ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » contract programmer 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 How To Earn Significantly More Money, When Your Career Hits a Plateau! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/12/06/how-to-earn-significantly-more-money-when-your-career-hits-a-plateau/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/12/06/how-to-earn-significantly-more-money-when-your-career-hits-a-plateau/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:38:28 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3359

How To Earn Significantly More Money, When Your Career Hits a Plateau!

How To Earn Significantly More Money, When Your Career Hits a Plateau!


Have you you reached a plateau in your career?

If you have, consider becoming a contractor.

As a contractor, you may earn significantly more money (20% to 50% more) and you will find more challenging work for your skill sets.

In this post, I will show how you to minimize the risks while maximizing the benefits of being a contractor so that you end up with significantly more money in your pocket!

Is A Contracting Lifestyle Right For You?

Contractors actually have a corner on the market because they have better, more up-to-date skills, better job exposure, more hands-on experience and better marketing skills which leads to more (and not less) job stability.

Contractors have a refined sense for making money because being a contractor is one step removed from being a business owner.

Contractors focus on learning marketable skills and on staying ahead of the technology curve because the best paid contractors have the sharpest, most marketable skills.

Being a contractor, involves striking a balance between the false sense of security that regular, full-time employees are sometimes lulled into and the fear that sometimes overwhelms business owners.

Contractors also have access to full medical, dental and 401K plans just like regular, full-time employees.

So, my question to you is: have you considered becoming a contractor?

Here are some of the signs that your career has hit a plateau:

  • You are not being challenged at work: you have not worked on a project that challenges or stretches you for a long time
  • Your skills have stagnated: your skills have stagnated because you no longer work on leading / cutting edge projects
  • You have lost your sense of direction: you spend more time dealing with corporate politics and less time getting results
  • You are not getting any recognition: you can’t seem to move up in your career or earn more money regardless of how hard you work
  • You have a boring job: you dread going to work because you job is boring … boring … boring!

If have been affected by any of these situations, there is good news for you.

Becoming a contractor can lift the ceiling on your salary or provide you with more challenging work, without causing you to lose the best benefits of a full-time, permanent / regular job.

Here are some tips to help you create a successful contracting career

TIP #1: Build Your Contracting Career Around Marketable Skills

Analyze your local economy to find out the sectors that are hiring. Based on these sectors, you can figure out the type of contracting experience that is going to sell.

Note: One industry that hires professionals from all sorts of backgrounds is the “Web Development Industry”.

TIP #2: Manage The Longevity of Contracting Jobs

Contracting positions should be six months or longer. I would advice you to stay away from contracting jobs that are less than 6 months because they are just too short to get anything useful done.

When you hear that a contracting gig is less than six (6) months, you may need to walk away, because that kind of job may come with a lot of pressure to perform or a lot of stress.

Focus on long-term contracting jobs, except if you are starting from scratch or you are willing to work any job, just to succeed.

On the other hand, contracting jobs that last 1, 2 years or more are desirable because they offer just about as much security as regular, permanent, full-time jobs.

Contracting jobs have longevity. They may not last as long as full-time, permanent jobs but they last long enough to be meaningful!

TIP #3: Bill A Lot More!

How do contractors handle the shorter employment periods? They bill a lot more!

Assuming that as a business analyst contractor, you earn $65,000 (USD) or £41,675 (British Pounds).

When you become a contract business analyst, you may earn anywhere from 20 percent ($13,000 or £8,345) to 50 percent ($32,500 to £20,800) more .. without changing your career or going to college for a masters or post-graduate education!

Now, that extra money should not to be invested in your lifestyle, buying a bigger house or more cars. Instead, it should be put away in a savings, retirement or investment account because you will need it!

Contractors have to account for down-times. A down-time is the time between projects, contracts or jobs when a contractor is looking for the next gig, assignment or project.

Contractors may encounter down-times in between their assignments which last up to a month or longer.

A business-savvy contractor will use down-times to learn new skills or sharpen existing skills.

As a contractor, learning a new (marketable) skill or sharpening an existing skill, means that you will encounter less and less of a downtime and that you will be paid more money because you always bring the best skill-sets to your projects!

So, it is not uncommon to see contractors, earn 50% more than their full-time contemporaries because they have better, more marketable, sharper skills!

TIP #4: Contractors Don’t Have To Travel

Contrary to popular opinions, contractors are not really required to travel except when:

  • They don’t have marketable skills and because of that, have to travel to different locations to get a good job
  • They choose to travel because they like being on the road even though there are contracting jobs that do not involve traveling.

Keep in mind that the majority of employers will disclose any traveling requirements before you are hired.

I won’t advice that you to bring up the question of traveling except if it’s mentioned in the job posting or interview.

If traveling is mentioned, be frank and tell the employer during a face to face job interview, that you don’t want to travel because of personal or family commitments.

Contractors do not have to travel. So, if you find yourself traveling excessively, you either have the wrong skills or you are in the wrong job.

TIP #5: Contracting Does Not Negatively Affect Your Credit

As a contractor, you actually have a full-time job and your bank, financial institution or creditors can call your staffing company and verify your employment history or salary just as easily as if you were a regular, full-time employee.

If you are working for yourself, or you are billing the employer directly, you may have a tougher time getting credit because you are self-employed.

However, most contractors are employed with a staffing agency, so they really have a full-time, regular job just like everyone else.

Getting loans, credit or financing for a contractor is usually just as easy as getting credit for a full-time employee because contractors earn a lot more money and they probably have more savings, which means that their credit is just as good.

TIP #6: Manage Your Contracting Profile

Let’s say that you use the same staffing agency all the time, then your employment history / profile will look like that of a full-time, permanent employee even though you change clients often, because you are still employed with one staffing company.

However, if you change staffing agencies every time you change jobs, your work profile will look less stable and that may negatively affect your employment profile during a job interview or a credit check.

Fortunately, you have a good measure of control over which staffing agency you work for.

