How To Become A Faster Programmer?

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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There is a lot of good career advice on this blog. This advice is for all you good people that have been so kind as to listen to me.

I am always interested in hearing from you, especially after you put my advice to work.

Today’s post is just a reminder to put my advice to work because it works.

Here is an email from a reader who got a JOB by doing what I say:

Hi, I kept reading your articles about the IT career to choose.

I was doing Field Service Engineering (Desktop support) and since when I was in school I have always in love with programming.

While I worked, I studied Intro to Java and Advanced J2ee and my wishful java career open right in front of my eyes.

I wanted to evolve from support to development so, I kept reading on how developers are getting paid and what to do to get your first java job without an industrial experience.

A company was looking for java devs and I applied and bam! in my face, my second interview for the java developer and I did my best during my interview and their assessment and got the JOB.

Thankx alot guys, I appreciate your work and your coaching is too valuable …

It’s Not What You Know It’s What You Do

Dear Friend,

When you read my article, take your pen and paper and jot down either things that you will do differently or questions that you want to ask me based on the information I’m given you.

Remember that reading all this precious advice is not enough. You’ve got to put it into practice and REAP the benefits in your career!

Thanks again for hanging out on my website, reading my blog posts daily and using my advice

I appreciate you

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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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Stay Ahead of the Curve!

Have you ever wondered how some people stay ahead of rapidly changing technologies while others seem to let their skills become extinct like the Dodo?

Well, apparently, someone in Dubai, U.A.E. wants to know the answer so badly that he sent in his question by postal mail!

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!

NOTE: There is an e-book at the bottom of this post on “How To Stay Ahead of The Technology Curve”. Be sure to download and read it, ok?

Here is The Question on How To Stay Ahead of the Technology Learning Curve

Dear Kingsley,

Having come to be known about you as a pioneer IT Coach, I need some information from you if you can help me.

At present, I am reading a book Microsoft Office 2003 bible which includes all the basic and in depth functionalities of excel, word, powepoint, access, outlook, frontpage, etc.

It’s a huge book with 1200 pages. I’d like to know how I can memorize this book quickly and efficiently.

There are other books on programming to be memorized. in this age of information overload, everyday we are presented with lots of paperwork, reports and books to remember.

As an IT coach, could you please show me the techniques to remember this amount of information so as to get the job done on time and move along with the rapidly changing technologies.

Fahim, Dubai, U.A.E.

Don’t Underestimate The Effort Required To Keep Up With Information Technology Careers!

Years, ago, while considering a career transition, I was advised not to pursue Information Technology careers because of the rapidly changing technologies, literature, techniques and tools.

At that point in time, many IT professionals had shipwrecked their careers because they couldn’t transition from legacy skills in Cobol or Fortran or Mainframes to the smaller, more modern computers running windows.

My adviser pointed out to me that succeeding in an information technology career would be a tough challenge because many IT professionals with graduate computer science degrees from good schools had failed!

Some of the reasons why IT professionals fail in their career include:

1. The Challenge of Rapidly Changing Technologies: keeping up with rapidly changing tools, processes and technologies is a hard job. Some vendors release multiple versions of their products within a year forcing users to upgrade their skills or become obsolete.

2. The Challenge of Poorly Written Textbooks: many IT books are written by geeks for geeks. They’re difficult to understand, slow to read and intimidating in size. Many tech workers still find challenging, the effort required to keep up with technology by studying IT books.

3. The Challenge of Information Overload: There are various skills, technologies, tools and processes that need to be mastered for every unique employer or job situation. IT workers end up buying and studying lots of reference books in a bid to stay ahead of all the problems they aim to solve!

I Transitioned My Career By Overcoming The Information Overload!

I transitioned my career by learning the skills required for my new career in six weeks! and by acing my first technical job interview

In six weeks, I navigated an amazing amount of technical literature and reference books … to discover the hidden path that leads to IT career success.

The lessons I learned in those six weeks have become some of the hallmarks of my career including:

1. How to study new IT skills quickly, comprehensively and competently (I studied mine in under six weeks)

2. How to ace IT job interviews (I scored above 90% in my first interview test)

3. How to get hands-on experience without a job (I got the required hands-on experience before my first job)

A Free E-Book To Help You Stay Ahead Of Rapidly Changing Technologies!

Fahim, I understand where you’re coming from and the challenges you’re facing.

