ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » how to become a computer 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 Why Your Personality Should Match Your Career http://www.it-career-coach.net/2012/01/27/why-your-personality-should-match-your-career/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2012/01/27/why-your-personality-should-match-your-career/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:04:13 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3382

Does Your Personality Match Your Career?

Does Your Personality Match Your Career?

Every career has some type of persona associated with it. You may have heard that stereotyping is wrong, but I say, this is how the world works!

Knowing the type of personality or behavior expected of you, can only help you grow or succeed in your career. However, not fitting the expected stereotype can hurt your career. If you must behave differently from the norm, be advised of the consequences.

In this post, I will advice you on how to mold your personality so it fits the requirements for your job!

Stereotyping Software Developers

Think about this statement for a moment; software developers are introverts!

Yes, this is stereotyping software developers. But you do expect software developers to be more interested in fiddling with the bolts and nuts of a software program than in talking to the hire-ups, right?

Given a choice between attending a management meeting and diving deep into technology, you will typically expect a software developer to choose the later, right?

Stereotyping Project Managers

Project Managers are expected to have a take charge, authoritative, commanding, no nonsense persona.

That is why you would expect a Project Manager to come into a chaotic situation and take charge with little or no external help, right?

Project Managers who spend most of their time managing time, budgets and people will probably have a different mindset from software developers, for example, who spend most of their time working on technology, right?

So, you see. Stereotyping is not all that bad … it is part of how we function, think or evaluated situations as human beings!

Because of stereotyping, you won’t expect an introverted project managers to succeed, because they have to interface with executive management, deal with people problems and deal conflict head-on!

So, as a rule, the personality of a project manager will not be the same as that of a software developer, right?

Why Stereotyping Is Good For Your Career

We use stereotyping for hiring or figuring out fairly easily and quickly, who will be successful at a post and who will not.

Not realizing this, some think that if they just get that next masters degree or MBA or ace that certification, they will be hired or promoted.

What if, their personality does not match the profile required for the job, will they succeed just because they have a college or masters degree?

Personas are the reasons why software testers think in terms of how to break things or prove that working solutions are flawed.

It is why data analysts are expected to be “number crunchers” with a knack for making inferences, conclusions or projections from data.

Personas are also why business analysts are expected to have good to solid communication skills.

So, here are few questions for you:

  1. What is the type of personality required for your career?
  2. Does your personality match your career?
  3. What are you doing to match your personality to your job profile?

The good news is that your persona can be modified over time to fit your career. Even if your culture or natural inclinations differ from the persona required for a job, you can still match your personality over a period of time.

For example, when it comes to business analysis, one of the expected personality traits is the ability to communicate well either in written or verbal form.

As an example of how to match your personality to your career, discover how you can improve your communication skills to match the requirements for business analyst jobs.

Stereotyping Business Analysts

Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are important in any career, especially those of business analysts.

Why? Because Business Analysts spend a good deal of time communication ideas, concepts or solutions in written or verbal form.

One cause of poor communication skills is not having the confidence to express thoughts verbally, in front of others. Another source is a poor speaking habit which causes one’s speech to sound condescending or aggressive manner causing others to disengage or stop listening to you.

The ability to communicate thoughts clearly in writing is another valuable, key skill for business analysts.

Effective writing skills includes a strong knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation skills as well as the ability to write conversationally as opposed to stiff, formal, boring english.

As a business analyst, developing effective verbal and written communications will position you for job interviews, promotions or career success.

Verbal communication includes making presentations, speaking at meetings, speaking in front of groups or even in front of a large audience.

The thought of speaking in front of a group will make most people nervous or fearful. As matter of fact, public speaking is one of the greatest fears know to people … did you know that?

However, even the shyest person can improve his or her communication skills by following a systematic, well thought out training / personal development plan.

Keep in mind that even if your communication style is brash, boring, tense, combative, timid or generally unattractive, you can still improve it, if you take corrective action.

If you lack effective communication skills, make it your goal to improve that part of your personality this year, OK?.

How To Improve Verbal Communication Skills

If you are ready to take action towards developing good or effective verbal communication skills, I recommend that you start by joining Toastmasters.

Toastmasters is a premier non-profit communication and leadership organization that has helped a lot of people become public speakers since their start in 1924.

Toastmasters is also the easiest or least expensive way of developing good verbal (presentation, public speaking, etc.) communication skills.

The cost for a Toastmasters Membership is just $27 every six months … what could be cheaper than that?

Not only is Toastmasters relatively inexpensive to join, it also does not place a high demand or drain on your time. Imagine developing your keeping skills at the cost of just 1 to 2 hours of your time per week!

A Toastmaster club consists of about 20-40 members who meet for 60 – 90 minutes at a local library or some other venue on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule.

After you join a club, you will receive a 10-speech manual called the Competent Communication Manual. This manual comprises of assignments that are designed to build your speaking skills in succession from a beginner to competent pro to advanced level.

At Toastmasters meetings, you will also receive coaching, encouragement and positive, constructive feedback on how to improve your speaking skills.

During Toastmasters meetings, you will be given speaking assignments or evaluations that will gradually develop you into a confident public speaker.

Toastmasters is an organization that is easy to find. So, you can find a club within a reasonable driving distance from your home or place of work.

How To Improve Written Communication Skills

You can improve your written communication skills by blogging! Guess what? Blogging is a relatively inexpensive and fun way of communication.

To get started, purchase a domain name which is at a minimal cost per year (less than $20). Then host your blog using WordPress which is currently the most popular blogging platform. Others blogging platforms are BlogSpot and TypePad.

Note that the moment you begin to blog, you become a part of an informal, highly effective group of writers or communicators, also referred to as bloggers.

You will want to branch out and get your blog seen by other bloggers in your industry using word of mouth or social media networking. As you comment on your topics of interest, your writing skills will improve.

There is no better learning activity than jumping right in or getting your hands dirty!

Follow this advice to match your communication skills which is part of your personality to your job or career.

This post discusses the role your personality plays in career success. For a review of other factors that can or will influence your career … read this post titled: “Which Courses Or Certifications Guarantee A Job”


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2012/01/27/why-your-personality-should-match-your-career/feed/ 0 How To Learn Programming In 6 Months And Get A Job! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:00:15 +0000 joshkemp http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3225

How To Learn .NET Programming In Six (6) Months And Get A Job

How To Learn .NET Programming In Six (6) Months And Get A Job


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

Submit questions about your career using the [Ask IT Career Coach] service and I will answer it for you just like I am answering this question …

Hi My name is Josh Kemp I am 26 married and self employed currently, I have read almost half of “Learn .Net 3.5 in 24 hours” by SAMs.

I like it so far I’ve also done a very little of python and enjoyed that.

I am going to be done the 3.5 .Net book by July 4th doing a chapter a day after my day job.

I am willing to work hard and study and take your software developer bootcamp.

I like your website I love all the information. When should I take the Software Developer Bootcamp?

After I finish the current book? Where do I go after the Bootcamp?

Is it possibe to land a job here in the Northern Virginia area …I would obviously have less then 2 years experience.

Thank You for your advice, and all the very informative articles. Josh Kemp

Is It Possible To Get An Entry Level .NET Programmer Job In Six (6) Months?

The answer to this question is YES because of the high demand for competent or skilled Microsoft .NET Software Developers in the Information Technology (IT) Industry.

The demand for skilled computer programmers is so high that the US for example uses a unique H1B Visa program to fill Software Developer job vacancies.

Unlike what obtains with other careers, even within the Information Technology industry, a lot of software developer positions go unfilled and to fulfill the backlog of Computer Programmer Job Vacancies, a lot of foreign national are hired to work in the USA as computer programmers every year!

Now I want to stress this … the current demand for skilled computer programmers does not extend to every programming language under the sun.

I mean, some programming languages like Perl, Python, Cobol, Foxpro, Clipper are not in demand.

In other words, you have to choose the right programming languages otherwise you career will end up being as dead as the Dodo.

Even though Microsoft .NET Software Developer Jobs can pay between $60,000 – $100,000 for less than two (2) years of experience, they are still hard to fill because computer programming as a career has been mystified.

It is the misconceptions or myths and the computer programming career that stops people like you from pursuing a rewarding career as a computer programmer …

Do You Believe The Myths About Computer Programming

Do you believe the myths, half truths or outright lies about the computer programming career? They read like this:

  1. You need a formal Math, Computer Science or Technology background to become a computer programmer

  2. You need to learn computer programming in a formal college environment

  3. Computer Programming is difficult to learn because it involves mastering low-level programming languages like C/C++, Assembly Language, etc.

  4. All the computer programming jobs in the USA are either outsourced or about to be outsourced

  5. It takes years to become a competent computer programmer because mastering programming languages is difficult

  6. All programming languages are equal, in other words, it doesn’t matter which programming language you learn

If you think that any of these myths is true, then your career is headed for deep waters.

While these myths may be true for careers in medicine, law, etc. they are not true and they do not apply especially to computer programming careers.

Let me start by debunking these myths one by one.

