ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » programming training http://www.it-career-coach.net How To Take Your Career To The Next Level Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:09:27 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Can a 55 year old female become a programmer? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/10/can-a-55-year-old-female-become-a-programmer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/10/can-a-55-year-old-female-become-a-programmer/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:56:27 +0000 ana http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3236

This question was submitted by Anoush from Glendale, California … Hello, I am a 55 years old female, I have done mainframe programming for more than 25 years before and I was very good in that.

However i have left my job for 10 years now helping my husband in accounting firm.

Do I have a chance to be hired if I learn .NET and create a software?

  1. Do What You Love – Do You Love Computer Programming?

    Your long term success as a computer programmer depends more on how passionate you are about learning programming than it does on your age!

    If you love learning programming languages you will put in the hard work that it takes to be the best programmer you can be.

    This will involve putting in long hours to learn a suite of marketable programming languages and then going the extra mile to build practical applications that showcase your passion.

    If you do not love computer programming, you will not succeed long term because you won’t be able to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change in the industry.

    The real issue here is not your age but whether you have the drive, passion and desire that it takes to be a highly skilled computer programmer.

  2. Become The Best Computer Programmer You Can Be

    Computer Programming is a talent driven industry which means that your chances of getting hired depends more on how skilled you are than it does on anything else.


    If you are a highly skilled, competent, trained or experienced developer and your skills are in marketable, hot, in-demand programming languages like ASP.NET, C# and SQL Server, you will get a good job regardless of any age discrimination in the industry!

  3. Can You Perform? Prove It

    More than anything else, it is your performance that will decide how far you will go in the programming industry.

    Kids barely out of high school are building websites and starting jobs / businesses as web designers despite their age because nobody really cares about age, when you can perform!

    So if the wisdom it is possible for these young kids to succeed at web design, I dare say that older people have at least an equal opportunity for success.

    The real truth of the matter is that age is just a self-limiting barrier, so don’t let the negative, biased behaviors of others dictate what you can or cannot do!

  4. Success Principle – Do Not Worry Or Focus On Things You Can’t Control

    In “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, Stephen Covey mentions that proactive people do not worry or focus on factors or things over which they have little or no control … instead they focus on their “Sphere Of Influence” … those factors or circumstances over which they exercise control!

    So, the deal is “why focus on your age?”, when you can do nothing about it?

    Why not focus on things like your skills, your learning, your attitude over which you have complete control!

  5. Multiple Career Paths For Computer Programmers


    As a computer programmer, you also have the option of starting your own web design or web development business or freelancing for multiple clients.

    This is perhaps one of the best ways to control your destiny or deal with age discrimination concerns once and for all!

    AS a freelance computer programmer, you can work for work online for clients that are located all over the world or network using LinkedIn for potential clients.

    As a freelance computer programmer, your age is even less of an issue because potential clients can try your services with little risk and then hire you on for a longer term commitment, if they find you competent.

Computer programming is a talent driven, performance minded industry where you can succeed at a freelance, contract or full-time software developer job as long as you have a passion or drive for programming.

My final advice: don’t let the negative bias of others decide what you will or will not do with your life.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

This post was submitted by ana.

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/10/can-a-55-year-old-female-become-a-programmer/feed/ 2 How To Learn Programming In 6 Months And Get A Job! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:00:15 +0000 joshkemp http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3225

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Believe The Myths About Computer Programming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me start by debunking these myths one by one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  3. Computer Programming Is Easy To Learn!

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

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

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

  4. Computer Programmers now have multiple career options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  6. Computer Programming Languages Are Not Equal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

This post was submitted by joshkemp.

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/feed/ 4 Which Programming Language Is Best To Start With? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/18/which-programming-language-is-best-to-start-with/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/18/which-programming-language-is-best-to-start-with/#comments Sat, 18 Dec 2010 14:44:24 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3039

Are You Chasing Rabbits For A Living?

Are You Chasing Rabbits For A Living?

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

Do not worry about how to get handson experience in a programming language before you actually learn the programming language … that is called putting the cart before the horse.

If you choose to worry about handson experience before learning the programming language, all that you will end up achieving is nothing … those worries, fears or doubts will only delay your progress because they are either imaginary or harmful!