The challenges of succeeding in Information Technology (IT) Careers as pointed out in this blog post are real. However, I’ve solved them and I don’t see any reasons why you can’t after I share my success strategies with you!

I’m going to e-mail you a free e-book that details “how you can solve the same problem in your career” and in addition, you will also get any future updates to the e-book free!

I will also be giving away a free copy of the same e-book to the biggest users of my “Tell a Friend” Button or Link on any of my blog posts!

How To Get a Free Copy of My E-Book!

This post answers a question posted by Fahim on “how to study or keep ahead of rapidly changing technologies.“

if you have a question about your career, be sure to post it as a question on this discussion page and I will answer it for you!

If you’ll like to get a free copy of the e-book on how to stay ahead of the technology curve, go ahead and download it now

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Ask IT Career Coach

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

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

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

Here is the Reader’s Question:

Hello,

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

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

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

The job market is very competitive right now.

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

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

Here is my Answer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Overcome Your Employment Gap?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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microsoft.net software developer job

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

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

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

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

Here is the Reader’s Question:

First, a little bit about myself.

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

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

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

Challenges facing me:

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

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

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

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

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

How To Become A Microsoft.NET Software Developer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   • Knowledge + Practice Based Online Training:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   • High Demand for Microsoft .NET Software Developers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Get Hired Fast - Online, Web Based, Resume + Job Search + Interview Video Training


• Become A Leader Coaching - Develop hands-on experience, gain domain expertise, solve industry problems, Stand Up and Be Noticed, market your career using PULL instead of PUSH techniques!

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Ask IT Career Coach

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

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

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

Here is the Question:

hi

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

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

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

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

Here is my Answer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

High Demand For Contract Computer Programmers

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

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

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

Age Is Not A Barrier To Freelance Computer Programming Career

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

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

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

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

Age is Not A Barrier To Managing Computer Programmers

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

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

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

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

Sharp Computer Programming Skills In-Demand

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

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

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

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

Previous Industry Experience Helps

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

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

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

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

Use Industry Contacts To Your Advantage

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

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

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

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

How Do You Become A Computer Programmer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Software Developers Internship Coaching Opportunity

About The 2012 Software Developer Internship Opportunity!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Become A Full Time Software Developer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2012 Software Developer Internship Opportunity

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

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

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

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

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

Enrolling In The Software Developer Boot Camp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks and Best Wishes

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Learning A Marketable Skill?

Hi,

Do you want to learn the C++ programming language or become a C/C++ computer programmer?

Have you ever asked this question? which programming language is the most complex and challenging?? and received the answer C++?

If you answered yes, you are not alone. About 13 years ago, I asked my mentors in computer programming which programming language is the hardest, toughest, most difficult to learn? and I got the same reply as you… C++.

I asked the question because I wanted to become a successful computer programmer.

So, I reasoned that if I could prove myself by conquering the hardest programming language, my success in computer programming would be guaranteed.

Do You Want To Learn The Hardest Programming Language?

Recently, a number of C/C+ software developers have been turning to me for help with their computer programmer careers.

You can do this by taking advantage of the developer coaching or training sessions available to computer programmers who enroll in the software developers boot camp.

So, what could go wrong with the career of a software developer who has conquered one of the meanest, hardest, most complex computer programming languages?

The real problem with learning C/C++ is not whether it leaves up to its reputation for being a tough guy, because it does!.

The challenge facing those who succeed in learning C/C++ is more subtle.

Continue reading and you will find out for yourself soon.

Is C/C++ Programming Good For Your Career?

A few months ago, I started mentoring a C/C++ computer programmer with real-world programming experience in C/C++, Microsoft Foundation Classes and Windows 32 API and a college degree.

He couldn’t get a computer programmer job, so he signed up for my coaching program to find out why he couldn’t get a job with C/C++ programming skills.

After he explained his situation to me, I presented him with a list of 3 hot programming technologies in high demand.

I told him that these programming languages were so hot that just having them on his resume would land him programming job offers, even though he had been out of work for 2 years!

Well, he acted on the information I gave him, took MASSIVE ACTION and in a FEW MONTHS learnt all he could about the 3 hot programming technologies!

Guess what? a few months after taking advantage of my software developer mentoring, he got the first programming job he interviewed for on the spot, after being out of work for two (2) years!