  1. You don’t need a formal math, computer science or technology background to learn programming

    There are lots of computer programmers with Music, Arts, Humanities, Social Science or Business backgrounds because becoming a computer programmer is not tied to understanding computer science but to learning specific software tools like Microsoft Visual Studio or Languages like PHP, C# or Visual Basic .NET or even Office Productivity Tools like Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access!

  2. You don’t need to learn computer programming in a formal college environment

    Colleges are focused on teaching the science of computer programming which is not what makes you a computer programmer.

    What makes you a computer programmer is acquiring practical skills & handson experience in specific software languages especially does that are in high demand.

    For example, high school graduate who spends 4 years building websites with HTML, XHTML, CSS, ASP.NET, Csharp (C#) is a computer programmer regardless of the lack of a formal college degree.

  3. Computer Programming Is Easy To Learn!

    Back in the days when computer programming languages like C/C++, Clipper, Foxpro, Cobol or even Assembly Language where the only viale options for building software applications, learning computer programming was a long, painful task and the image of programming as a tedious, boring, geeky job was perhaps justified!

    But with the advent of Microsoft Visual Basic and Microsoft Access, computer programming became a fast paced, exciting, cutting edge job.

    Computer Programmers now work on fashionable, high profile projects like designing and coding Blogs, Social Media Networks and E-Commerce Websites.

  4. Computer Programmers now have multiple career options

    Computer Programmers may focus exclusively on designing websites using only HTML & CSS, building databases using Microsoft Access, customizing Office Productivity Tools like Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) or on building enterprise, highly scalable and reliable websites using ASP.NET, Csharp (C#), Sql Server, HTML, CSS !

    With programming languages like Microsoft C#, ASP.NET and Sql Server, the time to market for Computer Programming Projects has now been shortened to weeks instead of years and competent computer programmers have no shortage of clients, projects, opportunities or work as long as they are willing to work very hard.

  5. The Outsourcing of Programming Jobs Is Not An Issue!

    It is true that some companies are outsourcing computer programmer jobs since highly skilled developers in the USA can command as much as six (6) figure salaries.

    However the cost of hiring competent computer programmers living in developing nations is rising because these software developers are either immigrating back to the US or asking for bigger salaries in their home country thereby raising the cost of doing business with them.

    In addition, outsourcing costs are also increasing because US employers have to continue investing in the administrative, project management, business analysis and software testing facilities required to make outsourced projects work.

    And there are several cases where outsourced projects are brought back to the US because the projects were not managed properly because of language, time or cultural differences between how we do do business.

    With all this in mind, the future for computer programmers living anywhere in the world including the United States is bright and the job outlook is comparable or better than what obtains in many other careers.

  6. Computer Programming Languages Are Not Equal

    Computer Programming languages are not equal in the number of career opportunities they will provide you with.

    For example, while Mainframe Computer Programmers are currently experiencing a shortage in the demand for their skills, Microsoft .NET Developers with real-world web development expertise are currently in high demand.

    If you don’t waste your time learning languages like Python, Cobol, Perl and instead focus on becoming highly skilled and experienced in Microsoft ASP.NET, Csharp (C#), SQL Server and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET … you will be able to get a well-paying job in the current economy even if you only have six (6) months of experience.

Tips For Getting A Microsoft .NET Developer Job In 6 Months

Here are some practical tips for getting a Microsoft .NET Developer Job with as little as six (6) months of strong hands-on experience:

  • First learn everything that you can about these programming languages: Microsoft ASP.NET, SQL Server, CSharp (C#), CSS, HTML, XHTML

  • Work on completing at least one (1) Web Development Project started by you or someone else using the programming languages: Microsoft ASP.NET, SQL Server, CSharp (C#), CSS, HTML, XHTML

  • Take a lot of practice tests on the following programming languages: Microsoft ASP.NET, SQL Server, CSharp (C#), CSS, HTML, XHTML

  • Market your resume to a lot of recruiters and staffing agencies when you start your job search.

    Use a website like Dice.com to research the number of programming jobs in your city and if there isn’t a lot of them, consider relocating!

That is it! Follow these few simple steps to get a Microsoft .NET programming job in as little as six (6) months ...


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This post was submitted by joshkemp.

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/feed/ 4 How To Be A Faster Programmer http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/13/how-to-be-a-faster-programmer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/13/how-to-be-a-faster-programmer/#comments Fri, 13 May 2011 20:17:09 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3198

How To Become A Faster Programmer?

How To Become A Faster Programmer?

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

This post answers the question of “how to write or code faster in ASP.NET, C#, .NET Framework or Visual Studio” or any computer programming language.

If you have a question about your computer programmer or software developer career, post it here and I will answer it for you, just like I am answering this computer programmer’s question today!

How To Become A Faster Computer Programmer

Compared to PHP or classic Visual Basic Programming, the .NET Framework (C#, VB.NET, ASP.NET) is a big, enterprise class library.

The sheer size of .NET Framework, makes it hard to master or wrap your head around easily, which can create a feeling of insecurity or instability.

In this post, I will coach on programming practices that will help you write ASP.NET and C# Code faster, resulting in you feeling better or more secure about your programming career!

Coding Under Pressure Will Not Make You Faster!

Your inability to code fast may starts from you not taking the time to study or master the .NET Programming Language before getting a job.

As a result, you are forced to study the programming language at work where you are constantly under pressure to produce results!

Computer programmers with a computer science or engineering degree may fail to master the .NET Framework Programming Language because they assume that their college education is enough for a real-world programming job!

Don’t let your formal education cause you to underrate the complexity of a modern, enterprise programming language like the .NET Framework!

If this describes your situation, STOP whatever you are doing right now and make a concerted effort to study or master .NET Framework for at least 6 months or you will get completely discouraged or even quit altogether because of the complexity of the language!

Staying Ahead Of Technology Will Make You Faster!

While a computer programming career pays well, it is also a fast paced career that is constantly evolving because of new technology.

The only way you can stay ahead of the technology curve, is to develop a reading and studying habit that is second to none.

Listen, regardless of how much pressure you face at work, you will never be able to code code faster or more confidently, if you don’t dedicate a serious amount of time on a daily or consistent basis to mastering the .NET Framework Programming Library!

As a programmer, you are expected to have sharp skills or stay on the edge of the technology curve.

The only way that you will be able to keep up, is to dedicate consistent, serious blocks of time to mastering the .Net Framework Programming Language instead of trying to wing it at work!

Writing More Code Will Not Make Your Faster!

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you can master a programming language like .NET Framework by writing more code or working on lots of projects because you will end up repeating all of your bad coding practices or mistakes all over the place!

It is a mistake to assume that you can just jump into coding with an enterprise programming language like .NET Framework and become a fast programmer without careful thought, planning or taking out the time to study or master the programming language.

Here is my advice; make it your #1 priority (not your #2 or #3) to study everything that you can about the .NET Framework Library.

Keep in mind that this library is large and that there are several parts to it : (CSharp, ASP.NET, .NET Framework, etc.).

Taking the time to master the library used in any programming language will actually help you code faster or better.

Writing more code will not make you a faster programmer. Studying and understanding a programming language to the point where it’s usage is committed to your memory will make you a faster, better and more confident computer programmer!

Taking Lots Of Practice Tests Will Make You Faster!

Here is another technique that will help you learn or master C#, ASP.NET, .NET Framework or any programming language extremely well … practice tests!

Click here to read more about how Practice Tests Can Boost Your Skills

That is why in our Online Software Developers Boot Camp Training, we use Practice Tests to coach or train the software developers enrolled in the program.

Practice tests are useful for boosting your retention, recall and understanding of programming languages and not just for certifications!

So, you have it … how to become a better, more confident or expert programmer!

Follow the coaching advice in this post and your self-confidence will improve as you start writing better, faster code!

Click here to read the original question submitted by Anil titled: “How To Write C#, ASP.NET Code Faster?” or Click Here To Submit A New Question about your Software Developer Career.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/13/how-to-be-a-faster-programmer/feed/ 3 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).


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/03/14/are-software-developer-internships-key-to-landing-good-jobs/feed/ 0 Is College Worth The Money? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/02/22/is-college-worth-the-money/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/02/22/is-college-worth-the-money/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:00:30 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3109

Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses

Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is my advice on the matter:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/02/22/is-college-worth-the-money/feed/ 1 What Is Your Personality Type? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/22/what-is-your-personality-type/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/22/what-is-your-personality-type/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 22:43:20 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3075

What Is Your Personality Type?

What Is Your Personality Type?

One of the reasons why professionals struggle with their careers or under-perform at their jobs is that their work or career does not match their personality!

When hiring someone to do job, it’s easy to see what skills and training they have acquired or what types of jobs they’ve previously performed from their resume.

What is not so easy to see is how that same person’s personality traits will fit in with that of other employees or how their personality will thrive on a daily basis after you’ve have hired them.

That is why you need to take a personality test … an instrument that is used to measure or assess the characteristics of your personality.

Personality tests are sometimes more accurately referred to as a personality inventory since the use of the word “test” implies a right or wrong answer must be given.

However when it comes to personality test, there is no right or wrong assessment but rather an objective, independent assessment of suitability for a career or a job.