Rather, choose the path of action or get your hands dirty learning the programming languages that I recommend below and opportunities to get more handson experience will present themselves.

So, don’t hesitate or procrastinate … remember, he who hesitates is lost!

Click here to read this article on hesitation or procrastination

Which Programming Language Is Best To Start With?

Here is a question submitted by a reader on getting handson programming experience and the best programming language to start with.

The toughest challenge facing my career right now is boredom and a feeling of restlessness.

I’m about to graduate college with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, and I’m itching to start a real career that is more technical than the help desk that I work on.

Therein lies another challenge: I have no experience.

I’m very interested in programming and software development right now, but I don’t know what is hot in the job market in my area right now.

I’ve been searching the IT job sites, and there are positions open for Java, .NET, and Unix developers (each with a minimum five years of experience).

I appreciate your website and the excellent articles!

I now know to self-teach myself programming skills and work on open source projects, freelance and try for some contracting jobs.

Thank you!

Here Is The Answer To This Reader’s Questions

Hi, I am glad that you know how to self-teach yourself programming skills, work on open source projects, freelance and try for some contracting jobs … it seems that you just want to choose the right programming language since you’ve already heard about Java, .NET and Unix.

Choose Web Development Languages:

Don’t waste your time learning programming languages that are not suited for web development. This is because out of all the software development language careers, web developers are the most in-demand!

Choose a Rapid Application Development (RAD) Programming Language:

The best programming languages for your career will be the ones that are the most productive to code with.

Several years ago, software developers were using languages like Clipper, Foxpro, C/C++. That was back in the days when computer programmers were just transitioning from programming for DOS to programming for WINDOWS.

While all that was happening, Microsoft released a programming language known as Visual Basic which revolutionized the programming industry.

Visual Basic was a Rapid Application Development (RAD) Language which contained visual cues for building desktop applications.

For example, it allowed you to drag an icon representing a button onto a screen and then it generated the code for the button for you.

Because it made programming easier, Microsoft’s Visual Basic quickly became one of the most popular and productive languages for building software applications.

For example, using a Visual Basic enabled database software like Microsoft Access, a developer could create a functional application in a fraction of the time it takes a Java or C/C++ developer to code the same application.

Finally, Microsoft changed the game again with the introduction of .NET Framework which incorporates some of the best features of programming with Java, Visual Basic and C/C++!

So, if you want to be successful computer programmer, go with a productive Rapid Application Development (RAD) Language like Microsoft.NET, learn C# and SQL Server … which is the database language that is most compatible with .NET Framework.

Note that you also have to learn a relational database system because both web and windows software developers have to design or develop databases for their software applications … so, learning SQL query writing and database development is required for software developers.

Study Or Handson Experience, Which Comes First?

And don’t be worrying about not having handson programming experience before you get to learn the programming language … that is putting the cart before the horse.

Answer These Questions …

  1. Are you learning the right programming languages?
  2. How productive are the programming languages that you are learning?
  3. Are you worrying about how to get handson experience?

When you start out learning the programming languages that I recommended, opportunities to get your hands dirty will present themselves.

Don’t hesitate or procrastinate … remember, he who hesitates is lost! Click here to read this article on hesitation or procrastination

Another reason why you should stick with my recommendations is that … studying computer programming can quickly become an overwhelming experience because of the myriad of computer programming languages.

So, if you make the mistake of dabbling in different programming languages, you may end up not being skilled in any!

Don’t waste your time chasing rabbits … learning programming languages for which there is little or no market demand.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/18/which-programming-language-is-best-to-start-with/feed/ 16 How To Learn Many Programming Languages http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:20:35 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2397

learning multiple programming languages?

learning multiple programming languages?

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

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

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

Here is the Challenging Situation:

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

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

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

How To Learn Multiple Programming Languages

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

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

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

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

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

Should Junior / Entry-Level Programmers Learn Multiple Languages?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I Learn A Software Development Platform?

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

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

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

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

Should I Mix and Match Programming Languages?