So, why couldn’t a C/C++ computer programmer with real world industry experience and a college degree get a programming job in the middle of a hi-tech boom?

WHY C++ PROGRAMMERS CAN’T GET JOBS

The simple reason why C++ programmers can’t get a job is that the C++ programming language is not suited for business or web applications development!

But, wait a minute, isn’t C/C++ also one of the fastest programming languages?

Yes C++ is one of the fastest programming languages. But the speed of C++ applies to the speed with which it executes on a computer and not to the speed with which you can code or develop software programs.

STOP! Think about what I just said. Don’t just read it, digest my last statement until you really comprehend it.

C/C++ is the wrong programming language for business or web programming because employers care more about the speed with which you code or develop software and care less about the speed at which your software program executes.

Why Employers Don’t Care About The Execution Speed of C++ Programs?

The reason is that the dramatic increases in computer processing speed and memory has made the personal computer faster and much more powerful.

So, the amount of processing power available on most personal computers makes the execution speed of any programming language sufficient for most business software development projects.

What Do Employers Care About?

Employers really want their software developers to code or write programs faster. And C/C++ fares badly at this, because it’s one of the meanest, hardest, most complex programming languages to either learn or develop real-world business applications with.

The problems of C/C++ does not stop with the difficulty of learning the language. It’s also harder, tougher and slower to develop web or business applications in.

This is the real reason why most employers will not hire C/C++ programmers for business or web application development.

Is C/C+ Dead?

Certainly not. C/C++ is best suited for software projects like writing operating systems, compilers, computer or video games, data mining applications, scientific applications or applications where the execution speed is critical.

Stop for a moment now and answer this question: do you really want to make money from programming computers quickly or easily?

If you answered yes, I recommend you go into an area of computer programming where the demand is hot and where there are lots and lots of jobs.

That area right now is in internet or web application programming which C++ is unfortunately not suited for.

Secondly, if you want to success in web or business applications development, learn a programming language which allows you to quickly create programs that meet business needs.

After 13 years, I realize that employers don’t care about the beauty of the C++ programming language.

Employers care about automating their business processes or making their businesses work better, quicker and faster.

Employers also want to hire programmers whose speed of development matches or outpaces their business operations.

The ugly truth is that C/C++ is not the right tool for achieving either of these results.

Dear friend, enroll in the Software Developers Boot Camp now and learn those programming languages that excel at creating business software applications easily and quickly and you will discover success in computer programming quickly and easily.

Finally, if you are a programmer needing help with career decisions, no matter how bad your situation is, sign-up for the Software Developers Boot Camp now and you will be personally coached on how to achieve success in your situation.

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Who is a contract programmer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long do contract programming projects last?

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

How much do contract computer programmers bill?

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

What factors determine the contract programmer’s billing rate?

The factors that determine a contract programmers billing rate include:

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

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

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

Who should be a contract programmer?

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

What is the future or outlook for contract programmers?

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

How do you become a contract programmer?

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

1. Expert programming skills

2. Well-crafted resume

3. Effective job interviewing skills

4. Aggressive Resume Marketing

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

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

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I am taking more questions on computer programmer careers in today’s tutorial.

If you have questions you need answered, email it to me or post it as a comment to this article. Here are the questions I am replying to:

• I am interested in learning more about the program that will help you get a job fast
• How long does it take to learn programming?
• How can I learn programming fast?
• Is it hard to get a programming job?

The answers to these questions are hidden in the amazing short story I am about to tell you next.

BACKGROUND

Matt was an electrical engineer who had been a stay-at-home parent for four years. When his youngest child started kindergarten, Matt wanted to return to work doing what he loved: Computer Programmingwith cutting edge technology.

KEY ISSUES

• While Matt was at home, technology and software development processes had changed. Matt needed a re-orientation on the Software Development industry and guidance in picking the right programming technology to focus on and a curriculum for covering the core areas of that technology.
• Matt’s resume did not express in full detail his breadth of programming skills experience and needed major revision.
• Matt needed interview coaching on a wide breadth of questions especially in the area of object oriented programming which is currently the area of focus for many developer interviews.
• Matt needed a plan for practicing in a real-world way all the new programming concepts and skills he was learning. This way, he could be confident of and demonstrate his experience to potential employers.