Personality tests are simply a series of questions designed to gather information used in assessing general personality characteristics.

When administered properly, personality tests are effective for building successful teams.

The results from a personality test can give you good insight into what personality types work best together and what type of work is more effectively done by certain types of people.

Please note that: personality tests are not guaranteed to be accurate and people can change or adapt overall personality … even though that is not easy!

So, Is there a personality test that is accurate?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test was first developed in 1943.

During the more than 60 years it has been used, it has been perfected as an accurate personality indicator and when the more accurate, complete version of the test is administered, the results can be alarmingly accurate.

The MBTI groups uses 4 Type letters to distringuish16 unique and different personality types based on the answers to a Myers-Briggs personality test.

What are these 4 Type letters and what do they mean?

  • (I)ntrovert/(E)xtrovert
  • (S)ensing/(I)ntuivite
  • (T)hinking/(F)eeling
  • (J)udging/(P)erceptive

The idea that someone is an introvert vs. extrovert does not necessarily mean one is extremely outgoing and the other extremely shy. But rather, it implies from which perspective they tend to view situation: From within, or from without.

Sensing vs. Intuitive is similar to the introvert/extrovert in that it implies whether decisions are made based upon the physical senses or an intuitive knowing from within.

Thinking vs. Feeling suggests the process of thought and decision making as to whether it is done by concrete thinking or logic or based upon a feeling.

Judging vs. Perceptive describes if a person comes to conclusions based upon a logical criteria or based upon an inward perception.

Here are the 16 personality types based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for use in determining how suited you are for a career or job:

ISTJ Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Thinking Judging

To the ISTJ personality type, order and schedule is of utmost importance. and no sacrifice is too great to an ISTJ when it comes to keeping unity.

Even though they tend to have difficulty expressing emotions and what they think and can come off as being uncaring, they tend to develop strong and loyal relationships with others.

The ISTJ easily takes on responsibility. Because of this, they fit in well with any aspect of the IT profession in planning and inspecting, management, scheduling, auditing or accounting.

Spontaneity and abstract thinking is not a plus to the ISTJ personality and the ISTJ will remain consistently strong in everything they attempt.

ISFJ Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Feeling Judging

To the ISFJ, work is very important.

In terms of the IT Professional, they effectively fill the roles of protecting and supporting though they will work hard at any position as they have a strong sense of duty.

They may even remain silent or let others take advantage of them just to avoid conflict. This can be beneficial in business as they tend to put up with complaints for the sake of harmony.

INFJ Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Feeling Judging

Inspiring and insightful, the INFJ personality tends to do well as a developer.

INFJ often inspire others and tend to succeed in creative situations.

This personality type does not enjoy tension and can come off as quiet or even disinterested. But, don’t be fooled. Beneath this unassuming exterior is a ton of ideas waiting to come forth and when these ideas are properly tapped, they come alive.

They will also jump at any chance to learn and broaden their horizons.

INTJ Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Thinking Judging

The INTJ is very independent and may be perceived as being arrogant.

They may even appear to be argumentative, but this is the way they learn.

They like to see change for the better and can be intolerant of stagnation.

They do well in work environments where systems are set up to achieve maximum output.

They do well in management, consulting, computer programming and as Directors.

ISTP Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Thinking Perceptive

The ISTP personality may take charge in fixing a problem.

They are ready to try anything at least once.

They are spontaneous and do not like others to control them.

They do not enjoy routine work such as that of an administrator or researcher.

They shine in problem solving spontaneously with a tangible goal such as Analyzer or Operator.

ISFP Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Feeling Perceptive

The ISFP personality tends to be non-imposing.

They fear standing still and enjoy a challenge when working with people.

They do well when they can produce new thought patterns.

They do well in fields that involve composing and producing.

INFP Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Feeling Perceptive

The INFP Personality type tends to bring harmony and clarification to the table.

They do not like conflict at all. In fact, there’s very little an INFP won’t do to avoid conflict.

They do have a desire to help others. Teaching and training is an excellent position for the INFP.

They also do well with research, design and human resources and they tend to crave working hard in whatever position they are placed.

INTP Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Thinking Perceptive

The last-minute planner, the INTP adapts well to fast changes.

They need to find a challenge in their work. If they don’t find a challenge, they will grow discontented and depressed.

They are excellent at problem solving and theorizing.

They are excellent at strategic planning, writing, computer programming and design.

ESTP Personality Type – Extrovert Sensing Thinking Perceptive

The ESTP Personality thrives on being the center of attention.

They have a lack of order and tend to never plan as they see planning as a waste of time.

They love daily changes and refuse to get stuck in a rut.

In terms of the IT profession for the ESTP, they do well as an executor or in a role where they can be the promoter.

ESFP Personality Type – Extrovert Sensing Feeling Perceptive

The ESFP personality lives in the moment and does not make plans easily if at all.

They can be viewed as hyper or shallow as they push for excitement.

They do not like confrontation. They do, however, make great motivators or presenters or any position that provides instant gratification.

ENFP Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Feeling Perceptive

The ENFP personality tends to be extremely loyal and will look for the best in others along with always looking for new possibilities.

They can appear to be over positive or insincere.

They have a need and a desire to work with people and they want to have fun in their work.

They make for great human resource development trainers, designers, and advocates.

ENTP Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Thinking Perceptive

The ENTP personality thrives on enthusiasm.

Though they will become excited enough about ideas to promote them, they don’t always follow through on these ideas.

They like to be challenged and stimulated in their work. Computer science, financial advising, teaching, computer or systems analyst are great career choices for the ENTP.

ESTJ Personality Type – Extrovert Sensing Thinking Judging

The ESTJ personality is a born manager.

They are dependable but tend to volunteer for more work and responsibility than others.

To an ESTJ, everything must have a plan.

They tend to fix what is broken and do a job correctly.

They tend to be loyal to the company. They make great managers as well as supervisors.

ESFJ Personality Type: – (Extrovert Sensing Feeling Judging):

The ESFJ is seen as a scheduler.

They are usually neat and enjoyable to be around.

They do well where organization is involved and they also make great listeners and are loyal.

They like to serve, facilitate and be the caretaker. Jobs in computers, science or consulting can be stressful to the ESFJ personality.

ENFJ Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Feeling Judging

The ENFJ personality tends to be known as a communicator and have an understanding of other people.

They are drawn to situation where they can interact with others who will challenge them.

They do not do well in careers that involve a great deal of detail or paperwork.

They do, however, make great mentors and envision well.

ENTJ Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Thinking Judging

The ENTJ is a natural leader.

They even enjoy confrontation and they tend to be the classic corporate type of personality.

They are not afraid to challenge old ways of doing things with more successful methods.

Business consultants and network integrations as well as strategists are careers where the ENTJ thrive.

My Final Thoughts:

Each of these 16 personality types will fit better into some Information Technology careers than others and that it’s where the Myers-Briggs personality testing can help you.

Regardless of how much you want a career or a job, you will find it hard to succeed if your personality does not match that required for the job and you don’t change your personality to match it!

  • If you choose to change your personality for a career or job, you can hurt yourself in the process, which will negate the benefits of doing that job!

    so you may be better off choosing a career that suites your personality than forcing your personality to fit in.

  • As a manager, director, project manager or human resources professional, you can place people in roles where they’re most likely to succeed alongside based on results from properly administered Myers-Briggs personality test.

    In the end, the proper use of personality testing can lead to more productive work place.

So, What Is Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type?

If don’t know the answer, follow this link to take your Myers-Briggs personality test..


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/22/what-is-your-personality-type/feed/ 0 Take Your Career To The Next Level! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/18/take-your-career-to-the-next-level/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/18/take-your-career-to-the-next-level/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:05:39 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3073

STOP, if you’re about to register for our training and read this post now because we are only interested in the right type of participants for our online bootcamp courses.

In many ways, we are not like traditional classroom classes or most training schools.

For example, we focus more on experiential learning in the sense that we want you to perform well on the job and not just have a certificate that you can show-off on your resume.

Click here to read our thoughts on experiential learning.

Do You Want To Build Handson Experience?

Finding the handson experience required to move up the ladder, transition into a career or find a new job is critical to career success.

Several years ago, just having a college degree was enough to get you hired and once you got a job, you worked for that employer, for a really long time!

Employers felt responsible for providing handson experience to students in college through internship programs or training for those who had a job.

But today, internship programs are hard to get because employers don’t want to take on the burden of training and a college degree no longer guarantees finding or keeping a job!

What employers are now looking for is proof of performance and not more diplomas, degrees or certifications.

When it comes to proof of performance, employers are of the mindset that your previous performance is the best proof of your future performance.

Please click here to read the article on “why employers want proof of your performance“.

So you have to supplement your training and professional development through personal initiative, traditional classes or online training bootcamps

Traditional classes do not help you develop skills or experience using tasks or assignments because that amount of work will be too much for a traditional school to handle.

In a traditional class, students have to start and complete their tasks within a set amount of time or that school loses money because the next class is delayed from starting!

But our online training bootcamps are not designed like traditional training classes.

Our students are given practical tasks or assignments which requires them to perform assigned activities with the knowledge or skills they’ve acquired.

