ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » good 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 Is Business Analysis A Good Fit For My Personality Type? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/19/is-business-analysis-a-good-fit-for-my-personality-type/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/19/is-business-analysis-a-good-fit-for-my-personality-type/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 02:00:48 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3207

Is Business Analysis For Me?

Is Business Analysis For Me?

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

In This post, I will answer questions on business analysis and software developer careers. Here is the first question:

Is Business Analysis A Good Fit For a Programmer With An ENFP Personality Type?

This question was submitted by Brenna (a computer programmer from South Africa), whose personality type on the Myers Briggs Personality Test is: ENFP (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving).

Brenna codes with Cobol, Java, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, Flash and is burnt out of coding!

Brenna, has not been able to keep up with programming and wants some direction on what she should do with her life.

I am recommending that Brenna considers becoming a business analyst for the following reasons:

  1. She has good verbal and written communication skills. You can see dome evidence in how detailed, structured and clear her writing is

  2. She is project oriented instead of detail and routine oriented as you will find with programmers. ENFPs also tend to be project oriented instead of detail oriented.

  3. She has not been able to keep up with her computer programming career because she lacks a passion for the industry and also because she is not going about it the right away..

Click here to read Brenna’s post and my reply to the question: “What Is The Future Of ENFP Personality Type In Computer Programming”


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/19/is-business-analysis-a-good-fit-for-my-personality-type/feed/ 0 In The Software Developer Industry, Experience Is King! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/03/14/are-software-developer-internships-key-to-landing-good-jobs/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/03/14/are-software-developer-internships-key-to-landing-good-jobs/#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:02:04 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3137

Hands-on Experience Is The Key To Landing Good Jobs!

Hands-on Experience Is The Key To Landing Good Jobs!

Once a computer programmer with marketable programming skills gains handson experience by building real-world, practical applications, he or she is virtually guaranteed not just any type of job … but a portable, marketable, high-paying professional career as a software developer!!

Why? Because in the software development industry, Experience is King!.

Real world, hands on, practical, computer programming experience is valued more than computer programming certifications or even computer science diplomas or college degrees!

With that in mind, a promotion that allows you to enroll in our 2012 Software Developer Internship Program ($1000) + SQL Boot Camp Online Training ($499) + Software Developer Boot Camp Online Training ($1000) for only $1125 Ends Today!

How Do You Get A Software Developer Internship?

This is how you can land yourself a Software Developer Internship opportunity:

  1. Start by learning marketable programming skills:

    Internships opportunities go to those with marketable computer programming skills.

    So, if your programming skills are out of alignment with the business needs of employers, you are out of luck.

    Demonstrate a high level of commitment to your career by learning how to program first before looking for how to get paid.

    Software Developer Internships are hard for those who want to be paid first before they learn how to code, get it?

  2. Next, build practical, real-world software applications:

    Internship opportunities do not go to those who have not first taken the time to learn or master a programming language.

    In other words, internships are for putting the knowledge and skills that you’ve acquired to work and not for learning how to code!

  3. Finally, get yourself a good programming job:

    Software developers who first take the time to learn valuable programming skills and then build a portfolio of web / software applications will get a job because they have fulfilled the major requirements for getting hired!

The demand for skilled computer programmers far outstrips the supply of skilled talent available.

The demand is so high that you are virtually guaranteed a good job when you fulfill the requirements I just mentioned.

A software development internship will help you land a good programming job, keeping in mind a few things:

  1. The purpose of a software development internship is to provide you with guidance, mentoring, coaching or feedback as you build real-world, practical software applications, products or services.

  2. Though software developer internships are helpful for landing good jobs, they are still very competitive or hard to get.


  3. Click here to Read More about the “2012 Software Developer Internship Opportunity”

Announcing the Software Developer Internship Program

With all this in mind, we are announcing our Software Developer Internship program for 2012:

  1. Computer programmers: who want to build hands-on software development experience in marketable computer programming skills.
  2. Web developers: who want to be mentored, coached, guided or advised on how to build practical, real-world software applications.
  3. Information Technology (IT) professionals: who want to build a portfolio of database driven web-based applications from beginning to end..