THE COACHING PROCESS

The first few coaching sessions focused on bringing Matt up to date with the latest changes in the software development industry. Matt learned the details of the new programming skills that employers were looking for in contractors and full-time hires. I developed a list of skills he needed to learn over the next few months and a plan for refreshing his knowledge of computer programming and getting real-world experience.

Over the next few months, Matt brought himself up to speed using my curriculum and taking advantage of my extensive email coaching. Then he was ready to move to the next step. job search coaching.

Matt’s resume needed a major revision because it did not detail the programmer skills he used in a way that would catch the employer’s attention. Also, it did not give credit to the hot, in-demand technologies that he had used on previous projects. Matt also needed to list his experience in a way that demonstrated his passion and aptitude for technology and the fact that he was very results-oriented.

Once I introduced Matt to a couple of my preferred recruiters, I got him started on my interview coaching program. I looked at the job descriptions of the positions he was considering and gave him an overview of what the potential employers would be looking for. I then oriented him on the technical recruiting process, skills testing, phone interviews, face-to-face interviews, code sample demonstrations etc.

My partner and I coached Matt on the programming concepts that he needed to master and discuss off the top of his head in order to impress the hiring manager. We also ran him through a two hour mock technical interview where we coached him on how to frame and phrase his answers.

THE RESULTS

Because of Matt’s commitment to the coaching process and our attention to detail, the results were immediate and outstanding: Less than two weeks after his resume was mailed out to my preferred recruiters and after just ONE interview, Matt received a job offer for a Senior Developer position. The amazing part is that the hiring manager was so impressed, he extended an offer within an hour of the job interview.

IN MATT’S OWN WORDS:

“There is such a wealth of information out there that it can be overwhelming to someone trying to figure out what they need to know.

When you look in your local bookstore you won’t find resources that will give you the inside information about how to write a resume specific to programming that will make you stand out from the crowd. You also won’t find the inside information about what interview questions to expect and more importantly – how to answer them!

Kingsley supplied all this information and more. And not only that, but it was structured in such a way that it was easy to learn. Each step builds on what I learned in the previous step so I never got overwhelmed.

I went on my first interview and it went very well. I was prepared for every question and answered each one beyond expectation. The interviewer said that with each answer I gave, I also answered the next two questions on his list. I walked out of the interview at 9:15am and by 10:30am my recruiter called to tell me they had offered me the position.

I’m ecstatic with my results. I couldn’t have done it without the guidance I received from Kingsley! I owe him my career. He has given me the keys that have allowed me to unlock my potential as a professional programmer – and I will forever be grateful. Anyone considering a career in programming simply must get his coaching. It would be a bargain at 10 times the price!”

THE NEXT STEP

You just read Matt’s success story! It began for him when he bought a copy of my “software developer career book” which came with a one month free programmer coaching program valued at four hundred dollars. The result is that Matt learned modern object oriented web development with me and got hired in a few months!

Now, it is your turn to “master computer programming skills easily” , “get a programmer job fast” or get coached on your toughest programmer career challenge free for one (1) month!

You know what you must do! Take advantage of my free software developer career coaching program here and instantly discover programming success.

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Why do some careers pay significantly higher salaries than other careers? And what do top paid professionals including doctors, lawyers and computer programmers have in common that makes them earn significantly higher income than other lower-paid professionsals?

The one thing that top paying careers have in common, are skills that fetch top dollars in the marketplace. Simply stated, how much you earn after a hard day’s work is determined by the market value of your career.

What do you know about low paid jobs, Kingsley? You are a contract programmer with a decade of skills and experience aren’t you?

What do I know about low paid jobs you ask? I will tell you what I do know. Before I became a contract programmer in Tulsa, I was working an $8/hr. sales job which I hated ever minute of.

I had to clock-in to begin work and then clock-out at the end of my 8-hour shift. I had to clock-in and clock-out to go to the restroom. I was on the phone fielding calls every minute of the day. I couldn’t play my radio or talk to my next cube neighbor because there was literally no break in between the phone calls.

How I hated those days. Finally I couldn’t take it and I quit. And within 6 months I was making $76,000/yr. as a contract programmer in the same city. So, don’t ask me what I know about low paid jobs. I have been there, done that and bagged a t-shirt okay!

You now have good evidence that your income is set by your choice of career don’t you?

You are not really a stranger to this fact of life are you? That your ability to comfortably pay your bills, take vacations, pay your home mortgage, buy new cars, provide medical benefits and take care of your family is affected by the career you choose!