Do You Want To Have Your Questions Answered?

In a traditional class, you may not want to ask questions that someone else thinks is dumb or you may not ask questions because your manager wants you to keep quiet or because the instructor just doesn’t have enough time to answer all the questions from all the participants!

Why can’t traditional classes entertain, encourage or answer all the questions from all the participants in a course?

Traditional classes can’t because they have a set start and end date and a limited amount of time within which the instructor must go over the course materials.

We do not have the limitations of a set starting time and a set closing time facing traditional classes!

Our online course participants may start their courses at any time or complete it earlier.

There are no limits to how many questions that you can ask and you don’t have the problems of someone judging your conversations or the appropriateness of your questions.

Because we use a learning management system, none of your questions is lost by the instructor in a bid to answer everyone else.

Do You Want To Be Personally Involved?

Unlike traditional online or classroom training, where you get a certificate regardless of your personal efforts, our assignments require your personal time and effort because they are reviewed and graded by us!

Our online training bootcamps requires non-trivial hard work which may be an issue, if you’re only interested in a passive learning experience.

When you enroll in our online boot camp training, you will watch videos, take practice tests, write assignments, perform research activities or perform any practical tasks assigned to you … all of which are required!

Our online courses are quite unlike traditional classes where you’re not given the chance to get your hands dirty!

Do You Want To Ace Your Job Interviews?

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew the answers to the interviewer’s questions but were unable to form an answer in your mind in good time?

What happened is that you weren’t able to form an effective verbal response because you hadn’t practiced recalling answers to similar questions until it became second nature.

That is exactly why we give you practice tests or quizzes in our online training bootcamps … so that you will be practiced at recalling or formulating the correct answers to interview questions in a timely fashion!

Click here to read this post on: how to ace job interviews using practice tests

Do You Want To Be A Top Performer On The Job?

Becoming the top performer is one of the best ways of securing your job because employers no long hire for keeps.

In other words, the moment an employer thinks that your performance is falling or that your skills are not as good as that of someone else, you are marked for firing!

Being knowledgeable about your job is not enough to protect or secure it!

You also need to be skilled at responding with the right answers or solutions in a timely manner because that assures your managers that you know what you are doing.

This is where our practice tests can help you.

You will retain, remember or recall answers or solutions easily … so that you’re always ready for the next challenge!

Do You Want To Take Your Career To The Next Level?

Regardless of where you are in your career: whether you are a beginner versus an expert, looking for a job versus working on your next career promotion, learning a new skill or refreshing the knowledge you already have … we can help.

Our help is not restricted to paying clients or customers only! We will help any of our readers by answering their most pressing career questions.

To get your questions answered promptly, post them as a response to any of our blog posts or Submit a question to [ASK IT Career Coach] here …

What Do You Want From Your Career?

We do not just provide you with the knowledge needed to get your job done, we also provide the real-world, practical education or skills required for your professional success!

So, if you are only interested in theoretical knowledge and you don’t care about building skills or learning how to perform tasks, then a traditional college or diploma course may be good for you.

On the other hand, if you want to build your knowledge, skills and experience using an interactive coaching or mentoring experience or if you are looking to apply your knowledge in a real job, then our online training bootcamps may be what you are looking for!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/18/take-your-career-to-the-next-level/feed/ 0 Which Courses or Certifications Guarantee A Job? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/13/which-certifications-or-courses-guarantee-a-job/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/13/which-certifications-or-courses-guarantee-a-job/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:11:22 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3070

Which Certifications Or Courses Guarantee Jobs?

Which Certifications Or Courses Guarantee Jobs?

This question is frequently asked by job candidates searching for certifications or training courses they can put on their resume, present to an employer and get a job.

However, the answer to the question: which online courses, certifications, college degrees or classroom courses guarantee a job is NONE!

This type of question is seriously flawed because it assumes that there is something out there … a college degree or online course or certification program, that you can put on your resume and hired fast!

But what really guarantees you a job is the depth of your handson experience, skills and knowledge or your ability to convey, present or market your career competency in a job interview.

Yet many job candidates read a job posting and then immediately say to themselves: “regardless of the requirements for this job, who or what can endorse me?”

Instead of addressing the gaps between the job posting and their “skills, knowledge or experience”, they try to short-circuit the employment process with the rubber stamping of a course or certificate!

Listen, don’t try to game the employment system. The only way you can guarantee yourself a job is by giving employers what they want … which is typically stated in your plain view on the job posting!

Dear Friend,

Start your job search by first placing yourself in the employers shoes and not with pre-conceived, mis-leading or half-baked ideas on how the job market works!

In this post, I will help you understand how the job market works because this knowledge will keep you employable for years regardless of your chosen profession.

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS WANT FROM JOB SEEKERS?

The first and most important question that you have to answer before you begin a job search is the question: “What Are Employers Hiring For?“

At a minimum, 80% of the jobs out there have these basic requirements:

  1. Knowledge Requirement – the comprehension or understanding of the practical facts needed to get the job done.

    This knowledge may be gained from an online class, traditional classroom course, coaching, mentoring or self-study program.

    Employers don’t care how you get the knowledge … they just want to be assured that you have it!

  2. Skills Requirement – the ability to recall knowledge and apply the right solutions to problems.

    Skill is developed by rehearsing the answers or solutions to common problems using practice tests, quizzes or certification programs or by repeatedly solving a problem on the job.

    Most employers will probe your skill-level at the job interview regardless of what you claim on the resume.

  3. Handson Experience Requirement – the quality of exposure to real-world projects where your skills and knowledge are used to solve practical problems.

    Note that handson experience is not given by certification programs.

    Handson experience is developed over time by performing the roles, responsibilities or duties associated with your career.

  4. Personality Match Requirement – employers want you to have the right personality for a job and the right personality for their corporate or organizational structure.

    You may be a well-qualified job candidate and still fail at a job interview because the hiring manager perceives a clash or mis-match between your personality and the company culture!

  5. Marketability Requirement – the probability that you will get a job is also dependent on the demand for your skills.

    If you want additional guarantees that you will be hired … pay attention to the job outlook for your career!

    The less your skills are in-demand, the more aggressive you must be with your job search and the more your skills are in demand, the more you are guaranteed a job.

Now, let’s review the responsible actions you may take to guarantee yourself a job.

BRIDGE THE KNOWLEDGE GAP

Learn everything you can about your career or job using self-study, coaching, mentoring or training programs.

Don’t make up educational requirements thinking that it will move your employer to hire you.

Employers care less about your endorsement from an educational institution but they care most about the relevancy of your knowledge, training or education to their job!

BRIDGE THE SKILLS GAP

Your skills measure how practiced you are at solving problems or your competency.

Skills are developed by taking lots of practice tests or by repeating quizzes until you can answer questions or solve problems without thinking.

Expect an employer to test your skills by asking open-ended questions at a job interview …. which you have to answer promptly, comprehensively and confidently.

BRIDGE THE EXPERIENCE GAP

You can only develop handson experience by working on real-world problems.

So, the more tasks, duties, roles, responsibilities, assignments or projects you take on … the more experienced you become.

Be creative and find ways to get experience even without a job because your getting hired depends on it!

MATCH THE PERSONALITY

Employers want you to have the right personality for a career and also for their corporate culture.

Here are a few personality mis-match situations for your consideration:

Computer programmers are expected to be more geeky than business analysts and project managers are expected to be more assertive than either software developers or business analysts.

If you’re an introvert or shy of developing relationships or weak at verbal communications, you may fail at convincing hiring managers that you are good fit for their business analyst or project management jobs!

So, now you have it … THE GUARANTEED WAY OF FINDING A JOB.

Do not abandon these FUNDAMENTAL LAWS OF HIRING for endorsements of any kind because that would be like chasing your own shadow!

With all this in mind, here is how our online courses, coaching, training programs or step-by-step bootcamps will help you:

  1. Knowledge – You may get the knowledge needed to do your job through our online video training or coaching courses.
  2. Skills – You can use our quizzes or practice tests to boost your skills or even ace certification examinations.
  3. Experience – You can use our in-built, handson assignments or coaching advice to jumpstart the experience needed for your career.

This how we (IT Career Coach) help … by aligning you with the requirements of your career or job.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/13/which-certifications-or-courses-guarantee-a-job/feed/ 2 Pros and Cons of Business Analysts vs Computer Programmer Careers http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/08/pros-cons-business-analysts-computer-programmers/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/08/pros-cons-business-analysts-computer-programmers/#comments Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:48:08 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3060

Pros and Cons of Computer Programming vs. Business Analysis

Pros and Cons of Computer Programming vs. Business Analysis


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

I get a number of questions from computer programmers or software developers looking to change their careers to business analysis or project management.

I also receive questions about the suitability of business analysis, project management or computer programming as a career.

If you sent me a question along these lines, please use this post to evaluate your choices or decide on the best career for you!

This post highlights the pros and cons of “ business analysts careers compared to computer programmer careers or jobs“.

  1. Market Demand for Skills or Careers

    Finding a Software Developer Job is easier than getting hired for a business analyst or project management job because there is a lot of demand for software developers.