For starters, make sure that you work with a recruiter that you like and then stay in close communication with that recruiter throughout the life of your project.

Money Making TIP:Get your recruiter to start looking for new projects at least six (6) weeks before the exit date or the ending of your project and you will be able to transition from one job to another with zero or little down-time.

TIP #7: YES, Contractors Must Be Highly Skilled

Contractors are the most skilled, knowledgeable and experienced professionals on a project. That is why they are paid all those big bucks.

Being a contractor does not mean that you have spent a lot of years in the industry. It does not mean that you have more formal education or more certifications than your regular, full-time colleagues.

You do not need a post-graduate degree, an MBA or a computer science background to become a contractor because college education does not parallel the functional skills required for success in Information Technology jobs.

Being a contractor does means that you are performance minded or that you are obsessed about achieving results.

Read this post titled: “Can You Perform, Prove It!”

This post was written in answer to a question posted by a business analyst

This question was submitted to “ASK IT Career Coach” by a business analyst looking for advice on how to become a contractor.

If you have a challenging career situation, be sure to [Submit A Question] using our Free, Amazing, [Ask IT Career Coach] – Ask A Question Service.

For more information, read this post titled” Do You Want To Become A Consultant?”


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/12/06/how-to-earn-significantly-more-money-when-your-career-hits-a-plateau/feed/ 0 Do You Want To Become A Consultant? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/10/14/do-you-want-to-become-a-consultant/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/10/14/do-you-want-to-become-a-consultant/#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:01:30 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3318

Do You Want To Become A Consultant?

Do You Want To Become A Consultant?

Have you ever thought of becoming a consultant, contract worker, independent contractor, 1099 or freelancer and then dismissed the idea, because you thought it was too risky or because you were not qualified?

Think about it again because there are far more benefits and fewer risks to becoming a consultant than you may think.

Here is some advice on the risks and rewards of consulting, freelancing or independent contracting from someone who has actually done it!

What Does It Really Take To Be A Consultant?

Contrary to popular advice, you don’t need a lot of start-up capital or an advanced college degree to become a consultant.

What you really need to be a consultant (business analysis, computer programming, software testing, project management, etc.) is:

  • Strong research, analysis and problem solving skills
  • Marketable skills, experience, resume or career
  • Lots of personal initiative and a strong sense of responsibility
  • The willingness to adapt to changing times, technology, market conditions or customer needs

So, What Does It Mean To Be A Consultant?

Above all other requirements, a consultant must learn a marketable skill and stay ahead of the technology curve.

Consulting work is all about your skills. While you may be cut some slack in a full-time job, you will always be held to a higher level of performance as a consultant.

While corporate politics and / or favoritism can keep you longer on the job as a full-time employer, consultants are hired or retained based on their performance.

So, does this almost absolute dependency on skill or performance mean that consulting jobs are less secure than full-time jobs?

Absolutely not.

In the Information Technology (IT) Industry, both the consultant’s and full-time employee’s job security depends on their performance.

The difference is that full-time employees are usually given more time to correct their skill / knowledge deficiencies than freelancers or contract worker.

So, given that employers are more accommodating with full-time employees, why would anyone want to be a consultant?

  1. Compensation for Consultants vs. Full-Time Employees:

    Consultants or contract workers get paid a lot more than their full-time colleagues (business analysts, computer programmers, etc). Sometimes the difference can be as much as $30,000/yr or even more!

    The significant difference in compensation helps consultants take care of themselves during periods of unemployment such as when they are in between jobs.

  2. Medical Benefits for Consultants vs. Full-Time Employees:

    You may have heard that the benefits for consultants or contract workers are poor compared to that for full-time employees.

    That is not always true. Some staffing / recruiting agencies offer full-time medical or health coverage to their consultants.

    While some staffing / contracting agencies do not offer medical benefits, consultants are not at a disadvantage because they are expected to research each job offer before accepting it.

    Keep in mind that some consultants prefer to opt out of medical coverage and then bill the employer at a higher rate!

  3. Educational Qualifications for Consultants vs. Full-Time Employees:

    Full-time jobs generally have more stringent educational requirements than consulting jobs.

    While some employers may require college degrees for full-time jobs, consultants have more options because they are technically not employees!

    Consultants are hired through staffing agencies who can match each educational background or qualification to the client’s needs.

    What this means is that aspiring consultants should obsess over their skills instead of their educational qualifications.

  4. Skill / Experience Requirements for Consultants vs. Full-Time Employees:

    The consultant’s most important asset is his / her knowledge, skill level and experience.

    Highly skilled consultants in marketable industries (e.g. web developers) are in so much demand, that all they do is show-up at job interviews to get hired … easily!

    Some consultants are so valuable at their jobs that they retain the same jobs for several years just like their full-time counterparts.

    In recent years, the line between consultants and full-time employees has become so blurred that some organizations have found it necessary to institute policies that limit how many years a consultant can work to a specific term (e.g. 5 years).

  5. Job Security for Consultants vs. Full-Time Employees:

    The consulting mindset is an important asset in today’s economy because no job is really secure and the best security is your investment or self-confidence in your own skills.

    It is okay to be a full-time employee because you have a good job offer or because you like the job and employer.

    However, staying in a full-time job because you think it’s more secure than a consulting job is ill-advised … here is why I say that:

    Your job security really depends on your performance and not on whether you are in a full-time position or a consulting job.

    So, sooner or later, if you are less than absolutely competent, you will lose your job.

    However, if your skills are sharp and you lose your job due to no fault of yours (downsizing, corporate politics, etc.), you will be able to bounce back because you have the most sought-after qualification in today’s job market … your skills.

So, now you know the risks, rewards or benefits of being a consultant, what are you going to do about it?

Why not develop a consultant’s mindset?