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

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

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

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

  1. Learn programming languages one at time.

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

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

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

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

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

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


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/10/how-to-learn-many-programming-languages/feed/ 9 How To Become A Highly Paid Corporate Programmer http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/02/how-to-become-a-highly-paid-corporate-programmer/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/02/how-to-become-a-highly-paid-corporate-programmer/#comments Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:49:37 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2138

highly paid corporate programmer

highly paid corporate programmer

Becoming a corporate software developer is not the same thing as becoming a freelance programmer or a systems programmer.

  • Corporate programmers are hired for coding skills in programming languages like Microsoft .NET (ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET, SQL Server) and they tend to work regular, office jobs as contract or full-time programmers.

  • Systems programmers tend to work with programming languages like C/C++ and they also work for companies like Microsoft that build operating systems or systems software.

  • Freelance programmers work on their own hours and they tend to focus exclusively on web development, web design and user interface (UI) jobs using programming languages and platforms like PHP, WordPress or Microsoft .NET.

Microsoft .NET is the recommended programming language for Corporate Programmers.

However, transitioning careers to Microsoft .NET programming may seem like a daunting or impossible task because you need solid Hands-ON experience which is hard to get without a full-time Microsoft.NET job!

So, the question is, “How Do You Gain Hands-On Experience For Microsoft.NET Corporate Programmer Jobs Outside Regular, Full-Time Employment?“

How To Get An Entry Level Corporate Programming Job

Start by transitioning into a Microsoft.NET Software Developer Career in manageable steps or phases which allows you to achieve career success.

Your first step in becoming a highly paid corporate programmer is to learn Microsoft.NET Programming.

The next step after that, is to gain solid hands-on programming experience!

Both steps must be completed before you can achieve the goal of becoming a corporate programmer!

First Step: The first step in your career transition is to learn the ins and outs of Microsoft .NET Programming. This would include learning ASP.NET, C#, SQL SERVER and the Microsoft.NET Framework.

You can’t bypass the requirement to learn Microsoft.NET programming because you’ll be asked programming questions at your technical interview which you will have to ace before you are hired!

Second Step: The next step involves getting solid, hands-on Microsoft.NET programming experience.

Handson experience is a requirement for information technology jobs because this is a handson, practical industry where what you can do is valued even more than your educational qualifications.

Click here to read more about how to get handson computer programming experience!

  1. Become a Freelance Microsoft.NET Software Developer:

    You may consider starting your career as a freelance programmer before you get hired for corporate / full-time programming jobs.

    The experience or skill-level required for some freelance jobs is not as extensive as that of full-time programming jobs because clients can easily work away if they don’t like your job or try your services and see if they like working with you first before hiring you on a longer-term basis.

    Freelance Programming Jobs are not necessarily as lucrative as full-time or contract programming jobs but they do allow you to gain the mandatory hands-on programming experience by working on real-world software development projects for real-world clients.

    Becoming a freelance programmer while in training as a Microsoft.NET Programmer may also provide you with additional income, which is helpful whether you’re just transitioning careers or looking for a full-time programming job.

    Your initial focus should not be to earn a high income but to gain the hands-on programming experience which is required for programming positions.

  2. Become a Highly-Paid Corporate Programmer:

    After you’ve completed learning Microsoft.NET, C#, ASP.NET, SQL Server and worked on some freelance computer programming projects, you may transition into a regular full-time or independent Contract Programming job.

    Independent Contract Programmers are highly paid corporate programmers with billing rates ranging from $45/hr. to $60/hr. and even more!

    However, Independent Contract Programming is not for everyone because you have to pay your own employment taxes or provide your own benefits or face some downtime in-between projects meaning that your income may fluctuate.

    As an independent contract programmer, you also have to market your skills consistently to compensate for any downtime in-between programming projects.

    The good news is that “the demand for contract programmers is quite high” and each programming project usually lasts for a while (between 6 months and two years).

  3. Become a Full-Time Computer Programmer:

    Finally, after you’ve gained strong freelance or contract programming experience or you’ve worked on a number of corporate consulting gigs, you may be ready to become a full-time, salaried computer programmer.

    The upside of a full-time, permanent, salaried computer programming job is that you’re guaranteed medical benefits, a good paycheck and some stability in your employment.

    You won’t have to pay your own taxes or be on the look-out for the next consulting gig or wonder where your next paycheck is going to come from!