Enrolling in the software developer internship program means that you work on projects like:

  • Building Database Driven Websites using ASP.NET, C# and SQL Server.
  • Developing font-end, user-driven websites using HTML, CSS, JQuery and Javascript.
  • Hosting websites on .NET Framework (ASP.NET, C#, SQL Server and Windows).

Special Pricing Discount – Enrollment Starts Now!

The Software Developer Internship Program is an exclusive program that is designed for computer programmers who want to develop hands-on experience by building practical, real-world applications.

The special pricing for the Software Developer Internship program is set at $1000 for a limited time!

However, if you signup for the Software Developer Boot Camp before midnight Today (11:59 PM on Friday, February 3, 2012 (CST)) you will get a complimentary one-time, $1375 discount and be enrolled in both the Software Developer Internship program ($1000) and SQL Boot Camp ($499) and Software Developer Boot Camp ($1000).

Click here to enroll for the Software Developer Boot Camp + SQL Boot Camp + Software Developer Internship Program ($1375 discount) by making a $1125, one-time payment … this offers expires on Midnight of Friday, February 3, 2012 (Central Standard Time).


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/03/14/are-software-developer-internships-key-to-landing-good-jobs/feed/ 0 Career Roadmap For Programmers: Keeping Your Skills Current Or In Demand http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/14/keep-your-skills-current-or-in-demand/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/14/keep-your-skills-current-or-in-demand/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:24:42 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2932

Keep your Skills Current or In Demand

Keep your Skills Current or In Demand

It is a commonly held belief that once you learn “how to code in one programming language“, you can easily transition your programming skills to another.

Yet many computer programmers never quite make it because they get lost in the transition from one programming language to another.

This is true of computer programmers transitioning away from legacy programming languages like Cobol or relatively more modern programming languages like classic Visual Basic.

When a computer programmer falls behind the technology (programming language) curve, the developer may experience:

  1. Loss of job security
  2. Difficulty in finding new employment
  3. Loss of income

This article focuses on how to keep your programming skills current, relevant or indispensable in a constantly evolving marketplace.

Always Be Learning: Computer Programming Languages

There are several reasons why computer programmers seem to forever be learning new languages. Some of these reasons are:

  1. New Programming Languages:Computer programming languages become obsolete and new ones are introduced to replace them (Fortran has pretty much been replaced by more modern, Object Oriented Programming (OOP) languages).

  2. Updated Programming Language Versions:Programming languages are constantly being updated to newer versions by their vendors (for example, classic Visual Basic has been replaced by Visual Basic .NET).

  3. New Software Application Markets: New software applications markets create a demand for specialized programming skills (IPhone application development needs fueling a demand for Objective C and Cocoa programming languages).

So to be successful, computer programmers have to accept that learning new programming languages comes with the territory or they will fall behind the technology curve.

So, given that the demand for programming skills is constantly evolving from a technology / market standpoint, here is how to make the jump from one programming language to another:

Believe In Yourself: Be Confident In Your Ability To Learn

Believe that if you know how to code in one programming language, you can pick up another one.

Learning a new language may require some time, effort or dedication but you can do it again because you have done it successfully before.

The fear of learning new programming languages seems to be higher with legacy application developers, e.g. cobol or mainframe programmers.

This may be because legacy (cobol, mainframe etc.) programmers have not faced the challenge of updating their skills in a long a while and because of that see learning new, modern object oriented languages like .NET Framework as being more difficult job than they really are!

Career Path for Programmers: Keep Your Skills Marketable

Since the demand for programming skills changes all the time (for example, the shift from desktop to web applications), you have to update your skills or you risk ending up with unmarketable skills or losing your job.

Right now the marketable programming skills include Microsoft .NET Framework (ASP.NET, SQL SERVER and C#), PHP/MYSQL and Cocoa / Objective C (Iphone application development).

So, in terms of a Career Roadmap for computer programmers, you need to have one of these marketable skills.

Learn By Doing: Build Practical Software Applications

Programming skills are not learnt by getting certifications or more educational qualifications. They are gained by building applications outside the classroom.

So, build small applications in the programming languages you are learning … even if you have to build it for yourself!

Don’t get over yourself and end up tackling a project that is so complex that your skills are quickly overwhelmed because that may cause you to lose confidence in your budding programming skills.

The Software Developer Boot Camp builds on this by presenting you with graduated, step by step, beginner to advanced programming lessons. Here is some additional information:

Build New Programming Skills Repetitively

Programming skills have to be exercised repeatedly before they are transferred from the conscious areas of your brain to your optimized, sub-conscious mind.

That is why in the Software Developer Boot Camp, we present you with a number of single or multiple-choice questions that helps you understand, retain or recall the concepts presented in the videos.

Learn Programming In Steps

One of the major challenges facing programmers learning new programming languages is that they often bite of more than they can chew. When this happens, developers will more often than not, pin their wheels or quit the project altogether.

In the Software Developer Boot Camp, we prevent this type of failure by making sure that all the Programming Lessons are graduated and that you don’t learn a more complex topic like Object Oriented Programming (OOP) before learning the building blocks of the topic (like using Methods vs. Procedures).

Follow these tips to make a successful transition from one programming language to another.

The best time to learn a new programming language is now regardless of your situation (with/without a job): because it keeps you employed and marketable.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/14/keep-your-skills-current-or-in-demand/feed/ 2 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.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/feed/ 0 Software Career Tips On How To Choose Your First Programming Language http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/08/software-career-tips-on-how-to-choose-your-first-programming-language/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/08/software-career-tips-on-how-to-choose-your-first-programming-language/#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2007 07:19:39 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/08/software-career-tips-on-how-to-choose-your-first-programming-language/

One key to learning how to program computers is to begin with the right computer programming language. In my discussions with readers, I notice that both beginning programmers and experienced computer programmers often choose a programming language based on:

  1. Friends: The recommendation of their friends or colleagues at work.

  2. Popularity: Based on the perceived popularity of a programming language

  3. Difficulty: As strange as it sounds, some choose a programming language because it’s hard or difficult to master. They want to prove themselves by tackling languages that will raise their profile in their community.

  4. School: Some choose a language because that’s what they’ve been asked to learn for a diploma.

  5. Hobby: Some pick a language for recreational purposes or form a perception of which language to work with based on what hobbies they like.

In a bonus e-Book that accompanies the “The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers“, I discussed the computer programming languages best suited for specific software projects.

Because each programming language is designed for specific tasks and scenarios, it performs poorly in other scenarios. Without much ado, here are a few reasons for choosing one programming language over another.

  1. Ease of learning: Some programming languages are easier for beginner programmers to master. Others have a steep learning curve and are notably more difficult.

  2. Speed of Execution: Programming languages are used to create software. In some software projects, the speed of execution of the software is critical and one has to use the fastest programming language.

  3. Marketability: Some programming languages are highly in-demand by employers. If you master them, you will be in-demand by employers. So, if you are just beginning your career, you may want to consider the marketability of one programming language vs. another.

  4. High Pay: Employers do not pay the same salary for all programming languages. Some command a lot more than others. You may not want to spend 5 years mastering a programming language only to discover you’re under-paid compared to your colleagues who are working with another language.

  5. Industry Standard: Some programming languages are used extensively in an industry, profession or environment. For example, engineers tend to use FORTRAN. Cobol was once a standard for business application. JavaScript is the standard for browser specific programming. Prolog is used in artificial intelligence software applications.

One of the marks of highly skilled, expert or professional computer programmers is that they understand the performance of each programming language. They can evaluate which programming language is best suited for their career based on the type of software applications they’ll be creating and how well they want to be compensated.

In the e-Book on “How To Become A Professional Computer Programmer“, I discussed the suitability of specific programming languages for specific career goals and software projects.

Take a piece of paper working with the list of programming languages below, answer the next 3 questions.

PHP, Ruby on Rails, C#, Python, Classic Visual Basic, Visual Basic.NET, Pascal, Assembler, FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, PL/I, C, C++, LISP, PROLOG, Ada, Java

  1. How many of these programming languages have you heard of?

  2. Which type of software projects are these programming languages best suited for?

  3. What type of programming careers are these programming languages best suited for.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/01/08/software-career-tips-on-how-to-choose-your-first-programming-language/feed/ 0