  • Stay ahead of the technology curve at any cost because your skills are your most valuable assets
  • Always be learning. Study from books, blog posts, articles, video resources, seminars, discussion forums. Just get out knowledge at any cost!
  • Improve your real-world, on the job performance. Performance is a better predictor of success than educational qualifications, degrees or job titles etc.
  • Embrace change like a consultant. Be willing to adapt to changing times, technology, market conditions or customer needs
  • Become a leader in your community. Do something to make your world a better place with what you know today.
  • Become passionate and not passive about your work. Discover your passion, do the work you love and bring your passion to market!

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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/10/14/do-you-want-to-become-a-consultant/feed/ 0 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 ITCareerCoach 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!

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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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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/feed/ 9 How Do I Overcome Employment Gaps In My Oracle Programming Career? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/07/13/how-do-i-overcome-employment-gaps-in-my-oracle-programming-career/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/07/13/how-do-i-overcome-employment-gaps-in-my-oracle-programming-career/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:18:30 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2022

Ask IT Career Coach

Ask IT Career Coach

This question was posted by a reader who wants to overcome obstacles posed by employment gaps in an Oracle Programming Career!

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.

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!

Here is the Reader’s Question:

Hello,

The toughest challege facing my career right now is, I have been unemployeed for an extended period of time.

I have nine years of Oracle programming experience, but I have been out of work for some years now.

I have been told by employeers that it has been too long since I have had any professional experience.

The job market is very competitive right now.

How do I compete with other programmers who may not have been out of work as long as I have?

I am attending classes so that I am not completely idle. My major is Computer Information Systems. However, I urgently need to work.

Here is my Answer:

Although, the job market is competitive, getting back into full-time employment after a stay at home period is not impossible.

Follow these guidelines to boost your competitiveness compared to that of other computer programmers.

  1. Broaden Your Skills: To stay competitive in the job market, you must broaden your skills because IT Managers are hiring for a broader range of skills!

    Begin by learning those skill that are in high demand and are also a natural complement to your existing skill base.

    For example, SQL Server programming skills are in high-demand and will complement your existing skill sets. By learning SQL Server programming you will be able to target both Oracle Programming Jobs and SQL Server Database Programming Jobs.

  2. Transition To a Software Developer Career: Take advantage of your existing programming strengths by learning a new programming language!

    Draw upon your understanding of Oracle programming to learn a completely new programming tool.

    This will help your career by giving you skills that make you more attractive to employers.

    For example, there are lots of programming jobs that require Microsoft .NET Front-End Programming Skills and Oracle Database or SQL Server Back-End Developer Skills.

    By learning Microsoft.NET you will become competitive in the current job market as you gain the ability to work on the User Interface Front-End or Business Logic Layer or Database Back-End!

  3. Overcome Employment Gaps By Becoming More Marketable: There is nothing that you can do about your employment gaps because it’s already happened and it is going to stay on your resume!

    However there is plenty you can do if you understand the power of having a marketable skill.

    When you hear employers complaining about the gaps in your employment, what they are really saying is that they don’t find your resume or skills compelling enough!

    You can completely by-pass this objection by acquiring the kind of skills that make you a marketable, in-demand IT Professional.

    This is the single, most important thing within your power to do … Learn a new skill or career that makes you instantly attractive, desirable and employable!

How to Overcome Your Employment Gap?

Not too long ago, I was helping someone who hadn’t worked for a number of years. He was in a pretty bad situation because he had a very short employment history and also an employment gap for no good reason.

The way we got around that situation was by getting him to update his skills by learning Microsoft .NET Software Development.

The demand for Microsoft .NET programmers is so high that this guy got hired at his very first interview … despite not having a credible explanation for the gaps on his resume!

I ‘m saying that considering your Nine Years of Oracle programming experience, all you have to do is to make yourself more marketable.

Remember that you already have a far better resume than the individual in question.

So, How Do You Become A Microsoft .NET Software Developer?

  1. You become a Microsoft .NET Software Developer by enrolling at the SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP!

    The software developers boot camp is an Online, Video Based, Web Based, Instructor Led, Beginner to Advanced Software Developer Training that incorporates knowledge based training in the form of Video Lessons and Hands-On Skill Building Microsoft.NET Training in the form of Microsoft .NET Projects, Case Studies, Labs, Hands-On Coding Activities and more.

  2. The SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP provides you with the skill needed to become a professional software developer or consultant. You learn ASP.NET, C#, Web-Based development in a practical, real-world, hands-on online computer programming course!

  3. Finally, I will also advise you to register for the SQL Boot Camp because SQL Server Database skills are usually required in Microsoft .NET software developer positions. You should register for both the SQL Boot Camp and the Software Developers Boot Camp at the same time to get the best results.

    So, register here for the SQL BOOT CAMP and also register here for the SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP!

This post answers a question posted by a reader on “How To Overcome Employment Gaps in Oracle Programming Career! If you have any Question about your career, Post IT as a comment on this page and I will be sure to answer it for you!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/07/13/how-do-i-overcome-employment-gaps-in-my-oracle-programming-career/feed/ 10 How To Become a Microsoft .NET Software Developer http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/07/08/how-to-become-a-microsoft-net-software-developer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/07/08/how-to-become-a-microsoft-net-software-developer/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:16:42 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=1911

microsoft.net software developer job

microsoft.net software developer job

This question was posted by a reader who wants to become a Microsoft .NET Developer!

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 “This Link”.

By Sharing This Post you are helping your friends receive valuable information or succeed.

Here is the Reader’s Question:

First, a little bit about myself.

I have been in Information Technology for many years and most of my time was spent in software application development.

I can honestly say that I have truly enjoyed a majority of those years and what I have valued most is working with people and solving their problems.

Building relationships is one of my strengths, although that does not seem like a skill, which one can market.

Challenges facing me:

I am an application developer working with COBOL and VMS skills.

I have some experience with .NET but dont really feel well versed in the technology.