    The downside of a full-time, salaried programming career is that you may not earn as much as a corporate programmer because you don’t handle as much risk.

    Also, you don’t have the flexibility of deciding who to work for or the ability to switch programming projects or teams when you want!

If you’re interested in learning more about the differences or distinction between full-time and contract programming jobs, read this article titled: “full time programming compared to contract programming jobs …”

How To Overcome Hurdles In Transitioning To A Computer Programming Career

  1. Transition your Career in Phases

    Break up your career transition into phases and set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable and Realistic) goals for each phase.

    Transitioning your career in steps helps because you set achievable goals and build up the momentum that helps you follow though on a plan that leads to career success.

  2. Take Your Software Developer Training

    Transitioning to a new career begins with learning new skills.

    So, don’t neglect to acquire the required skills and don’t be looking for alternatives that promise a career transition without learning or acquiring new programming skills!

  3. Give Employers What They Want!

    Employers require hands-on programming experience which may seem unfair because you need their jobs to gain experience.

    However, don’t waste time hoping that employers will change their requirement for hands-on programming experience because you will be more successful at giving employers what they want than at getting them to change their minds.

So, you may transition into a highly paid computer programming career by following this step-by-step plan that allows you to build on past successes or achieve your goals in stages!

You may also enroll for the Software Developer Boot Camp Training and the Sql Boot Camp Training, since both SQL and Microsoft .NET programming skills are required for Software Developer Jobs.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/08/02/how-to-become-a-highly-paid-corporate-programmer/feed/ 0 Choosing Online Business Analyst Training Or Software Developer Coaching http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/09/29/choosing-online-business-analyst-training-or-software-developer-coaching/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/09/29/choosing-online-business-analyst-training-or-software-developer-coaching/#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:29:07 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/09/29/choosing-online-business-analyst-training-or-software-developer-coaching/


I am taking questions from readers like you on business analyst training or software developer coaching, training or mentoring … so go ahead and post your important questions.

I want to answer questions about developing your skills, taking phone or technical interviews, preparing your resume, finding a job, getting training, coaching or mentoring, getting real-world, hands-on experience, getting ahead or getting promotions at work, transitioning to a new career, dealing with difficult relationships at work, beginning your career or advancing your career to a senior or expert level, so read the questions and answers below first and then post your question.

  1. Mansib wrote, Need Help Learning:

    I would like to be a computer programmer, but I just can’t understand anything.

    I’ve read books and searched through websites but only find things such as “Coding tutorial, we assume you know so-so language before starting” or messages telling me to look up google. On many sites i’ve seen you writing that you offer coaching and mentoring services. So can you help me learn programming? I’m dedicated and I actually want to learn not ask you to do projects and the like.

    I only know a little bit of html and I use to know a bit of C++. I hope you won’t ignore this.

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Mansib, one of the biggest myths of learning programming is that of starting with C++. I don’t recommend it … even though C++ is one of the fastest programming languages and it is object oriented and it has been around for a log time, it’s not necessarily the best programming language for a newbie to cut their teeth on. I usually recommend other programming languages in my training programs.

    You can read this post I wrote a while ago, about why training on C++ is not always recommended: why C++ training may not be recommended for you

  2. Srikanth wrote, Business Analyst Career:

    Hi Kingsley,

    I want to become a business analyst. It is all I wanted since I entered IT. But something or the other kept diverting me away from it. I really need your help in reviving my career. I’m willing to put in any number of hours to succeed in this quest. I have 3 years of IT experience, where I have also had client facing roles. Please include me in your internship program. I really really want this badly.

    Thanking You !

    With Best regards,

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Sri, I would be glad to help you get your career started. The first step is to get a copy of the business analyst book . At the time of writing of this post, it contains more than 150 carefully selected business analyst training concepts. These are concepts about business analysis, requirements analysis, etc. that you need to know and master.

    These concepts are presented within the framework of our online training system … so you will be getting enough reading materials and homework to keep you busy for a while. You should build up on that by also registering for the business analyst training.

  3. Joel wrote, Can I Do This:

    I have messed up my job record from past health challenges and decisions I made.

    My question is it possible for a person to learn programming, software development, etc. and get a really good job or better work for themselves/contracting. I am trying to start my life over and this seems like a great path-a person would always be in demand.