We both know that in all careers, there are top performers who earn significantly more than most of their colleagues and under performers who earn significantly less than most of their careers. I am not referring to these over or under performers, but to the Jane Doe who earns an average salary.

You can make an informed guess on what people earn from their line of work can’t you? So, imagine for a moment how much your neighbor earns for a living working as:

• a school teacher in South Carolina
• a waiter in Bronx, New York
• an investment banker in Saint Louis, Missouri
• a high school graduate in Madison, Wisconsin

What does this tell you? It is illogical, unreasonable and statistically weird to expect a high income from a career that typically pays low wages. It is like expecting apples to grow on orange trees. It rarely happens because if you really want to eat apples, you have to look on apple trees and if you want oranges you have to pick orange trees.

So to earn a higher pay, escape the minimum wage trap or make more money than you are making now, you need to begin a high paying career right about now.

But you say that changing to a high paying career is not easy because:

1. Most top paying careers have stringent, required educational exams. There are requirements for examinations, certifications, and years of schooling in medicine and law
2. Preparing for top paying careers requires many years of classroom education. Years that may not be spent earning any additional income
3. Going to school to learn a top paying career can be expensive. Tuition costs can run into six figures and may require taking on hard to pay back debt
4. Not all students who can afford high tuition costs for top paying careers can be admitted. Because of the pre-defined, limited number of credentialed and certified academic institutions, competition is usually very high among prospective students and only a minority of applicants can be accepted
5. And if you weren’t near or at the top of your class in high school, your chances of being accepted into a top paying course in college or university is limited by stiff competition from your fellow high school students with better academic scores than you.

Enter computer programmer careers. The one hidden top paying career that still provides a steady dependable source of job wealth, high income and top pay. A hidden career thanks to the common myths lies and mis-conceptions spread about the career.

THE TRUTH ABOUT COMPUTER PROGRAMMER CAREERS

1. There are no stringent, required or mandatory exams that must be passed to practice computer programming. You don’t need to be registered, certified or degreed to begin a programmer career.
2. You don’t need formal classroom education to begin programming. You don’t have to spend years learning programming without earning an income and you can begin programming today and start earning an income in as little as 3 to 8 months depends on your motivation.
3. You don’t have to pay for any expensive sort of education before you can begin programming. Of course you have to invest in resources for learning programming, but at a small fraction of what you will have to spend to learn other top paying careers.
4. You are not disqualified from beginning programming because of your past or present academic performance, and I mean absolutely not. Even if you only have a high school diploma or a non-technical college degree, you can begin programming, if you simply want to.
5. And you can learn programming from any location, at your own pace and convenient time. There are no rules for learning, no set exams to take and additional classroom education is completely optional. You can begin your computer programmer career at home, in your spare time by just studying 1 to 2 hours a day or a few hours per week

Now, you understand that your choice of career locks-in how much you earn. And you understand that most top paying careers have difficult or hard entry requirements, certifications and courses except computer programming.

Finally, you realize that there are no rules on how to begin programming because being a programmer is simply about learning how to write good, quality software code.

Dear friend, away with the lies, mis-conceptions and myths that have stopped you from beginning your programmer career and start your exciting new journey to learn programming with me. A decade ago, I changed careers to computer programming and today

I am here to help you do the same. Don’t hesitate, just act and take me up on the offer today.

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Kathy Sierra a Java Instructor says that some authors are making their programming books harder than necessary because they are too focused on themselves instead of their readers.

At Sun, Kathy discovered that some techie instructors who know their stuff were getting poorer evaluations compared to their less skilled colleages.

The reason? The experts focused on proving their smartness instead of helping their students get smarter assuming that students want their instructors to establich their credibility by proving that they are experts.

Kathy spent a year proving that students don’t care much about expert status only about learning. She succeeded, got a bonus from Sun and became one of the top four most highly rated java instructors in north America.

This goes to validate one of the guidelines I follow with my coaching.

I believe that when my students complain about programming books being difficult to read or understand, they are right. They are really the smart ones and it is the author or writer of a difficult technical book who is dumb for writing hard to understand books.

It is a serious misconception in programming that computer books have to be hard in order to impress readers. Actually excellent computer books should be the easiest to understand.

Computer books and their techie authors should be evaluated on “their ease of reading” and not on “how techie or difficult content is”.