I have taken several training programs but all of them left me wanting. Besides being uninspiring, none of them really knew how to impart knowledge so that an individual could become productive in a short period of time.

Your website seems to indicate that you do know how to do that.

I have also begun to wonder if learning JAVA is the better way to go, since to some degree it is more open than Microsofts .NET technology.

How To Become A Microsoft.NET Software Developer

Passion as a Strength: I am glad you are passionate about your information technology career.

Passionate people are more likely to go out of their way to make their career work and the lack of passion is one of the reasons why people get burnt out or stop producing in their careers!

  1. Relationship Building Skills / Strengths: Your relationship building skill is actually a strength that can be marketed. That is one of the things that you learn from SWOT Analysis … “how to take advantage of your strengths by marketing to your opportunities“.

    The reason why it seems that your relationship skills are of little financial value is that you haven’t taken the time to identify or evaluate your opportunities in the light of your strengths.

    If I was to present you with a Cobol / VMS job, you will easily recognize it as an opportunity, because you have trained your mind to look out for or act on Cobol or VMS Job opportunities.

    But if I were to present you an opportunity to profit by exercising your relationship building skills, you may not recognize or act on it because you’ve not trained your mind to do so!

    SWOT Analysis helps you identify your opportunities in the light of your strengths and come up with a plan or strategy for acting on them.

    For example, you may be able to take advantage of or exercise your relationship building skills by referring contacts who need IT Career Advice, IT Coaching or IT Training to our website.

    If you have a really large list of contacts and you are really very skilled at building relationships, you may even go into a part-time or full time IT recruiting career!

    So opportunities to take advantage of your relationship building skills exist, you just have to take the time to properly identify, evaluate and act on them.

  2. How to Get Productive IT Knowledge in a Short Period of Time:

    Yes, you are right in saying that our website’s focus is “impacting productive knowledge in a short period of time“!

    Our definition of productive knowledge is practical, hands-on, job or career focused skills that you can put to work immediately you complete training. This is how our training works:

    • Knowledge + Practice Based Online Training:

      Our online training provides you with a blend of knowledge based training and hands-on skill building, practice based training.

      Knowledge based training is the training gained only from watching videos or instructors in a traditional classroom education or information gained just by just a book.

      Knowledge based training alone does not help because you also need practical job-based skills which are gained by working on real-world problems

      So you learn by doing and not just by watching others!

      You learn by doing or practicing what you’ve learned in a course. Our online training incorporates multiple types of hands-on, practical, real-world training.

      What this means to you as a software developer is that you practice writing actual working Microsoft .NET Code in our Hands-On Labs before you perform the same tasks for an employer.

    • Skill Sharpening Online Training: It is not enough to learn a new programming skill, you also need to sharpen your new programming skill to the point where it becomes productive or highly effective.

      In the real-world, IT Managers assign aggressive deadlines to their software development projects and only those Computer Programmers with sharp programming skills are be able to meet those deadlines.

      So, it is not enough to learn the Microsoft .NET Programming Language (ASP.NET, C#, Visual Basic .NET), you also have to be sharp, effective or productive at writing code especially if you intend to transition from being a hobby programmer to a professional Microsoft .NET Developer!

  3. Demand for Java versus Demand for Microsoft .NET Programming Skills:

    This is a sensitive question because whenever you compare the demand for a career like business analysis to the demand for another career like computer programming, people’s feelings and emotions get involved, hurt or mixed-up!

    So, I want to preface by answer with this statement: Java and Microsoft .NET are both excellent programming languages because they are both object oriented programming (OOP) languages.

    However if you are looking for a stable, full-time, professional software developer career, I will recommend Microsoft .NET over the Java programming language and here are a few reasons why:

    • High Demand for Microsoft .NET Software Developers:

      The demand for Microsoft .NET computer programming skills is high because there are more Microsoft .NET (ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET) software developer job postings than there are competent or skilled Microsoft .NET computer programmers.

      I have also observed that the demand for Microsoft .NET Programmers jumped in the last five years compared to the demand for Java Programming Skills.

      Previous to that, there was a higher demand for Java Programmers because Microsoft.NET was still relatively new in the market.

    • The Marketing of Microsoft.NET Compared to Java Programming Language:

      Another reason why I recommend Microsoft .NET (ASP.NET, VB.NET, C#) over Java is that Microsoft has been successful at marketing the Microsoft .NET development environment to businesses based on their bigger, better marketing team.

      Now, I am not a blind supporter of Microsoft Tools. I also hate those Microsoft products that have been failures.

      For example, I like PHP while I hate Windows Vista with a Passion :-)

      I also don’t use MSN Search and I use Google Search.

      However, Microsoft .NET Developers have more Career or Job options than their Java colleagues because the Microsoft .NET programming languages has also been extended to other platforms including Microsoft SharePoint (Collaboration, Communication), Microsoft Dynamics (Customer Relationship Management ), Microsoft SQL Server (Enterprise Database Computing), Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word), Microsoft Data Mining, Microsoft Mobile Devices.

    So, by learning Microsoft .NET you hook up your career or job prospects with Microsoft’s product leadership and huge marketing muscle.

    Finally, I recommend Microsoft.NET over Java because it offers you a shorter learning curve and more career prospects or job options.

So, How Do You Become A Microsoft .NET Software Developer?

You become a Microsoft .NET Software Developer by enrolling at the SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP!

The software developers boot camp is an Online, Video Based, Web Based, Instructor Led, Beginner to Advanced Software Developer Training that incorporates knowledge based training in the form of Video Lessons and Hands-On Skill Building Microsoft ,NET Training in the form of Microsoft .NET Projects, Case Studies, Labs, Hands-On Coding Activities and more.

The SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP provides you with the skill needed to become a professional software developer or consultant.

You learn ASP.NET, C#, Web-Based development in a practical, real-world, hands-on online computer programming course!

Finally, I will also advise you to register for the SQL Boot Camp because SQL skills are usually required in software developer positions.