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Joel, the demand for Software Development Consultants with the right skill sets is very high. I typically get 5 to 10 phone calls or emails from recruiters daily … and that is without me having to get on the phone and call them for a job like you would in so many other professions.

    The software development career is one of those careers that is constantly in demand. Software developers are in demand-because of the ever increasing need to automate business processes. Business software applications enable a business or firm to do produce more with less resources, thereby increasing the level of productivity of the firm.

    As the firm expands it’s operations and grows, it comes up with more processes that need to be automated. This is fundamental to how businesses operate. The increased growth, expansion and revenue making increases the demand for software developers as well. In addition, in the last ten years across, there has been an explosion in the demand for software development professionals because of the Internet.

    So, if you are thinking of beginning a software development career or improving your existing programming skills … now is the best time. Read more about how to become a programmer or register for a software developer training class. Yes, it is quite possible to get a good job working for yourself as a software developer, if you have marketable, in-demand software development skills.

  4. Jovelyn wrote, Fresh Grad Want To Be A Web Designer:

    Hi,

    I’m a graduate of Computer Engineering just this last April 2008, I am working now in a call center and im really bored. I really want to be a web designer but i am afraid of applying to different company because I dont have any working experience as a web designer. But i know to myself that I am willing to be trained. I know how to use HTML, frontpage, VB 6.0, and ASP.net but I am only a beginner. I hope you can give me an advise .. Thank you very much…

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Jovelyn, I feel your pain. I graduated as a chemical engineer just like you and at one time, I actually worked in a call center … boy, was I bored!!!

    Anyway, since you already know some ASP.NET and HTML, I would encourage you to go ahead and apply for programming jobs, because the demand for software development skills is quite high. If you don’t, you may find it much harder to get a job if the economy enters a full blown recession because then you have to complete with experienced ASP.NET developers.

    What you need to do, is to sharpen your existing programming skills while you shop your resume around to different employers. Also, work on your job interviewing skills because … here is a secret … hiring managers do not always employ the best programmers, the hire the best presenters or technical job interviewers. So, I have giving you to things to work on …

    1. your ASP.NET programming skills
    2. your ASP.NET technical job interviewing skills

  5. KING wrote, Computer Programming Career:

    I have been very incline to computer programming since high school. I started with Turbo-Pascal (an old language I know). I did one year of college and put school on the side. I want to start my computer career before getting my Computer Science degree. I have taught myself some C++ and Java from books. I am a fast learner. I would also like to read your book.

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    KING, the proof of the pudding is in the eating … so you are doing quote well, because the literal proof of your passion for computer programming is how much programming you have learnt either by teaching yourself or by attending programming courses.

    You may get a copy of the e-book “how to become a computer programmer” or attend a full-blown online software developer training programmer at the SOFTWARE DEVELOPER BOOT CAMP

  6. Alma wrote, Help:

    I am 24 years old girl. I got my bachelors in Computer Information Systems that includes computer programming like C#, Java, ASP.net and more but I understand more about it.

    Please help to understand. Most jobs they need a lot of years of experience and I don’t have it. What should I do?

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Alma, This is the classic chicken and egg which came first puzzle. The good news is that it is quite easy to solve with some patience and investment of time on your path. First, pick a few programming languages that are in very high demand and at the same time are easier to learn.

    You need to learn the programming languages that are actually in demand by employers otherwise no-one and I repeat nobody is going to hire you. Next, you then need to get some real world, on the job, practical programming skills because in programming you are not hired for your skills or certification or degrees but for your practical, hands-on computer programming skills. The how to become a programmer ebook goes into this in more detail.

  7. Dan wrote, Getting In This Career Field:

    Hi, I want to get into this job field but Im not sure where to start. Ive never worked in the field before but am pretty computer savy. Im wondering which of your programs would be best for me.?

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Dan, I would advise you to read both and then make up your mind about you want to be. The how to become a business analyst ebookexplains the roles and responsibilities of business analysts, provides you with a carer roadmap and schedules you for a series of practice job interview questions that last about a month.

    The how to become a developer ebook walks you through the myriads of programming languages and software development platforms available to beginning or senior computer programmers as well as provides you with a roadmap for becoming an expert software developer. Both e-books are excellent, easy to understand or implement and are written for working professionals who are crunched on time and only interested in getting practical, proven results.