    As a matter of fact .NET Developers are in a class of their own because they get hired more easily than other computer programmers and definitely more than business analysts or project managers!

  2. Job Satisfaction

    A business analyst or project manager job spends a lot of time interacting with people (customers, stakeholders, management), projects, processes.

    The advice presented by a business analyst or project manager has a much better chance of being accepted by management than those of computer programmers who spend most of their time tinkering with computers and software products.

  3. Salary, Wages or Compensation

    Software Developers (especially .NET computer programmers) get paid more than business analysts or project managers in many projects.

    It is not untypical for good .NET computer programmers to bill more than $50/hr. or earn from the upper 90k to six figures even with junior to mid-level experience!

  4. Stress & Lifestyle After Working Hours

    Project Managers or Business Analysts are less affected by the pace of technological change than software developers.

    As a business analyst or project manager you may end up having more leisure or personal time after work unlike a computer programmer who is always learning new technologies after work (in the evenings and weekends)!

    Computer Programmers sometimes lose their jobs or burnout because of the stress associated with always learning new software tools or the rapid pace of technological change!

  5. Stress & Lifestyle During Working Hours

    Project Managers or Business Analysts are always bridging gaps between opposing or conflicting points of views or in-meetings helping different interest groups buyin to a common goal or strategy.

    So a business analyst or project manager’s day job is more challenging or stressful compared to a computer programmer’s who is given specifications or specific tasks and then left alone to get their job done!

    Business Analysts or Project Managers sometimes lose their jobs or burnout because of the stress associated with the high degree of conflict on their day job.

  6. Big Picture Thinkers

    Business Analysts or Project Managers tend to have a more comprehensive view of their projects or organizations.

    They are more exposed to the big-picture, organizational goals and objectives, strategy sessions, upper or senior management and they can influence things from that perspective.

    Computer Programmers are more likely to be focused on the minutiae or details.

    Computer programmers tend to obsess over small things and they are frequently on a need to know basis with their management team.

    In some organizations or projects, they spend all their time hunting down bugs, fixing them or improving the quality of their product one defect at a time!

  7. Portability of Skills

    Computer Programmers (especially .NET Software Developers) have very portable skills.

    They can switch industries easily (insurance to banking), migrate their skills to new software development platforms or jobs (mobile applications, internet applications, database applications, desktop applications) or even move to a new country and get a job easily!

    On the other hand, a lot of people want to be business analysts or project managers because of the hipness, coolness, job satisfaction and big-picture benefits.

    Finding a business analyst job may be harder because you have to stand out from this crowd of wannabes!

    Click here to read the post titled: 8 Tips for Business Analysts: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market.

    Finally, a lot of business analyst jobs require domain specific business or industry knowledge which limits the ease with which a business analyst can migrate to a new industry or find a job!

  8. Authority & Control

    Computer programmers are frequently micro-managed.

    Their exists in many organizations an adverse relationship between the management team and the software development team.

    It is so bad that outsiders like me are hired to mediate or resolve the conflict which is what I was tasked with doing as an IT Director for a company in the Mid-Western, USA.

    The genesis of this distrust is that management often cannot see the progress made by software developers or understand their challenges because they are typically big-picture thinkers.

    On the other hand, Business Analysts or Project Managers are more likely to give directions software developers directions or supervise the work that computer programmers perform!

    Besides all this, the work performed by business analysts or project managers is highly visible to stakeholders, management or business teams!

  9. Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

    Software Developers depend more on technical or hard skills to get their job done.

    Software developers are always learning new software tools or creating them using a number of technologies, platforms, tools or software development environments.

    Business Analysts or Project Managers depend more or soft skills or people skills to get their job done.

    They are always meeting with people in a one on one or group setting. They are skilled at presentations, communications, inter-personal relationships, conflict resolution, writing or speaking tasks.

    Answer this Question:

    What is your greatest asset, is it your hard skills or your soft skills?

  10. Career Security

    Software developers tend to have more career security than either business analysts or computer programmers because of the following reasons:

    • High Portability: Software developers can port their skills or careers easily across domains, industries, countries or jobs.
    • High Demand: Software developers are in high-demand because of the demand for internet, desktop, mobile applications or services.
    • High Salary: Software developers are amongst the first crop of professionals hired in startups and many of them have gone on to start their own companies and become wealthy in the process!
    • Intellectual Property: Software developers are more likely to patent or copyright their inventions, products or services! They tend to lead the pace of innovation and are more likely to take ownership for their products or services.

    Click here to read more about the job prospects for software developers in 2011.

Here is how to quickly find which career you’re better suited for.

Are you more concerned about finding a job quickly or getting paid very well than you’re about job satisfaction and do you like working with technology? If so, choose the .NET Software Developer Career Path.

Are you more concerned about the prestige, control, hipness, coolness or likeability of your job and are you good at resolving inter-personal conflicts or working with groups of people? If so, choose the business analyst or project management career path!

So there you have it, A review of the suitability of software developer and business analyst jobs.

What do you think of my advice? Do you agree or disagree? Do you have Any questions or rebuttals?


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/08/pros-cons-business-analysts-computer-programmers/feed/ 2 Breaking News: Software Engineers Have The Best Jobs In 2011 http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/05/software-engineers-best-job-2011/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/05/software-engineers-best-job-2011/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:12:33 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3056

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

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

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

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

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

Software Developers Have The Best Careers

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

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

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

I Like Debunking Myths

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

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

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

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

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


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/05/software-engineers-best-job-2011/feed/ 0 #6 Success Principle: The Proof Of Your Desire Is In Your Pursuit http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/24/success-principle-the-proof-of-desire-is-pursuit/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/24/success-principle-the-proof-of-desire-is-pursuit/#comments Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:33:34 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3042

Pursuit Is The Proof Of Desire

Pursuit Is The Proof Of Desire


Life Is About What You Have … And Not About What You Don’t Have!

I get a number of questions along the lines of:

I am 25 / 39 / 50 years old, I don’t have any work experience and I don’t have a college degree.

But I want to become a good business analyst / computer programmer / project manager, what do I have to do?

If you find yourself thinking along those lines, this is what you should do: use what you have to get what you want!

What do I mean by: “using what you have to get what you want?“

Right now, here is what you’ve got working for you:

  1. Interest
  2. Desire
  3. Passion

Right now, all you may have working for you is some desire or interest in an occupation or some passion or love for an industry. And that may not seem like much if weighed against your advanced age or lack of money, educational qualifications or handson experience.

Make a list of what you consider positive about your life and let the rest of your negatives (lack of college degree, lack of work experience, lack of skills, lack of anything) take care of themselves along the way.

What does that mean?

Your interest, desire or passion is one of the greatest assets in life because any achievement that is worthwhile in career, business or life is founded on passion … and those that are truly successful are so because of their passion!

The Proof of your Desire is in your Pursuit

The proof of desire is in the steps you’re taking right now towards your career … what does that mean?

If you are passionate about a career, you should take the first steps towards realizing your passion or keep moving forward in the direction of your interests until you actually hit a brickwall!

Why? Because it’s only when we fully realize the opportunities presented to us … that new doors or opportunities open up.

Invest in Your Passion

The first or most important step that you can take is to learn the career that you are interested in … business analysis, project management, computer programming, data analysis, software testing etc.

There’s no reason for not studying the career that you’re passionate about because there are all sorts of options for learning anything.

You may learn from textbooks purchased at Amazon.com, take an online course or get a college degree.

If finding money is a challenge, you may purchase fairly used but inexpensive textbook versions or you may take an online training course at a fraction of traditional college costs!

So, there is no excuse for not learning the occupation you’re interested in.

Don’t Put The Cart Before The Horse

Without studying a career, you’ll not be able to practice it and without handson experience, you may not be qualified for a job!

If you are transitioning into business analysis / computer programming / project management, do not start by first looking for handson experience … that is putting the cart before the horse.

Do you want to know, one good reason why putting handson experience before knowledge is not a good idea?

Handson experience is gained by applying what you know to the problems or challenges facing an industry.

In other words, if you haven’t studied an occupation, you won’t be able to recall or reuse available solutions or solve the problems and challenges found within that occupation.

So, when faced with a problem the best that you will be able to do, is guess or mock around.

NOTE: Potential employers or hiring managers do not want to hire those that don’t know what they are doing. Instead they want to hire those who not only know what they are doing, but they have done it several times before!

Monetize Your Passion

Take the first step by learning, next get handson experience and finally get a job.

If you have taken the time to learn an occupation and you have gained sufficient handson experience, then spend all your time marketing yourself into a job.

Dear Friend, focus all your energy on taking the next step in-front of you.

Don’t worry about all the things that you can’t do yet, because when you take care of your immediate challenges, doors for moving forward will open up.

  • Step 1: Study what you love
  • Step 2: Get some experience doing what you love
  • Step 3: Get a job doing what you love

It is only when you’ve completed the first two steps that you have the best chances of sending out your resume, taking job interviews and getting a job.

Trying to get a job without handson experience or looking for handson experience without first studying for an occupation … is what stops your career from moving forward!

This is how to move your career forward even if all you have is: interest, passion or desire.