You should register for both the SQL Boot Camp and the Software Developers Boot Camp at the same time to get the best results.

So, register here for the SQL BOOT CAMP and also register here for the SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP!

This post answers a question posted by a reader on “How To Become a Microsoft .NET Software Developer! If you have any Question about your career, Post IT as a comment on this page and I will be sure to answer it for you!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/07/08/how-to-become-a-microsoft-net-software-developer/feed/ 15 It Is Never Too Late To Become A Computer Programmer! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/06/22/it-is-never-too-late-to-become-a-computer-programmer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/06/22/it-is-never-too-late-to-become-a-computer-programmer/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:24:53 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=1666

Ask IT Career Coach

Ask IT Career Coach

This question was posted by a reader who wants to become a computer programmer!

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 Question:

hi

i am 55 yrs old now, and I am more or less retired since the financial crisis hit us last year.

I used to work in a shipping company, in the operations dept.

I am keen to switch to an IT carer, specializing in programming. What are my chances, to build a career in programming so late.

In my younger days in 1985-1986 I took a course in computer science and programking skills langauge used basic and cobol, but i joined my brother in a shipping and forwarding company and have not done any programming.

Here is my Answer:

Let me answer your question by making a bold statement: “it is never too late to pursue happiness!“

Here in the United States we believe that “All Men … are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights … Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness“.

So, if pursuing a career in computer programming represents happiness for you … then do so regardless of your age!

I have worked with skilled computer programmers older than 55 years … one of them being a contract programmer employed by Robert Half International Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the other, a contract programmer at a Loyalty Marketing Firm in Saint Louis, Missouri.

The last time I spoke with either of them, they were in-demand, happy and at the top of their game … their age not withstanding!

But I will give you some additional reasons why “it is never too late to become a computer programmer!”

High Demand For Contract Computer Programmers

I will suggest that you become a computer programmer by first going into contract programming because the demand for skilled contract computer programmers far outweighs their supply!

You can independently verify this fact by looking at the number of contract programming gigs posted in Dice.Com.

Skilled Contract Programmers are so much in supply that you can earn six figures with full-medical, 401K and dental benefits within the first year or two … if you are good!

Age Is Not A Barrier To Freelance Computer Programming Career

The demand for skilled programmers also makes it easy and feasible for you to become a freelance computer programmer

As a freelance computer programmer, you are responsible for finding your own clients, paying your own taxes and benefits while keeping the option of working from your home office or personal business site.

Freelance computer programming is all about talent, skill and performance and not about your age, sex, nationality or education. If you know your stuff and you can promote yourself then you are in business.

So, I suggest that you learn computer programming first and using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats ) Analysis determine if freelance computer programming is for you.

Age is Not A Barrier To Managing Computer Programmers

If you have learnt computer programming, you may specialize in managing computer programmers or software development projects.

Your age may actually work in your favor if you’ve learnt how to position it as a strength and not a weakness!

You may be hired over younger computer programmers who are sometimes seen as being more arrogant, less likely to stay on a job and less experienced at dealing with people.

One thing you may need to learn is “how to position yourself to employers by emphasizing your strengths!“. So, I would encourage you to spend more time thinking of how your age can be an asset versus how it is a liability!

Sharp Computer Programming Skills In-Demand

The IT Industry values skill-based competency over any other attribute and that goes for computer programming careers too!

If you really want to become a computer programmer, I would advise you to focus all your strength on becoming the best programmer you can be!

While pursuing your programming career, focus on developing a high-level of mastery or competence and get ready to prove it to hiring managers.

If you can prove that you are as good or better than the skill demands for the job, then you will be employed and you will stay employed … it is that simple!

Previous Industry Experience Helps

Here is another reason why your age can be an asset if you learn how to position it correctly using a tool like SWOT Analysis!

You may have an advantage over younger programmers because you have worked in more industries and you are more exposed to how business is done compared to a younger computer programmer who may even be fresh out of college

You should highlight your previous industry experience (you should have a lot by now) and prepare a position statement that points out how your first-hand knowledge of business operations will help a prospective employer!

Given this last example, I hope that I have demonstrated again the value of learning how to position your age as an asset or strength and not as a weakness!

Use Industry Contacts To Your Advantage

Here is another reason why your age can be an asset and not a liability.

Using a SWOT Analysis, you may be able to determine that you have contacts in the industry who can help you get a computer programming job!

This is a reasonable expectation because you probably know more people than a younger computer programmer based on the fact that you’ve worked in more places, been in contact with more people or been around longer :-)

What you need to do, is to learn how to leverage your contacts and existing relationships towards getting a full-time computer programming job, a contract computer programming job or a freelance computer programming job!

How Do You Become A Computer Programmer?

You become a computer programmer by enrolling at the SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP!

The software developers boot camp is an Online, Video Based, Web Based, Instructor Led, Beginner to Advanced Software Developer Training

After you complete your computer programmers training you will get assistance towards pursuing a full-time contract programmer career or a freelance computer programmer career depending on what your SWOT Analysis tells us.

Don’t Worry about this because we will assist you at every stage of your new computer programmer career.

Finally, I will also advise you to register for the SQL Boot Camp because SQL skills are usually required in software developer positions. You should register for both the SQL Boot Camp and the Software Developers Boot Camp at the same time to get the best results.

So, register here for the SQL BOOT CAMP and also register here for the SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS BOOT CAMP!

This post answers a question posted by a reader on “how to become a computer programmer! If you have any Question about your career, Post IT as a comment on this page and I will be sure to answer it for you!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/06/22/it-is-never-too-late-to-become-a-computer-programmer/feed/ 2 About The 2012 Software Developer Internship Opportunity http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/28/the-software-developer-internship-opportunity/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/28/the-software-developer-internship-opportunity/#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:48:32 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=1430

The Software Developers Internship Coaching Opportunity

The Software Developers Internship Coaching Opportunity

About The 2012 Software Developer Internship Opportunity!

Computer programming is one of those few careers that offers you the option to either freelance, get a full-time job or become an independent consultant even when you are really just a beginner!

As a freelance software developer, you may live in the United States, India, UK, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or any country and work for clients located anywhere on the planet!

There are several specializations available to software developers including Mobile Application Development, Desktop Programming and Web Programming.

As a web developer, you can find a lot of work as long as you have a computer, an internet connection and marketable web development skills.

An online employment job report, finds that while the US economy was struggling to add jobs, the online employment market was experiencing a surge in demand for all types of Information Technology professionals … especially computer programmers.

Note that the freelance software developer job market is weighed in favor of computer programmers with either LAMP Programming Skills: PHP, MySQL, WordPress), .NET Framework Programming Skills: ASP.NET, CSharp (C#), Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET), SQL Server Skills or User Interface Programming Skills: HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery.

The good news is that you don’t need to learn all these programming skills because a software development project will typically only require one type of skillset, either LAMP (PHP, MYSQL, WordPress) or Microsoft .NET Framework (ASP.NET, CSharp (C#) or VB.NET and SQL Server).

How To Become A Full Time Software Developer

Full-time Software Developers may be either independent software development consultants or permanent, full-time programming employees.

As an independent software development consultant, you are employed and paid by staffing agencies to work for multiple employers, one employer at a time.

As a full time software developer you will work for or be paid directly by an employer and not by a staffing agency.

Note that the corporate, full-time or independent software developer employment market is weighed in favor of computer programmers with web development skills in ASP.NET, SQL Server, C# or VB.NET and .NET Framework.

Independent software developers earn a lot more than full-time computer programmers. Here in the US, that difference can be anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 or more!

On the other hand, full-time computer programmers have more stability or security in their careers and are also under less pressure to perform or gain cutting-edge computer programming skills.

The primary difference between freelance web developers and full-time (independent consultants or permanent employees) is that while freelance web developers can work from home, their hourly billing rate is lower and also, they have to work much harder at marketing their skills.

The 2012 Software Developer Internship Opportunity

You understand that every career path in Information Technology (IT) requires handson experience?

The main function of the Software Developer Internship Program is to provide you with software development projects where you can gain practical, real-world, cutting-edge programming exposure or hands-on experience in web development … which is where most of the hiring is taking place right now.

The hands-on project experience can then be used as a stepping stone to a freelance web developer job, an independent software consultant job or a permanent programming job depending on your preferences.

However, you will need to learn either WordPress, PHP, MySQL or ASP.NET, C#, SQL Server before you can participate in the The Software Developer Internship Program because you won’t be to perform the assignments handed to you without requisite, prior training … which makes sense right?

With this in mind, you need to enroll in Software Developer Boot Camp before you are allowed to enroll in the Software Developer Internship Program!

Enrolling In The Software Developer Boot Camp

The Software Developer Boot Camp is where you get the complete, beginner to advanced online training needed to learn ASP.NET, C# and SQL Server Web Development.

The Software Developer Internship Program is reserved solely for gaining hands-on, web development experience after which you can then turn into a full-fledged freelance, independent or permanent web developer.

However, in the Software Developer Internship program, we won’t be training or coaching you on software development because we assume that you are already fully trained and ready to code … does that make sense?

The Software Developer Internship Program is designed to be a 12 to 24 weeks online coaching event where you are assigned about one or two major web development projects that utilize marketable, cutting-edge web development skills.

In the Software Developer Boot Camp you are trained using a suite of software developer practice tests or quizzes which improves your retention, comprehension or recall.

These practice tests are designed to help you ace your job interview for full-time employers or freelance consulting clients.

During the Software Developer Boot Camp, you are also given access to our private coaching module and video-based training, so that all the assistance you need is available once you’re enrolled.

Keep in mind, that the software developer boot camp is also designed to take you from beginner or intermediate programming skills to full-fledged software development skills unlike some of the other courses you may be looking at … which are only good for people who want to learn the basics of computer programming and then tutor themselves the rest of the way!

I would also advise you to ignore those distracting, counter-productive arguments over whether VB.NET is better than C# .

See, if you learn C# really well, you can pick up VB.NET by yourself with no more than a month of extra study and just so you know, we are focusing on C# in the Software Developer Boot Camp.

And as you want to hire us as your career coach, please ignore those endless debates oon the marketability of Java, C/C++, Ruby, Python or Cobol programming languages … click here to read my reviews on why some programming languages may be bad for your career.

However, if you already love programming in Java, C/C+, Cobol, Python, Perl, Ruby, learning C#, ASP.NET and Sql Server cannot hurt your career.

On the contrary, it can help you earn more money, make you even more marketable and secure your career in today’s user-interface web-based world … do you get my point :-)

Only One (1) Pre-Requisite for the Software Developer Boot Camp

Note: If you are interested in becoming a software developer, we require that you enroll in both the the SQL Boot Camp and the Software Developer Boot Camp and take both of these online training programs at the same time!

This requirement was instituted because web development jobs also require strong database development and sql query writing skills since most web applications are database driven.

Software Developer Boot Camp Discounts Ends – Friday, February 3, 2012

Currently, we have a promotion for the Software Developer Boot Camp that ends at 11:59 PM on Friday, February 3, 2012 (CST).

This week, we have a promotion that allows you to enroll in the Software Developer Boot Camp for $1125 and receive an enrollment in both the Sql Boot Camp ($499 value) and the Software Developer Internship Program ($1000).

Click Here to Enroll Now in The Software Developer Boot Camp and you will also receive both the Sql Boot Camp Online Training and the Software Developer Internship Coaching Program FREE (a $1375 discount) … this offer is only valid until 11:59 PM on Friday, February 3, 2012 (CST).

Finally, don’t wait until the last minute because if you miss out, you may not see this opportunity again this year!

Thanks and Best Wishes


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/28/the-software-developer-internship-opportunity/feed/ 1 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 ITCareerCoach 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:

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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]]> 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 ITCareerCoach 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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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/04/16/bonus-csharp-training-in-the-computer-programmers-book/feed/ 2 Who Is Your Software Developer Mentor? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/16/who-is-your-software-developer-mentor/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/16/who-is-your-software-developer-mentor/#comments Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:37:52 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/16/who-is-your-software-developer-mentor/

If you have read my books by now, you probably know a few things about me already.

I am a Software Development Consultant and a Software Developer Mentor living in Saint Louis, USA.

Over the last decade I have been contracted to develop enterprise software applications for Fortune 1000 and small business organizations.

I also coach individuals who want to learn leading-edge computer programming skills or get hired into full-time software developer or contract programmer jobs just like me.

The secrets of my software developer consultant career, how I started contract programming and succeeded in a fast-paced, top-paying and sought-after career, without a computer science degree or any formal software developer training, is well-documented in my e-Book, “The Street Smart Guide to Computer Programmer Careers“.

My book and coaching program is based on proven strategies that have worked well for me and produced results for others documented in several testimonials on this site.

Here is what I will do for you:

1. I will help you quickly discover and master computer programming skills in top-demand by employers … I won’t waste your time or mine on obsolete or legacy technology.

2. I will help you improve your resume, interviewing or job search skills so you can stand-out and get hired.

3. I will also help you gain critical software development experience that will launch your career. Your career will take-off when you gain the theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience that employers are looking for.

You can turn your software developer career around in as little as 2 to 4 months by getting my e-Book or joining my software developer mentoring program.

Pareto’s Law which holds true in software development and other areas of life tells us that only a few people will make it to the top of their software developer careers in their lifetime.

Do you want to be one of those few who make it to the top or one of the many who won’t?

Take advantage of the opportunity offered you and get a copy of “The Street Smart Guide to Computer Programmer Careers” e-Book now.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/16/who-is-your-software-developer-mentor/feed/ 0 The Secret Path To Contract Programming http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:00:38 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/

Who is a contract programmer?

A contract programmer is a software developer who is paid an hourly rate for working on special software development projects for a period. Contract computer programmers are not paid salaries like full-time developers but hourly wages.

Contract programmers tend to be very project focused because they are hired to solve specific problems or code specific features and as soon as that is done, they have to move on to another project or find a new client.

Contract programmers are independent software developers who work with clients on a project-to-project basis. The relationship between a contract programmer and a client lasts as long as the client has a steady stream of work. What usually happens is that as soon as the client can’t find any work or the work starts dwindling down, the client initiates the process to end the relationship.

Contract computer programmers are not supposed to form strong emotional bonds or ties to their clients unlike their full-time colleagues because the nature of their work is temporary. That is why contract programmers are sometimes called temporary workers.

Contract programmers are specialists, experts and master craftsmen. When a client hires a contract computer programmer, the client expects to find a master programmer who will hit the ground running. This separates contract programmers from full-time software developers and the master craftsmen from the wannabe contract programmers.

A contract programmer is expected to start churning out high quality code, fixing bugs, improving their clent’s software and generally justifing their high pay by solving important problems within a few hours or days of starting work. Unlike full-time software developers who may take 6 months to 1 year to prove themselves, contract programmers who haven’t mastered their art well-enough to make a difference are usually dropped like hot potatoes by their clients.

Contract programmers may be W2 contract programmers or 1099 contract programmers. The difference lies with how their taxes are filed with the IRS.

The W2 contract programmer is paid by a recruiting agency that is also responsible for withholding taxes and providing liability insurance. Many recruiting agencies will also provide medical, dental and 401K benefits.

On the other hand, 1099 contract programmers, generally known as free-lancers, pay their taxes to the IRS and provide their own medical, dental and 401K insurance.

A contract programmer has the liberty of working as a W2 contract programmer with one firm and a 1099 contract programmer with another firm.

How long do contract programming projects last?

Contract programming projects typically last from a month to 5 years. The trend is towards fewer months and higher billing rates. The typical duration is 3 months, 6 months or 1 year.

How much do contract computer programmers bill?

Contract programmers typically bill anywhere from $50 per hour to $200 per hour.

What factors determine the contract programmer’s billing rate?

The factors that determine a contract programmers billing rate include:

1. Experience: The more experienced a contract programmer is, the more the contract programmer can charge

2. Demand: Some computer programming skills are in high-demand while others are not. So contract programmers who master computer programming skills that are in high-demand can bill at a higher rate than others

3. Client: The compensation provided for the same programming skills can vary widely by client with no other explanation other than one client having more money than the other

Who should be a contract programmer?

Contract programming makes sense for computer programmers who love to be independent or who do not want to climb the corporate ladder. It is also good for those individuals who want to make more money than is found in regular full-time software development. Finally, it works for those who can use their down-time in between projects to sharpen their computer programming skills, pursue other hobbies or take vacations.

What is the future or outlook for contract programmers?

The future is bright for contract programmers as more companies are trending towards out-sourcing their software development projects to temporary staffing firms or recruiting agencies that in turn out-source the programming work to contract programmers. Contract computer programmers are considered to be expert, highly-skilled craftsmen and their opinions and expertise are valued at client sites They are also paid significantly more money and do not have to stand inline or beg for a pay raise when they work for it.

How do you become a contract programmer?

The critical skills needed for a successful contract programming career are:

  1. Expert programming skills

  2. Well-crafted resume

  3. Effective job interviewing skills

  4. Aggressive Resume Marketing

Read this previous post titled “The keys of a successful computer programmer career” to learn more about these keys.

If you have these skills in abundance, you will do well in contract programming. If you don’t or will like to develop them, you should read “How to become a master contract programmer” or CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY IN A FEW MINUTES.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/feed/ 0 Software Developers Coaching Service 48 Hour Special Launch http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/02/06/software-developers-coaching-service-48-hour-special-launch/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/02/06/software-developers-coaching-service-48-hour-special-launch/#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:42:30 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/02/06/software-developers-coaching-service-48-hour-special-launch/

Well, you asked me to come up with a way to make computer programming less difficult, more rewarding and more meaningful.

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Whether you desire a lucrative programming gig, or you want to become a better programmer or learn programming as a means to more personal wealth, freedom and satisfaction, discover your answer here: IT Career Coaching.

Finally, you have till Midnight of Wednesday, February 7, 2006 to join with a 50% special discount at IT Career Coaching after which I withdraw this special offer and remove this special link.

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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/02/06/software-developers-coaching-service-48-hour-special-launch/feed/ 0 Full-Time or Contract W2 Programmer Job, Which Is Better? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/08/26/full-time-or-contract-w2-programmer-job-which-is-better/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/08/26/full-time-or-contract-w2-programmer-job-which-is-better/#comments Sat, 26 Aug 2006 20:38:53 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/08/26/full-time-permanent-employee-or-contract-w2-programmer-pros-and-cons/

full time programmers contract pros cons

full time programmers contract pros cons

Do you have what it takes to be a contract software developer (W2) or a full time permanent computer programmer (FTE)?

Or perhaps you have heard that contract programming is unreliable and full time employment financially unrewarding?

Enough of these myths. There are long term contracts that last longer than some full time positions and there are full time positions that pay better than some contract programming engagements.

Here are the differences that will really matter to you:

  1. Job Duration

  2. Benefits

  3. Job Satisfaction

  4. Paycheck

  5. Technical Skills

  6. Experience

  7. Entrepreneurism

Job Duration:

Contract programming jobs are of shorter duration than full time employment positions.

In the software development industry, computer programming jobs have a duration of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and more.

The challenge with contracting positions is that your recruiter may tell you that your contract is 6 months only for you to hear after 3 months that your contract has been terminated. With full time positions, you are more likely to be moved to another project when your current project is terminated or completed.

Benefits

Contract programming positions come with 401Ks, vacation time, vacation pay, sick days, medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, vision care, life insurance and disability insurance just like full time programming jobs.

The difference is that the quality of benefits or how much you pay for them may vary greatly from one recruiting firm to another recruiting firm.

So, while one recruiting firm may offer competitive benefits, another recruiting firm may offer benefits only if you willing to pay for that at a premium that is sometimes twice as high as that of a full-time position!

The smart thing to do is to go over the benefits with your recruiter and ask questions.

However, with contract programming positions, you also have the option of asking your recruiter to remove your benefits package and increase your hourly compensation or billing rate

.

Job Satisfaction

As a contract programmer you are expected to derive your job satisfaction from being good at what you do.

You build a reputation backed up with skills and experience on getting in, doing a good job and then getting out.

As a contract computer programmer you are expected to deliver good code, on time and on budget and you must enjoy being held to high quality standards in terms of the quality of your code.

As a full time computer programmer, you are expected to love the company you work for.

Your job satisfaction is driven by working with a team of people for a common set of goals.

Over time, the bonds, affections, ties with each other and your company deepens.

You may not face the same time, budget or quality of code pressure as the contract programmer who has a higher reputation to live up to!

Paycheck

As a contract programmer you may earn significantly more than full time permanent employees.

However, unlike contract programmers, full time employees do not have to look for a new project or client every 3, 6 or 12 months.

So, even though contract programmers earn a lot more than full-time software developers when they are working on a project, the total bench time or the unpaid time spent in-between projects can affect the stability or dependability of a contract programmers pay.

The shock of sitting at home for 1 month, earning $0 (zero dollars) after a highly successful project that may have lasted 6 months can be quite unsettling for some contract programmers.

This is one major reason why some computer programmers prefer FULL TIME to CONTRACT (W2) computer programming positions.

Technical Skills:

Contract programmers tend to have sharper skills, because they make a living putting a demand on those skills every day (at least that is what clients think).

Since contract programmers are generally paid much more than their full time colleagues, very few clients hire a contract computer programmer with rusty skills.

Also, contract programmers can choose the clients and projects they work on. which is something that full-time developers are limited in doing.

Contract programmers prefer projects that involve the latest technology or skills, since that’s where the money is.

Full time computer programmers on the other hand tend not to be so obsessed with working on leading edge technologies and they are not generally expected by their employers to have the sharpest skills.

This is partly because full time programmers are expected to be business domain experts and not just technology experts.

So, the value of a full-time computer programmer lies in both the domain / business knowledge as well as the technology skills.

Experience

As a contract programmer, you need to have relevant industry and experience to find work.

If your area of expertise is brokerage or java or .net, both recruiters and hiring managers will scan your resume for the number of years and projects where you utilized those skills.

However, for full time employment positions, the hiring managers and recruiters are more apt to look at your general industry experience and not just the experience needed to deliver the next 3 months project!

Entrepreneurism

Contract programming requires a certain degree of risk tolerance and entrepreneurism.

Contract programmers have to constantly research the market for new technologies and skills that add value to their clients while delivering increased compensation to them.

They have to constantly be on the go, marketing their resume, skills and experience to new clients every few months.

They have to adapt to new environments all the time as they are constantly changing jobs and clients.

They have to constantly make their clients (employer) happy or they may get fired and their contracts terminated.

Contract programmers have to accept the inherent risk that despite their best effort, a proposed 12 month project can turn into a 1 month failed engagement.

Ultimately the contract programmers that last have to accept full responsibility for their careers.

Decide What Works for You

The conclusion is that the decision to be a contract computer programmer or a full time permanent employee depends on your personality, risk tolerance, financial expectations and your own situation.

Whether you decide to become a W2 contract programmer or a full time employee, I hope that I have helped you become more informed about the two possible career paths.

To learn more about fast tracking your computer programmer career, visit this resource.


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