  8. Dean wrote, Computer Training, Beginner:

    Hi there,ive just been reading your site,which is brilliant,its get me well interested,i wanted to ask you,if i start learning from now to be a computer expert and devote my time into it,how long roughly would it be until im an expert? many thanks,dean

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Dean for an average person (whatever that means) … it will take you about 6 months of steady, consistent study, learning and practice to learn computer programming or business analysis and about 3 years of hard work to become competent or expert. The secret here is consistency. Many years ago, when I decided to push my skills to the highly competent or expert level, I studied, practiced and researched for about 18 months.

    The most important thing is to start now, set a learning goal and to never give up until you achieve your goal!

  9. Shaun wrote, Starting A Programming Career:

    Hi, I graduated high school this summer but I didn’t apply to any colleges because I don’t feel that I can put in another 4 years of school successfully.

    I’m really interested in beginning programming, but I’m skeptical at the same time because I’ve heard that it isn’t stable due to constant changes. I was wondering if you could help me out with I should start with in terms of programming. I also have no previous knowledge or training. I was thinking of buying a bunch of books to start learning various languages, but I don’t want to waste my time learning a language that will quickly become outdated.

    Could you please give me a direction as to what I should start with, while making sure it will be around for awhile at the same time? Thanks in advance.

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Shaun, your programming career is as stable as you want it to be. You have been seriously misinformed by so-called well meaning people. I had the same advise about 15 years ago and I threw all that into a garbage can … which is where it belongs. Listen let me tell you something … there is no career in life that is not subject to change.

    You need to learn why dodos are extinct. Do not begin your life looking for stability … because there is none. Look for what interests you, excites your passion, keeps you awake at night or what you would pay someone money to do.

    The demand for computer programmers is so high because there are not enough skilled people to fill the software development positions available right now. if you had the right skills … I could pick up my phone and make just one call and you would be hired before the week is over. Your starting pay for the right programming skills could be in six figures if you are that good. So, quit analyzing and take massive action towards learning a marketable, in-demand software programming skill.

  10. Priyanshu wrote, Suggest Best Career For Me:

    I am from England. I have done my bachelors in Computer Science and Masters in Computer Science with ICT Management. Everywhere, there is a demand of programmers but I do not want to do coding very much because I do not like coding. Also that is the reason that I am not very high skilled in programming too.

    Please Suggest me which field is best for me in IT. Basically I think I would like to go for Business Analyst because of very less coding. But for this position companies want industrial experience that I don’t have. Please tell me what to do.

    IT Career Training Coach reply:

    Priyanshu, you are going in the right direction. Do not learn programming or become a programmer because of the money or because every one else is doing it or become someone else recommended it to you. Make this a rule … do not choose any career because of third-pary recommendations, money or prestige. You need to choose a career you love, period.

    If you have decided to become a business analyst and are encountering resistance in the job market, consider getting the basic business analyst training from the business analyst handbook. It has enough preparation and training content to keep you busy for an entire month. Also, consider registering for online business analyst training at the business analyst training.

Do You Have A Question YOu Would Like To See Answered … Post It Here

How Can You Ask A Question?

Asking a question is simple. Just post your question as a comment on this page using the comment form at the end of this post

How Will You Receive An Answer?

I will answer your question by posting a reply using the comment form at the end of this page or post .If your questions is a private or sensitive question, I will email my answer back to you.
If you post your question as a comment on this post, I will answer it … if you email me your question, I may not answer it. That is all. The floor is yours, so go ahead and ask me the pressing or important question on your mind about your career

About The Author

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

My firm, Exacticity, performs software development consulting and training for clients throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. If you are in need of software development or IT Training, click here to get in touch with me.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/09/29/choosing-online-business-analyst-training-or-software-developer-coaching/feed/ 14 How To Schedule An Online Training Class http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/26/how-to-schedule-an-online-training-class/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/26/how-to-schedule-an-online-training-class/#comments Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:13:32 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/26/how-to-schedule-an-online-training-class/

If you are interested in registering for an online training class, here is some additional information that you need to consider before you sign up for the ongoing SQL BOOT CAMP or BUSINESS ANALYST BOOT CAMP or SOFTWARE DEVELOPER BOOT CAMP.

Career Roadmap and Career Planning

1. The online SQL BOOT CAMP class is for database developers, data analysts, report writers / developers, business analysts or software developers who want to learn or master two (2) core or fundamental programming skills:

a. Relational database design and database development

b. SQL query writing and SQL programming

2. The online BUSINESS ANALYST BOOT CAMP class is for data analysts, system analysts or business analysts who want to learn or master the core business analyst skills including:

1. UML

2. Use Cases

3. Requirements Elicitation or Requirements Analysis

The online SOFTWARE DEVELOPER BOOT CAMP class is for computer programmers, software developers or web developers who want to learn or master the core software development skills including:

1. Database Development and SQL Programming

2. Object Oriented Web Programming Languages

3. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Real World, Practical, Skill Based Job Training

The best way to learn business analysis or computer programming or database development or any technical skill is to establish the tasks you will be performing for your employer in the real world and then perform those tasks in our training program with guidance, progress monitoring and feedback.

The study guides used in our online training boot camps match the types of tasks, assignments and projects you perform for employers on the job guaranteeing that the skills you gain are immediately useful to you and your employer.

Learning By Doing

The more effective way to master business analysis, data analysis or computer programming skills is by doing or performing the skills you are learning because your brain is wired to retain and remember 80% of what you do or practice versus 20% of what you read or hear.

This is why the online training boot camps includes practical tasks, assignments and hands on learning activities that will help you understand the technical skills you are learning, faster, better and easier.

Study Guides or Courseware

We developed the study guides used in our online technical training boot camps based on the tasks, responsibilities or competencies employers expect you to demonstrate on the job!

Our study guides and hands on exercises are constantly updated, improved and perfected using feedback on the skills, experience and training employers want to see you demonstrate on your resume, job interviews or after you are hired.

Finally, you are guided through an intense, hands on practical training curriculum that dramatically improves your understanding and retention, competency, self confidence and finally your ability to perform on the job.

The outcome of your training is that you will begin to demonstrate the technical mastery or competence needed to excel on the job easily to your employers.

Learning On Your Own Time

One of the core benefits of the database developer, business analyst or computer programmer online training boot camps is that our course schedules are guaranteed to match your work and life schedule and not the other way round.

Here is the reason why

You may enroll and take your online courses in the morning, evening, weekend or any time of the week that best fits your schedule.

You will also not be forced to adopt a schedule that doesn’t work for you and you are always guaranteed that our courses are always flexible or adaptable enough to match your work and personal time commitments.

You Need To Take Action Now

All I am asking you to do, is to invest in your career, your skills and your future by taking a minute to sign up for an online training boot camp or contact me with a question, comment or request for more information.

About The Author

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

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


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/26/how-to-schedule-an-online-training-class/feed/ 2 Database Design Courses http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/17/database-design-courses/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/17/database-design-courses/#comments Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:17:49 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/17/database-design-courses/

The training courses at target="_blank"
title="SQL Boot Camp">SQL Boot Camp is for data analysts, report
writers, SQL developers, business analysts, computer programmers and database
developers who want to improve their SQL or database skills .

Hands-On Training

The SQL training courses are a combination of hands-on, practical training
combined with real world projects.

Step By Step Training Courses

You study step by step the concepts you need to master to design efficient,
enterprise scalable relational databases at your own pace, schedule
and time and from the comfort of your home or office.

Database Design Training Curriculum

Here are some of the topics covered in the database design training class:

How to use Keys and Indexes in relational databases.

How to establish Foreign Keys, Alternate Keys, Primary Keys, Candidate Keys and
Composite Keys.

How to use Tables, Records, Columns and Views.

How to use One-to-One Relationships, One-to-Many Relationships and Many-to-Many
Relationships.

How to establish Referential Integrity, Cascade Update Rules and Cascade Delete
rules or constraints.

How to use the First Normal Form, Second Normal Form or Third Normal Form in a
database design session.

How to use or follow Field Naming Guidelines.

How to resolve Multivalue Fields or Multipart Fields during the database design
process.

How to identify the Domains, Entities, