming languages ranging from PHP to C/C++ to Java. Unfortunately, while they may learn a little of each programming languages they are good at none!

The danger facing newbies to computer programming is that they understimate their own powers and the challenges of learning a programming language. So, in a bid to prove themselves, they bite on more than they can chew!

Without a lot of programming experience, newbie computer programmers really have no idea of what they’re trying to accomplish.

In trying to impress others by working on many programming languges, they end up “A Jack of All Trades and Master of None”.

Should I Learn A Software Development Platform?

On the other hand, while beginner programmers should not worry about learning many programming languages, they should learn or master all the programming languages for a platform, one at a time.

For example, if you’re learning PHP, you should also plan to learn MySQL and vice versa.

The reason is because, employers or clients hiring for PHP skills will also expect or need MySQL Database Services.

Another example is that of programmers learning .NET Framework who should plan on learning the entire Microsoft .NET Software Platform including ASP.NET (for building web applications), SQL Server for building Databases and C# or Visual Basic for programming.

Should I Mix and Match Programming Languages?

Programmers should look out and learn other technologies within their familiar programming languages.

For example, both PHP Programmers and ASP.NET Programmers should take the time to learn or master HTML, CSS and JavaScript as these are useful for all programmers.

However, learning PHP and then jumping to Java or C/C++ is a different matter altogether.

Here is “how to to learn many programming languages”:

  1. Learn programming languages one at time.

  2. Master, become highly competent or become an expert at one programming language before attempting to learn another.

  3. Learn all the tools, technologies and programming languages in one family (LAMP, MICROSOFT.NET, JAVA) first before switching tracks.

  4. Employers hire for quality (competency) and not quantity. So, be clear to yourself on why you’re learning many lanaguages!

  5. Learning many programming languages requires dedication and time. So, be sure to plan adequately and budget the right amount of effort or time to your learning. Don’t under-estimate the required effort.

  6. If you’re a skilled developer or a senior programmer or a software architect, there may be some good advantages and fewer risks to you branching out and learning many other languages.

This post is an answer to a “question on how to learn multiple programming languages.
If you have a question, concern or challenge, click here to post it and I will answer it for you!

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/feed/ 0 Bonus HTML Practice Tests, Quizzes or HTML Training http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/26/bonus-html-practice-tests-html-quizzes-html-training/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/26/bonus-html-practice-tests-html-quizzes-html-training/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:37:48 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=1402 Top Paying Skills in High Demand

Top Paying Skills in High Demand

HTML programming skills are in high-demand for freelance consulting gigs, web design jobs, web development careers or internet businesses.

HTML web design and programming skills are some of the most frequently asked for skills in out-sourced or freelance computer programming projects.

Why HTML Skills Training?

HTML web design skills are among the most frequently asked for computer programming skills because almost every business has a website that needs to be maintained, redesigned or developed from scratch. In bigger corporations, the HTML web design or development jobs are taken care of by a specialized web design or web development team.

Smaller businesses may not be able to afford a specialized HTML team, so may outsource to freelance HTML specialists or ask the in-house Information Technology (IT) team to handle the HTML tasks.

Because HTML web design skills are classified under light computer programming skills, HTML tasks may be delegated to any member of the Information Technology (IT) team including business analysts, computer programmers or data analysts.

How To Become A HTML Web Designer or Web Developer

The The HTML Practice Tests or Quizzes E-Book is the e-book that provides you with practice tests or quizzes for learning HTML on your own.

The The HTML Practice Tests or Quizzes E-Book includes a HTML E-Book that acts as a reference for learning or working with HTML and several HTML practice tests or quizzes delivered via the Quiz Module on our Learning Management System (LMS).

Bonus HTML Practice Tests Included In the Computer Programmers Book

The Software Developers Boot Camp also includes all the HTML quizzes or HTML practice tests needed to become a HTML web developer. The HTML quizzes included in the Software Developer Boot Camp or the the HTML Practice Tests or Quizzes E-Book are also designed to improve your comprehension, recall or mastery of HTML web design or programming.

… But now, for the first time, we are also providing several of these HTML web design or web development quizzes to past or current buyers of the The Computer Programmers Book (The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers).

Included in the bonus HTML practice tests or HTML training quizzes for all buyers or owners of the Computer Programmers Book are:

  • The Bonus HTML Web Design or HTML Web Development Reference E-Book: The bonus HTML web design reference is a downloadable HTML e-book that describes the HTML tags used in web design or web development. To access the bonus HTML web design e-book, go ahead and place an order for The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers

  • The Bonus HTML Web Design Practice Tests or HTML Web Development Quizzes:  The bonus HTML Quiz training sessions are delivered via a private, secure, personal login to our training portal or learning management system (LMS).  To access the bonus HTML Web Design Practice Tests or HTML Web Development Quizzes, go ahead and place an order for The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers

How To Become an HTML Web Designer or HTML Web Developer

HTML is a light programming skill that may be learnt or mastered by anyone who wants to learn the basics of web development or master one of the most frequently asked for freelance computer programming skills. The way to learn HTML easily is to REPEATEDLY practice the HTML SYNTAX until HTML becomes second nature to you. That is exactly what the bonus HTML REFERENCE E-BOOK and HTML QUIZZES will do for you.

To learn more about how Quizzes or Practice Tests help you develop technical mastery or competency, click here.

Who Gets The Bonus HTML Training Lessons?

The bonus HTML Practice Tests will be delivered to all buyers (past, current or future owners) of the The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers.

Note: that if you are subscribed to the Software Developers Boot Camp, then you already have access to the complete set of video training, practice tests or quizzes, software developer mentoring or coaching and hands-on programming projects and this announcement does not affect you.

How Do You Get The Bonus HTML Training Gift?

Go to this link and place an order now for The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers and you will be given access to both the HTML REFERENCE E-BOOK and BONUS HTML PRACTICE TESTS or QUIZZES.

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/26/bonus-html-practice-tests-html-quizzes-html-training/feed/ 0 Bonus C# Training In The Computer Programmers Book http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/16/bonus-csharp-training-in-the-computer-programmers-book/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/16/bonus-csharp-training-in-the-computer-programmers-book/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:41:29 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=1381 Top Paying Skills in High Demand

Top Paying Skills in High Demand

CSharp (C#) software developers with as little as six months of computer programming experience can get full-time jobs, consulting or contracting positions from any state, province or city.

C# developer salaries range from $60,000 to six figures. Though, six figure salaries are more common for C# software development consultants than full-time employees, they are still available for really good C# developers.

Why CSharp (C#) Skills Training?

C# programming skills are by far the top-paying, in-demand computer programming skill. C# programming skills are in-demand in most cities or states because it is a modern, object oriented programming languages (OOP).

C# is used in software development projects for a wide number of Microsoft or Windows products (SQL Server, Microsoft Access, ASP.NET, Microsoft Office, Web Development with ASP.NET, Microsoft SharePoint for Collaboration, Document Sharing and Intranet Development and a wide number of other products.

The C# programming language also supports mobile or PocketPC development and Windows or Desktop development. The demand for C# programming skills is still high even in the current economic climate … a fact you can verify on Dice or Monster or CareerBulder or any of the top job sites

How To Become A C# (CSharp) Computer Programmer

The The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers is the e-book that provides you with a blueprint for learning C# (CSharp) programming or studying the C# programming language on your own.

If you prefer a step by step, in-depth, video training from C# instructors, then the The Software Developers Boot Camp will be better suited for you.

Bonus C# Lesson Included In the Computer Programmers Book

The Software Developers Boot Camp includes C# quizzes, C# video training and hands-on C# projects. The C# quizzes help sharpen your software development skills quickly. The C# Quizzes are also designed to improve your comprehension, recall and retention of the C# video training sessions.

However, we are now adding one of the C# quizzes from the Software Developer Boot Camp to past or current buyers of the The Computer Programmers Book (The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers).

Included in the bonus C# lessons for the past or previous owners of the Computer Programmer Book are:

  • A Bonus C# Lesson Summary: The bonus C# Lesson is an electronic downloadable lesson that summarizes a C# video presentation from The Software Developers Boot Camp. It includes a summary of the C# video lesson presented at the Software Developers Boot Camp on a C# learning topic or concept

  • A Bonus C# Software Based Quiz Practice Session:  The bonus C# practice test or quiz is adapted from the C# video presented at the software developers boot camp. The bonus C# lesson also includes a private, secure, personal login to our training portal or learning management system (LMS) and a C# quiz that you use to perfect your understanding or mastery of some C# topics.

How To Become an Expert C# Software Developer Easily

The way to become an expert C# software developer easily is to practice your C# programming skills repeatedly until the C# skill becomes second nature to you. That is exactly what the bonus C# lesson and skill development session will help you to do.

To learn more about how quizzes or practice tests help you develop mastery or competency, click here.

Who Gets The Bonus C# Training Lesson?

The bonus C# training will be delivered to all buyers (past, current or future owners) of the The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers.

Note: that if you are subscribed to the Software Developers Boot Camp, then you already have access to the complete set of video training, practice tests or quizzes, software developer mentoring or coaching and hands-on programming projects and this announcement does not affect you

How Do You Get The Bonus C# Training Gift?

Go to this link and place an order now for The Computer Programmers Book – The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programmer Careers and you will be given access to both the C# lesson training lesson and C# skills practice sessions.

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/16/bonus-csharp-training-in-the-computer-programmers-book/feed/ 2 How to become a C++ computer programmer http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/14/how-to-become-a-c-computer-programmer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/14/how-to-become-a-c-computer-programmer/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:49:55 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/14/how-to-become-a-c-computer-programmer/ I just got an email from one of my blog readers who wants to become a C++
programmer and works for a business that uses C++ to build web applications.
Here is an excerpt from the email (the name of the reader was removed to keep
the identity private).

… Still new to this but one of the guys from my group suggested C++
programing as a starting point. What do you think and whats the path to take
from the starting point to marketing myself as a programmer. I do various things
but just want to know how to ge myself out there to get at least 70,000. I have
some real lite help desk data center exp.

Okay, I have a question for you or anyone reading this right now. Do you
currently build web applications with C++? If you do, please drop me a line
telling me why you use C++ for building web applications instead of Java, C#,
VB.NET, PHP or Ruby.

Building Web Applications In C++

The answer to the question "can you build web applications with C++?" is
yes. However, my question to you is why the heck would you want to do that?
What special features, capabilities or requirements are you addressing with C++
that cannot be suitably addressed by C#, VB.NET, Java, Ruby or PHP? Read this
post I made on the suitability of C++ for building web applications

target="_blank" title="building software applications with C++">By Clicking
Here

How to Become A C++ Programmer

The answer to the question "can I become a C++ programmer?" is yes.
However, my question to this reader is why would you want to become a C++
programmer at this stage in the software development industry?

I understand that there are special reasons why you may want to become a C++
programmer. If you want to become a video game developer and develop computation
intensive rendering algorithms

target="_blank" title="Wikipedia on video game rendering algorithms">(click
here to read about rendering on Wikipedia) or develop device drivers

title="read about device drivers on Wikipedia">(click here to read about
device drivers on Wikipedia) or something of that nature, yes, you should
probably master the C/C++ languages. However, if you are really on that type
of career track, you should probably go to college and get a BSc, MSc and PhD in
Computer Science!

However, if you really want to make a career out of developing web applications
or software applications for businesses, C++ will NOT be your primary
programming language! If you are interested in learning more about this
topic, then read my informed advice about the suitability of C++ for building
software applications
target="_blank" title="how to build web applications in C++">by clicking
on this link to get more information

Should You Become A C++ Software Developer?

Hey, the primary language of choice for commercial web applications or software
applications is not C++. The software development industry has matured to the
point that other languages like C#, Java, VB.NET are better suited for building
enterprise, high-performing, scalable, reliable, maintainable web applications.
If you think C++ is a better candidate for building web applications, you may
be leaving in the past and it is time for you to wake up!

How To Become A Professional Software Developer By Following A Proven Path

If you want to become a professional software developer by following a proven
path or if you want to quit wasting your time by chasing rabbit trails,
get a copy of the book described here:
book/"
title="how to become a professional software developer">"how to become a
professional software developer".

If you get the recommended book, you can teach yourself programming or
you can let me help you become a professional programmer by following the proven
path described on this page: title="training to become a professional software developer">"training to
become a professional software developer"

Whether you title="teach yourself programming">teach yourself programming or
you title="software developer training">get software developer training,
make sure you use one of the two proven paths to become a professional computer
programmer.

About The Author

My name is Kingsley Tagbo and I’m a technical expert living in Saint Louis,
Missouri. I write about the training, coaching, mentoring
and personal development of software development professionals including
business analysts, computer programmers, testers, project managers, web
designers, data analysts, report writers, software developers and other
information technology professionals .

My firm, Exacticity, performs software development consulting and training for
clients throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New
Zealand. If you are in need of software development consultants or training,
title="contact the author">click here to get in touch with me.

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/14/how-to-become-a-c-computer-programmer/feed/ 6 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 IT Career Coach 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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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/08/thinking-of-changing-careers-to-computer-programming/feed/ 0 7 Career Tips For Computer Science Students On Beginnng A Programming Career http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/12/16/7-career-tips-for-computer-science-students-on-beginnng-a-programming-career/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/12/16/7-career-tips-for-computer-science-students-on-beginnng-a-programming-career/#comments Sat, 16 Dec 2006 17:18:47 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/12/16/7-career-tips-for-computer-science-students-on-beginnng-a-programming-career/ A few days Ago, I asked you to email me your most pressing questions on beginning your computer programming career. Read the previous post here:

I received a question from Matthew, an IT Student about how to succeed as a Visual Basic programmer and here is my reply:

  1. Get A Job: Matthew, the most important thing I want to tell you is to get a job as a Visual Basic programmer while you are still in college. You can work the job along with your full time studies or as an intern.

  2. Gain Valuable Experience: If you wait till you graduate from college before getting a job, you will may be in for a surprise. Employers don’t like giving a job to programmers with only a theoretical knowledege of a programming language. Hiring managers prefer students and job candidates who already have some experience building real world software applications.

  3. Understand Programming: Working on real world software projects while you are still in school will help you understand the computer science concepts you are studying. The insight you gain will in turn help you to write better code.

  4. Better Entry Level Position: By working on software projects while studying computer science in school, you will graduate with more experience than your colleagues who don’t. This experience will help you negotiate a higher entry level salary and a better position.

  5. Develop Your Skills: By working on software projects for clients while you are in school, you will quickly discover which aspects of computer programming are in demand and which are not. For example, you may thing that developing compilers is what you will do when you graduate only to discover that web services are in-demand. This information will help you sharpen your skills for a ready market.

  6. Network: By working for an employer while you are in college, you have the chance to create relationships and networks that you can piggy-back on after you graduate. If you do a great job for someone as an intern or as a student software developer, you are more likely to be hired for a full time job than some other computer science college graduate who doesn’t.

  7. Make Money: Matthew, you might get rich programming computers while in college. Both Bill Gates and Michael Dell started their multi-billion dollar business from college. I know 2 college friends of mine who struck it rich while they where in college with a software training contract for a large corporation. The last all the money and went bankrupt within 2 years, but that is besides the point

Matthew, I hope I gave you some valuable information with this post. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help your career succeed.

To learn more about your computer programming career, visit this resource.

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