The proof of your intentions is in taking the right steps to achieve them … so what’re you waiting for? Get Moving!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/24/success-principle-the-proof-of-desire-is-pursuit/feed/ 0 Complete What You Start! How To Stop Doing Things Halfway http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/03/complete-what-you-start-how-to-stop-doing-things-halfway/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/03/complete-what-you-start-how-to-stop-doing-things-halfway/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:56:43 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2923

Successful Project Completion

Complete What You Start

Completing projects on time and under budget is required for success in any profession.

That is why this question submitted by a software developer on how to complete assigned projects or tasks is a must read.

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

If you enjoy reading this post, please be sure to … Share this Post with Friends

Here is the Reader’s Question

I am a software developer. I like to solve problems.

I like to identify tasks that are done in complex processes and simplify them. So, I decided that I would follow my passion with software development because i understand software development is about solving problems.

I love programming. It gives me joy. But the problem I have is that I start applications and don’t finish them.

I found out that I have a pattern of starting applications and after the GUI or design stage, I tend to leave them and start something else when i get to a point that i can’t solve.

I also found out that I tend to leave and start new ones because I feel I could do better with the
new project.

As a result of these, I have a pile of unfinished applications that are products of really good ideas.

This problem is almost costing my job.

How To Complete What You Start Or Stop Doing Things Halfway

Software Developers often run into this challenge when they underestimate the complexity of their programming assignments or tasks or go about the software development in an unstructured manner.

Here are some tips on how to avoid that …

  1. Plan Your Programming Tasks

    Start by listing the types of tasks that you will be performing. These tasks will depend on the type of application that you are building but will generally include database design & development, user interface design & development and some custom business logic.

    Your list of tasks will also include business analysis / requirements documentation, software testing / QA review and support / maintenance tasks.

    Assign a duration or time to each task as part of your estimation and planning process.

    This exercise will help you estimate the amount of time you will need to complete the application.

  2. Design your Application Before Coding

    Design your databases, including the table relationships, primary / foreign keys first.

    Then proceed to the GUI. You don’t have to build the GUI yet, just list out all the screens that will be needed first and then the purpose of each screen and the fields that are needed on the screen.

    Finally, give some thought to your business logic.

    If you are programming with a modern, object oriented language like Microsoft.NET (C#, ASP.NET, Visual Basic.NET), you will have to organize your code into classes with properties, methods and events.

    A common mistake is to start coding the application logic without considering the organization, purpose or relationship between the classes in the application.

    This mistake is sometimes due to the assumption that planning, designing or architecting the classes used in the application can be done on the fly … don’t make that mistake :-)

    This exercise will help you estimate the complexity of your project.

  3. Follow An Agile Software Development Process

    Cowboy Coders are no longer heroes. Agile Software Developers Are King.

    Learn how to code in an agile, iterative fashion and you will improve dramatically on completing your programming tasks or projects.

    The beauty of agile programming is that it allows you to build working versions of your software all the time.

    Because your employer receives working or updated versions of your software frequently, they will want to share their feedback or excitement which motivates you towards completing the next working version.

    Breaking up a task into smaller pieces which are more easily accomplished is key to successfully completing your coding projects because that is how we get naturally get things done!

Finally, note that handling complexity in coding is key to successful application development.

Completing what you start is achieved by first planning your programming tasks, designing your application on paper and coding in an iterative, agile manner.

The lesson learnt here is that completing projects or tasks requires wearing both project management and business analysis hat!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/03/complete-what-you-start-how-to-stop-doing-things-halfway/feed/ 0 Cowboy Coder Or Agile Programmer? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/26/cowboy-coder-or-agile-programmer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/26/cowboy-coder-or-agile-programmer/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:21:56 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2845

Cowboy Coder Or Agile Programmer

Cowboy Coder Or Agile Programmer

Are You A Cowboy Coder Or Agile Software Developer?

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

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

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

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

Cowboy Coding Is Dead, Long Live Cowboy Coding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Are Cowboys

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

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

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

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

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

    This goes against the natural habit of undisciplined cowboy coders.

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

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

Developers Go Agile!

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

  1. Faster Time To Market:

    Agile developers work for their clients or customers.

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

  2. Customer As King:

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

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

  3. Agile Project Management:

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

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

  4. Agile Software Testing:

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

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

Case Study: An Agile Developer Breaks The Cycle Of Unemployment

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

Un-employed C/C++ Programmer

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

Transition From C/C++ Programming

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

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

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

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


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/26/cowboy-coder-or-agile-programmer/feed/ 7 Personal Branding for the IT Professional http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/12/01/personal-branding-for-the-it-professional/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/12/01/personal-branding-for-the-it-professional/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:22:08 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2729

Personal Branding Book

Personal Branding Book

The concept of personal branding is all the buzz these days, but it is really a common sense approach to business and career that has been around for a long time and is now back with a new twist and new technologies thrown into the mix. Basically, image is everything.

What do employers think of when they see you, speak to you, read your resume or your internet profile? If you are not sure what your brand conveys, or you’re not sure you have a solid personal brand, then you need to read Me 2.0 by Dan Schawbel.

This is book is an absolute must-read for every person who takes his or her career seriously. It provides insights that you can use to take control of your career and extend your networking capabilities to give you an edge in getting the career you want.

Me 2.0 gives you:
A proven 4-step process for building a powerful brand (discover, create, communicate, maintain).

Tips on using social media tools for personal empowerment, confidence building, and professional networking in order to attract jobs directly to you, without applying!

Tested advice on how to create an online and offline presence for career protection and self-promotion.

More than 70 research reports, three personal case studies and examples to give you a broader perspective on the topic.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/12/01/personal-branding-for-the-it-professional/feed/ 0 How To Become A CRM Business Analyst Consultant http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/29/how-to-become-a-crm-business-analyst-consultant/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/29/how-to-become-a-crm-business-analyst-consultant/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:58:56 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2600

customer relationship management business analyst

customer relationship management business analyst

This question was posted by Sri who needs advice on “how to transition careers to customer relationship management (CRM) business analysis.”

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 Sri’s questions below!

Please, send this post to your friends “Using this Link” .

Here is Sri’s Question on Becoming A Domain Business Analyst

Hi Kingsley,

The reason I wanted to move into CRM is that it being an evergreen field, thats what I feel from my understanding that for any business to be successful it must be customer centric.

And how else can a business be successful without serving its customers better through their processes which revolve around customer and thus automating those processes in order to manage their relationships with customers in an efficient manner.

Also since recession has hit an all time high thus companies have a better role to play in order to retain their existing customers by integrating Customer Relationship Management tools in their organization and realizing the benefits of it.

I wanted to do a SAP-CRM but dont know how to go about it since SAP industry doesnt take in freshers for such domains without a life cycle implementation experience.

So I would like you to advise how I can go ahead with my CRM career with or without SAP or what others tools knowlege is better in order to get into BA-CRM role.

Thanks and Regards,

Sri

How To Become A CRM Business Analyst

Recent reports suggest that the world-wide CRM market will double in a short time driven by CRM projects in every industry including Healthcare and Life sciences.

For example, the consulting firm KensingtonHouse estimates that the percentage of companies deploying, upgrading, or actively considering a CRM purchase stands at 38 percent.

Against this background, Gartner recently predicted that “25 percent of CRM projects will be postponed or canceled because of the CRM skill shortage in consultants and systems integrators.”

So, you are right in saying that there are good opportunities in the CRM Industry for business analysts.

I would like to offer you a surprise, free coaching session on “How You Can Transition To A CRM Business Analyst Career”.

Here is what your customized coaching plan will cover:

  1. Hands-On Domain Experience: how to get CRM business analysis hands-on domain experience without first getting a full-time job

  2. Resume Makeover: how to customize your resume with the relevant CRM experience

  3. CRM Skills: how to figure out which CRM tools or CRM processes you should learn based on a SWOT analysis

  4. Career Marketing: how to market your customized CRM resume or skills directly to hiring managers or clients!

I will be contacting or corresponding with you directly on the details of your “CRM Businesss Analysis Coaching plan“.

Here is some additional information for you to consider before we start your customized CRM career coaching session

What Is The State of The CRM Job Market?

The CRM Job market is divided into a demand for business analysts and system integrators who work on improving or implementing CRM packages and CRM Developers who work on customizing CRM existing packages or creating CRM software solutions from scratch.

Which CRM Tools Should I Learn?

You need to evaluate both the popularity of a CRM tool in as well as the cost of learning the tool.

Because some CRM software packages require extensive investments of time and money to learn. Other are much more affordable for the client who’s adopting it and for the Business Analyst who’s learning it.

Regardless of the CRM package you choose to learn, you need to get a clear understanding of specific CRM processes like Sales Force Automation (SFA) which can be implemented in any tool.

After learning one or more CRM Software Packages, apply for CRM business analyst jobs by emphasizing your knowledge of CRM processes over the tools except when you have strong first hand knowledge of the CRM tool mentioned in the Job opening.

Here are a few CRM business analyst career paths for you to consider:

  1. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Business Analyst

  2. Salesforce.com CRM Business Analyst

  3. Oracle (PeopleSoft CRM / Siebel CRM) Business Analyst

  4. Sugar CRM Business Analyst Business Analyst

How To Become A CRM Domain Business Analyst

Have you considered going beyond the traditional CRM business analyst career path by consulting or freelancing on CRM issues. .. this is an example of a question you need to evaluate for our custom business analysis coaching session!

You also have to ignore using a traditional job search! Prepare a marketing plan that defines who your target market is amongst other things and how you would market your resume (advertising, networking, cold calling, speaking, etc.) to them.

If you want to consider a non-traditional CRM business analyst consulting path, you should prepare a business plan that addresses questions like:

  1. Are you going to provide CRM consulting services by yourself or

  2. Hire employees, consultants or contractors to provide CRM services to clients through your business

Finally, consider using the power of the web, internet and social media to market your services.

This post answers a question on how to transition careers to CRM business analysis.

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


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/29/how-to-become-a-crm-business-analyst-consultant/feed/ 9 How The Starving Artist Achieves Career Success Using Social Media http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/24/how-the-starving-artist-achieves-career-success-using-social-media/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/24/how-the-starving-artist-achieves-career-success-using-social-media/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:24:30 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2543

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756 – 1791

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756 – 1791


Have you ever heard of “The Starving Artist”? It’s an often used cliché that describes talented, skilled or creative folks like writers, painters, musicians or others who starve while doing what they love.

The idea behind the Starving Artist is “an individual who works for pennies and then dies broke doing what he or she loves”.

Some of history’s renowned or talented artists like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Vivaldi and Van Gogh lived in poverty, misery or debt because their society didn’t care for or reward them.

But wait a moment, do skilled, talented, creative folks like you and me, have to work for pennies all our lives … just because we want to do what we love or is that just another myth?

Long Live the Media Age

On the contrary, talented, skilled or educated folks run the world because the media age, the internet and social media has changed the way we do business forever.

In the media age, anyone who’s skilled can making a living by leveraging the full power of Social Media Networks like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook.

In the era of the Starving Artists, the creative or common folk couldn’t afford to show, present or air their works to mass markets because that investment required the purse strings of a King, Queen or Financial Baron.

However, in the Media Age, you can communicate your resume, your profile or your brand with the push of a button called “Publish”.

Many professionals including those in academia use the “Publish or Perish” strategy in furthering their careers and now you can too!

Publish or Perish, Which Do You Choose?

Your career is bigger than your job, employment or paycheck because your career is the problem you’re solving or the value you’re creating at an intrinsic personal level.

Don’t make the mistake of always looking for the next job or the next employer or the next hot career.

Look inside of you and identify the core problems you’re willing to solve or values (goods, services, solutions) you’re willing to create for society on a long-term basis.

Then use Social Media to communicate your new mission to the mass market.

That is how to achieve career success using PULL techniques as introduced in the post “Become a Leader“.

Here is how to get the job you want or stay employed using PULL rather than PUSH techniques:

  1. Become a Leader in your Industry: Identify with your Industry outside your 8AM to 5PM work day. Start solving a thorny business problem or creating a valuable idea, good or service that benefits others.

  2. Build your Brand: Create a message around the value you’re creating for everyone. Let your message transcend your day job. Build your identity around your core message and include that in your resume.

  3. Market your Brand: Distribute your brand using the full power of social media networks. Don’t wait till you need a job before you start marketing because you need to build your social network before you need it.

Becoming a Leader is a powerful PULL technique that advances your career for the following reasons:

  1. Industry Recognition: Being constantly visible in your industry sends subtle reminders to hiring managers that you’re the best person for current or future employment needs.

  2. Better Positioning: Staying in constant contact with colleagues or decision managers using Social Media puts you in a better position compared to an unknown professional whose only contact is an application for a job.

  3. Power Networking: You own or belong to a social network, the members of the network are your friends and you care about their business or solve their problems. Your social networks are in your debt and are willing to return favors by getting you hired.

Learning how to become a leader is important because it actively protects you from layoffs or downsizes and does more by actively promoting or advancing your career behind your back.

Don’t be a “Starving Artist” … a professional whose only communication with hiring managers is when a job is posted.

You can do better that a “starving artist” by building your own brand and your own network of potential employers using the power of Social Media.

Leveraging the full power of social media protects you from becoming a starving artist, an un-employed professional whose career is at the mercy of the job market!

So, what are you waiting for? Click here to get more information on How To Become a Leader” or learn how to get the recognition or type of employment (coaching, consulting or full-time) you deserve!


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/24/how-the-starving-artist-achieves-career-success-using-social-media/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!

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

Here is the Challenging Situation:

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

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

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

How To Learn Multiple Programming Languages

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

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

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

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

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

Should Junior / Entry-Level Programmers Learn Multiple Languages?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I Learn A Software Development Platform?

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

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

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

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

Should I Mix and Match Programming Languages?

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

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

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

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

  1. Learn programming languages one at time.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/feed/ 9 Do Business Analysts Need Computer Programmer Skills? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/19/do-business-analysts-need-computer-programmer-skills/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/19/do-business-analysts-need-computer-programmer-skills/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:43:55 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2268

Business Analysts Learn Computer Programming

Business Analysts Learn Computer Programming

Are database development, computer programming, data analysis or web development required skills for Business Analysts?

Perhaps you’ve seen, heard about or applied for jobs asking for a broad or seemingly impossible range of skill sets?

Like those job descriptions for business analysts requiring computer programming skills or those for PMP Certified Project Managers with 5 years of software development experience!

This post addresses “how to bridge the gap between business analyst skills and unfair job descriptions written-up by Information Technology (IT) departments”

Bridging The Gap Between Business And Information Technology (IT) Careers

I would like to know if Business analysts are expected to know more about programming.

I attended a job interview last week and the interviewer was hesitant to consider me for the post of business analyst (BA) as i have no coding experience.

Do i need to know about database design, structure etc for me to be a good BA?

All along in my previous projects the database design, architecture and technology were decided by the technical team and DBA’s and i come into the picture as BA only after everything has been finalized.

But i was a Junior (jr.) BA and now im applying for the position of senior BA and people point out my lack of coding experience.

“Here is the answer to the challenges created by business analyst job descriptions which are worded to include programming and database skills”!

  1. Looking from the business analysts (job seekers) perspective, you may be tempted to say NO.

    You may also argue that computer programming tasks should be left ONLY to software developer job descriptions.

  2. Looking from the perspective of employers, recruiters or hiring managers, you may say YES because business analyst job descriptions are just a means to an end!

    For employers or hiring managers, the end is always the same (the job that needs to be done) … and job descriptions are just a means to achieving that!

So, which of these two perspectives (the employers or the job seekers) is the right one?

  1. The employer who only cares about getting work done and will use any job description to achieve that end or …

  2. The business analyst who feels overwhelmed by requirements for computer programming skills on business analyst job descriptions?

To this question correctly, we need to understand the roots of the conflict! So, let’s take a look at the source of gaps between IT Job Descriptions and Business Analyst Careers.

Introducing The IT Business Analyst

  • The Information Technology (IT) Business Analyst Role Is Slowly Coming To Maturity

    As the roles of the computer programmer, database developer and systems analyst matured, the “IT Business Analyst” role evolved to fill analysis and requirements tasks left out of software development roles.

  • The Accidental Business Analyst?

    As software development teams improve their requirements management or software development processes, some computer programmers begin picking up the requirements gathering and analysis tasks left undone by their team members.

    These Accidental Business Analysts are usually computer programmers or systems analysts with strong people, communication, business and requirements management skills who transition into or assume the role of the IT Business Analyst.

Some employers have not achieved a separation between “IT Business Analyst Roles” and “Computer Programmer Roles” in their minds.

For these employers, the distinctions between IT Business Analysts and Computer Programmers are a superficial play on words … hence the business analyst job description written-up to include computer programming languages!

So, back again to the question; “should a business analyst learn computer programming languages or acquire database development skills”?

  • Are You Looking For A Business Analyst Job?

    1. If you’re not looking for a business analyst job then you don’t need to learn computer programming (except if your employer mandates it).

      If you’re really that secure in your current business analyst job and know for a fact that you won’t be looking anytime soon … then you may argue that programming is not for business analysts :-)

    2. If you’re looking for a business analyst job and you want to go the extra mile for prospective employers, then go-ahead and learn some computer programming!

      It’s really the attitude that matters because job descriptions are not intended to be perfect and in the employer’s eyes, they’re just a means to an end.

      Put Yourself In The Employers Shoes for a moment and you will begin to see that it’s not personal. The employer only wants what’s best for the company and if they’re so inclined, you may help them by learning some computer programming!

    Give Employers What They’re Asking For

    I strongly believe that you should give employers what they want instead of wondering about the fairness or correctness of business analyst job descriptions!

    1. Perhaps, you feel overwhelmed by the requirements for computer programming or database skills in business analyst job descriptions.

    2. Or you feel that it’s unfair to expect business analysts to perform programming tasks

    Get a clue, if you’re not the one hiring, then your feelings are irrelevant!

    In today’s competitive job market, you will fare better by addressing the employers concerns because if you don’t, someone else … who is more hungry or desperate than you will!

    Another business analyst who wants to provide the required programing services will get the job you need!


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    ]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/19/do-business-analysts-need-computer-programmer-skills/feed/ 21 How To Become A Marketing and Sales Business Analyst http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/12/how-to-become-a-marketing-sales-business-analyst/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/12/how-to-become-a-marketing-sales-business-analyst/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:04:49 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2224

    marketing and sales business analyst

    marketing and sales business analyst

    Granted, changing careers is challenging but you must learn how to believe in yourself before expecting employers to believe in and hire you!

    Eleanor Roosevelt words; “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” rings true for career changers.

    Begin your career transition by first discovering yourself. Look for the gold in your career, put yourself in an employers shoes and transition from a position of strength. Finally, get your foot in the door at any cost :-)

    This post addresses the challenges facing marketing and sales professionals “changing careers or transitioning to the business analyst profession”!

    How Do I Change My Career From Marketing And Sales To Business Analysis?

    I am transitioning from a career dominated by sales/marketing in insurance industry to IT Business Analysis.

    I don’t know where to start. I think with the change in Business Analysis being so dynamic, I should be able to learn the newest technology/demand and grow from there.

    Any advise as to where to start?

    Transitioning From Marketing and Sales To A Business Analyst Career

    Yes, you can change careers and become a business analyst coming from a Marketing and Sales background.

    Begin by learning how the business analyst job market works and then discover what business analyst employers are hiring for!

    1. Can You Become A Specialist (Domain Business Analyst)?

      Employers are hiring specialized business analysts with strong domain knowledge, expertise and background gained by working in an industry.

      Industries that employ domain business analysts include Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Sales, Marketing, Pharma, Telco, Healthcare, Finance, Banking, Insurance, Logistics, Procurement, Supply Chain Management and more.

      The job market for domain business analysts is driven by employers who need practical business skills or solutions based on a working knowledge of how specific industries operate.

      The Accidental Business Analyst: Some employees with a deep business knowledge and a basic understanding of requirements elicitation or modeling are sometimes promoted into the domain business analyst role.

    2. Can You Become A Generalist (IT Business Analyst)?

      Employers are also hiring for Information Technology (IT) business analysts with skills or background in “gathering and analyzing requirements for information systems and software development projects“.

      Employers looking to hire IT business analysts plan to utilize their analysis and requirements modeling skills in a wide number of generic business or technology functions such as marketing, sales, customer relationship management (CRM) finance, information technology (IT), software development, etc.

      The Accidental Business Analyst: Some system analysts or software developers with good communication skills, inter-personal skills and hands-on business knowledge are promoted to the IT Business Analyst role.

    3. Put Yourself in The Employers Shoes

      Employers are hiring for business analysts with backgrounds in information systems and software development or working business knowledge of a specific domains and industries.

      The question for you is; “what types of business analyst jobs are you more likely to get hired for, based on your marketing and sales background?“

      Don’t be looking at your career transition from the perspective of “what’s in it for you” or “what’s hot” or “what pays the most” because you won’t stand out or distinguish yourself that way!

      Put yourself in the employers shoes and approach your career transition from the point of view of “what’s in it for the employer”!

      Employers hire workers who prove that they’re capable of solving the problems or challenges facing them.

    4. Get Your Foot In The Door First!

      My first career transition as a college graduate was from Chemical Engineering career to Information Technology (IT) Consulting.

      However, my first challenge and yours, if you’re changing careers was; “how to get my foot in the door”.

      I got my foot in the door by first working in IT Sales and then transitioning to IT Consulting after I gained enough exposure and experience!

      The lesson to be learned is that patience and planning are need for career transitions. Don’t give up on your goals because of a lack of skills and experience. First get your foot in the door (at any reasonable cost) and then get the job you want!

    5. Transition From A Position Of Strength!

      Don’t be obsessing on your weaknesses and don’t lose focus of your strengths because everyone has something to offer and so do you!

      An appreciation of what makes you unique, what distinguishes you or what you excel at will help you stand out, get noticed and get hired!

      That’s what SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis uncovers (your competitive strengths) and personal branding improves (what makes you unique)!

      Ask yourself this question; “why would anyone believe in me … if I neglect to believe in myself”?

      So, don’t forget to build your own brand because employers hire those who believe in themselves!

    6. Look For The Gold In Your Career

      There is gold in your background, all you need to do is dig it up by using your current marketing and sales domain knowledge to your advantage!

      Since you already have a practical working knowledge of marketing and sales, what stops you from using that to your advantage?

      If you change careers or transition to a marketing, sales or crm business analyst job, you’ll be able to transfer, use or get credit for your background and experience.

      On the other hand, if you’re competing for IT Business Analyst Jobs or Telco, Healthcare, Pharma, Automotive, Insurance, Finance Domain Jobs you’ll get no credit for the years you’ve worked!

      So, though you may be looking to get away from your current profession, use it to get your foot in the door first, before leaving it completely!

    Based on your 5 years in marketing and sales, I would say that you’re a stronger candidate for marketing and sales business analyst jobs than IT business analyst (ba) jobs or ba jobs in other domains like finance, telco, pharma, etc.

    Begin by first discovering yourself, look for the gold in your career, put yourself in the employers shoes, transition from a position of strength and get your foot in the door as a first step towards changing your career.

    What Did Eleanor Roosevelt Say?

    Finally, I”ll leave you with the words of Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady and wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt – 32nd US president); “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams“

    This post answers the question of how to change careers and become a business analyst, coming from a business analyst background.

    If you have questions about your business analyst career, be sure to post it as a comment on this page and it will be answered.


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    ]]>     http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/12/how-to-become-a-marketing-sales-business-analyst/feed/ 14     What Is The Job Of A Report Writer? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/03/what-is-the-job-of-a-report-writer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/03/what-is-the-job-of-a-report-writer/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:14:09 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2142

    Ask IT Career Coach

    Ask IT Career Coach

    Can one make a career or earn a living out of just writing SQL Reports?

    Considering that there’s more to the SQL Report Writer’s job than just writing reports, the answer is yes!

    The following question was posted by a report writer who is trying to get a handle on the duties, roles, responsibilities or functions of a SQL Report Writer.

    Can I Make A Career Out Of SQL Report Writing?

    Can one make a career out of just writing SQL Reports?

    If so, do you think corporations are getting lazy by overpaying SQL Report Writers $65K+ just for writing Reports.

    I develop database documents, flow charts, append revisions.. When approved i create the sql, the error checking, import required data for setup… Move on to programming … building database connections, run load performance tools (custom built).. modify tables as needed, modify documentation as needed.. bench mark the sites and move on to the next…

    I failed to mention the part where i build custom reports based on the clients needs, exporting to csv/excel/data dumps for other programs/complex dump algorythms

    Does the SQL Report Writer have to care about the semantics of database design or the value of the data stored?

    The Job Of A SQL Report Writer

    The SQL Report Writer’s role is often misunderstood as just writing reports.

    The reality is that a SQL Report Writer’s job is often more involved!

    The Report Writer has to know the value of the data, where it is coming from, how to get at or extract it, how to clean it and verify that it is accurate and how to present information correctly using charts, graphs, aggregates, statistical computations, etc.

    1. The Report Writer’s duties includes optimizing or fine tuning slow running reports. The performance of a report may degrade over time as additional data is loaded into tables or as more tables are joined to get at the required data.

      A report may degrade in performance over a period of time or run slowly because the joins are inefficient or because the sql statements need to be optimized or because the data structures (indexes) used in the tables need to be optimized or for other reasons.

      Whatever the situation, the Report Writer is responsible for monitoring the performance of reports and taking corrective action to optimize or improve the performance of the reports when necessary.

    2. The Report Writer’s job role includes reconciling discrepancies between the expectations of data managers and information presented in their reports. A report writer has to spend part of their time validating or proving to decision managers that the data presented on their results are valid or accurate.

    3. The Enterprise Report Writer is responsible for writing the reports needed for different teams, managers, decision makers or departments.

      Some of the reports may use computed or aggregated columns (averages, sums or statistical computations) and the report writer has to write subqueries, nested queries and complex sql statements to present the required data.

    4. The Report Writer may have to access, import, extract, transfer or load data from heterogeneous data sources (Oracle, AS/400, SQL SERVER, TEXT FILES, Microsoft Access).

      As enterprises grow, they collect data across a network of legacy mainframe applications, geographic boundaries, time zones, and corporate divisions, data warehouses and databases.

    5. The Report Writer’s job description includes presenting timely, up to date or current data. This is especially important for time sensitive reports or nightly reports that need to run successfully before the day shift starts or reports that are compiled at the end of a quarter or business cycle.

      Time sensitive reports include monthly statements (bank statements) or reports that need to be printed or mailed by a certain date or reports that need to be available early in the morning for a trading / securities desk or financial / investment team.

    Yes, there are lot of reasons why a company will hire dedicated SQL Report Writers and Pay them Well :-)

    This post answers a question about “Making A Career Out Of SQL Report Writing”!

    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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