Read the rest of Kathy’s post about computer instructors, authors and books here.

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My programming career started in Tulsa, Oklahoma when I mastered a programming language in high-demand by employers within 1 month, scored 93% in my computer programming job interview and within 6 months was billing an entry level $76,000/yr. contract programming fee.

Hi, my name is Kingsley Tagbo. I am a Contract Software Developer, an IT Career Coach and Author of the book on “How to Master High Paying, Highly Sought-After Computer Programming Skills Easily and Quickly“.

The Hallmark of my signature coaching services and books is this: I help people develop their personal ability to master highly sought after computer programming skills in the fastest, easiest, least expensive way possible

My coaching services and books follow “The Shortest Path Between Developing Your Skills And Becoming Well Paid“. And Nobody Else Does It Like I Do! Let’s quickly examine what sets my coaching apart:

1. Begin Programming With The End In Mind: I believe that the foundation of your career is your technical skills. This is where I radically depart from others. I focus on the skills that are in high-demand by employers. In other words, I coach you with the mindset of achieving something more important than just learning a language. I focus on your big picture, what’s really important to you about computer programming.

   Beyond learning a programming language, is your career objective: (a.) finding a well paying job (b.) having a highly portable career (c.) developing highly sought after programming skills (d.) living on the edge by focusing on new technology. Only after your big picture is clear do I then map the shortest path for you to achieve it. This is what sets my coaching and my books apart.

2. Speed Of Execution: I coach based on my unique formative years in programming. While some others take a part that means it can take you several years to achieve your programming goals, I focus on your Wildly Important Goals.

   For some job candidates, this means that you will learn a programming skill and begin marketing your resume to hiring managers and recruiters within one month. I can do this for you, because this is how I started my programming career too. This agility and speed means that my coaching candidates take the quicker, easier path to getting paid period.

3. It’s More Than Your Money’s Worth: Because I started my computer programming career with a $49.95 investment and I’VE MADE several thousands of dollars back from that singular investment. So, I have become a strong advocate for self-learning, self-taught non-traditional paths to learning programming.

   If you follow the advice in my coaching and my books, you will develop your own unique personal power. The ability to identify high paying computer programming skills, master it for cheap bucks and easily discover employers that are willing to pay give you a well-paying job or pay you top dollars for your new skills.

So ends this article on myself, my coaching services and my eBook “The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers“.

Please feel free to post your questions and comments on this article using the comments form below and be sure to check back for further articles and discussions.

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

I just did!

Starting from now until Wednesday Midnight CST, I am launching the new “Software Developers Online Coaching Service” with a 48 Hour Special to accelerate your learning and help you achieve your programming goals.

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

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

Instantly discover programming success now, go here: IT Career Coaching

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This post is for my readers who have unresolved questions, concerns and problems about their programming careers.

If you want to master your programming career or become a better skilled computer programmer, tell me how I can help you succeed.

Tell me who you are now and who you want to become in your computer programming career this year.

If you’ve read my e-Book, “The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers” and the bonus e-Books that come with it, tell me what more information, topics and questions you want me to cover in the next release of the e-Book.

If you haven’t read “The Street Smart Guide To High Paying Computer Programming Careers“, tell me what stops you from purchasing and reading the e-Book.

To contact me with your feedback, please use the contact form on this site:

I want to help you achieve your computer programming career goals quickly and easily this year. So, thanks in advance for your feedback on “How To Master Your Computer Programming Career This Year1“.

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

1. Friends: The recommendation of their friends or colleagues at work.
2. Popularity: Based on the perceived popularity of a programming language
3. Difficulty: As strange as it sounds, some choose a programming language because it’s hard or difficult to master. They want to prove themselves by tackling languages that will raise their profile in their community.
4. School: Some choose a language because that’s what they’ve been asked to learn for a diploma.
5. Hobby: Some pick a language for recreational purposes or form a perception of which language to work with based on what hobbies they like.

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

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

1. Ease of learning: Some programming languages are easier for beginner programmers to master. Others have a steep learning curve and are notably more difficult.
2. Speed of Execution: Programming languages are used to create software. In some software projects, the speed of execution of the software is critical and one has to use the fastest programming language.
3. Marketability: Some programming languages are highly in-demand by employers. If you master them, you will be in-demand by employers. So, if you are just beginning your career, you may want to consider the marketability of one programming language vs. another.
4. High Pay: Employers do not pay the same salary for all programming languages. Some command a lot more than others. You may not want to spend 5 years mastering a programming language only to discover you’re under-paid compared to your colleagues who are working with another language.
5. Industry Standard: Some programming languages are used extensively in an industry, profession or environment. For example, engineers tend to use FORTRAN. Cobol was once a standard for business application. JavaScript is the standard for browser specific programming. Prolog is used in artificial intelligence software applications.

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

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

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

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

1. How many of these programming languages have you heard of?
2. Which type of software projects are these programming languages best suited for?
3. What type of programming careers are these programming languages best suited for.

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Happy New Year and Welcome to 2007.

What better way to start your new year than with a “one-time happy new year $600 super bonus gift” that helps you become a highly skilled, marketable, well-paid computer programmer?

As your computer programming career coach, I’ll like to jump start your career success in 2007 by inviting you to my private computer programming mentoring group.

Here’s how to join my private mentoring group. Order a copy of my “Computer Programming Careers e-Book” on or before midnight of Thursday, January 4, 2007 and you get additional 3 months of my computer programming career mentoring worth $600.

The mentoring (career coaching) is on my Private Silver Membership Program at IT Career Coach. Here’s how you can claim your $600 super gift. Order my e-Book here or read more about it.

Happy New Year

Kingsley Tagbo, IT Career Coach

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Is Your Age Really Against You?

Some of you (30+ and 40+) replied saying that you would like to know if your age will stop prevent you from getting hired by employers.

So, here are my career success tips for beginning a programming career when you feel that age is against you!

• The golden rule for career success in computer programming

  Take a pen and write this down. In the computer programming industry, employers and hiring managers will judge you by “how you perform on the job”. And not by your skin color, your sex and certainly not by your age.

• The computer programming career path is unlike others

  You may have read that in certain industries, some employers would not hire 40 – 50 year old job candidates.

  Well, there is such a demand for good computer programmers, that age is not really an issue in the software development / information technology industry.

  .At one of my consulting gigs in 2004, I worked with a gentleman, who was at least 50 years old. He had distinct grey hair and some of my colleagues referred to him as “the old man”.

  However, within 3 months of his employment, he was promoted to a team lead position because of his competency, skills and knowledge.

  The lesson here is that regardless of your age, if you can do a good job, you will succeed in your programming career.

• There is a strong demand for highly skilled programmers

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

  So, you really shouldn’t be worrying about your age, but about how sharp your skills are and about how to stay on top of your game.

  Go to job boards like Dice.com, Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com and note the high number of available jobs. with that in mind, repeat and affirm this statement to yourself.

  “There is an abundant supply of programming jobs and one of these jobs is just for me”.

• Contract programmers can get hired just from a phone interview

  . If you are a contract programmer with good programming skills, all you have to do is to send your resume to a few select places and sit back and wait for your phone to buzz because of the high-demand for programming talent.

  So, you don’t even have to interview with an employer until he or she reviews your resume. This is true for other professionals in high-demand Information Technology Careers.

  Personally, I have been offered a number of consulting assignments over the phone without the employer seeing me in person or taking the time to find out about my age!

  Again, the lesson here is to become very good at your programming career.

  If you are that good, some employers will want to hire you even over the phone, because they know that you are only going to be on the market for a short time before someone else makes an even better offer.

• Think about your age in constructive not destructive terms

  There are always reasons why someone may want to discriminate against you.

  It could be that your age, your skin color, your lack of college education, lack of computer science degree, sex (as in you are a female), your accent (regional or national US accent) etc. places you at a disadvantage compared to someone else.

  However, none of these reasons beats becoming a top performing computer programmer.

  Because, if you are, you will pave your own career and your path will be littered with gold.

  Remember that the singular, most important concern employers have is whether you can perform on the job.

• You Can, If You Think You Can

  

  You Can If You Think You Can

  One of my favorite books by Norman Vincent Peale, talks about a principle that has worked for me … “You Can, If You Think You Can”. This principle works because career success is in what you know.

  If you are not doing well in your programming career and you think it’s because your age is holding you back, I dare you to read Norman Vincent Peale’s book and my book "The Blueprint: Your Roadmap To Career Success", do what both books say and not succeed in your computer programming career.

It’s far better to succeed in your programming career than to point an accusing finger at someone else’s bias as being responsible for your failure.

By learning or doing what it takes to succeed in your computer programming career, you empower yourself and you prove to others who may doubt your abilities, you have what it takes.

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Dear Mr. Tagbo

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You.

Dear Mr. Perez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn Five Cons of Computer Programming Careers

1. Fast Paced Career: Programming languages, tools, books, and technologies are constantly being released. As a programmer you have to be comfortable with learning lots of new information quickly and competently. For example, in the last 5 years, I have had to learn several new technologies including .NET Framework 1.1, .NET Framework 2.0 and SQL Server 2005. Currently, I am preparing for the release of .NET Framework 3.0. This rapid pace of change can be disorienting, because it feels like when one technology is mastered, another new technology takes its place.
2. Hardcore Reading: You have to read several books articles each year to keep up with new or upgraded computing technologies. The volume of reading material can feel overwhelming if you don?t have a good plan for staying ahead of your reading list.
3. Technology Driven: Programming is driven by the latest or most popular technologies. Your career, office discussions and relationships may revolve around how much technology you know. Also, your career advancement may be determined by how technical or technology obsessed you are. If you are not passionate about technology at heart, you may become unhappy over the influence it exerts on your values, career and lifestyle.
4. Low Barrier to Entry: Anyone who is interested in programming can learn programming. You are not required to have a college or computer science degree or professional computer programming certification to get a job as a programmer. You may compete for programming jobs with candidates that have fewer educational qualifications than you or with nationals from other countries or candidates with less industry experience. This can become a bigger issue as you get older and you realize that seniority counts for little in computer programming.
5. Health Problems from Geek Lifestyle: If you spend lots of sitting time and typing away on the computer or reading technical literature, your eyes, wrists and back may suffer. You risk experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome with your wrists, eye sight deterioration and increased weight issues from your sedentary lifestyle. If you become obsessed with technology or you become an internet junkie you may start losing sleep because you are always tinkering with code or surfing the web when you should be sleeping.

Learn Five Pros of Computer Programming Careers

1. High Job Satisfaction: As a computer programmer, you get to use your mind and your creativity. You will not be doing mindless, boring or repetitive tasks and your individual software development efforts get to count. You have the power to visualize non-existing software and become the first person to create it. You have the ability to contribute a meaningful service to any organization by creating quality software. Programmers find the task of developing software products that solve real world problems personally rewarding and fulfilling.
2. You Determine Your Destiny: There is no career limit for talented and hard working programmers. You can develop your own software product, distribute it over the internet and become The Next Google or Microsoft. You can work in a startup and become vested with stock options because you play a pivotal role in the development of a software product. You services and skills can be in high demand as a contract programmer. You can earn a six figure income early in your career because of your drive, competence and hard work. You can find well paying computer programming jobs in any reasonably sized city (I once found a job as a software development manager in a city of about 10,000 people). You can find work in most industries including health care, education, manufacturing, security or services industry. You can move from one country to another and find immediate employment because your technical skills are relevant to software development efforts in any country.
3. Technology Centered: If you love technology or are obsessed with leading edge technology you are likely to enjoy being a programmer. Programmers develop websites and have to keep up with the rapid pace of change of both internet technologies and web development. Programmers develop applications that run on computer desktops and mobile devices. Programmers develop games for personal computers. Programmers have to learn new technologies that promise better, faster and more efficient ways of doing things.
4. Multiple Career Options: A career in computer programming can prepare you for careers in other related technology fields. For example, you can become a data analyst, a data warehouse engineer, a database developer, a project manager, a software development manager or perhaps an Information Technology director. You can stop programming and move on to technical recruiting or information technology sales. You can also move on to careers in web design, search engine optimization and internet marketing. So, your computer programming experience can come in handy in several other careers.
5. Well Paying Jobs: As a computer programmer you can earn from $60,000 to $100,000 and more! Also, you have the option of working on paid consulting projects in the evening or weekends to increase your total billable hours. If you are a contract programmer, you can count on 40 hours of paid work per week until your engagement ends. With some projects you can bill 50 or 60 hours per week. You also receive medical, dental and 401K benefits whether you are a contract or full time programmer. In some corporations you can participate in performance bonuses or stock options. Generally, if the overall economy is in good shape and you have marketable skills with good industry experience, you will be well paid.

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

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

Regards,

Kingsley Tagbo, IT Career Coach

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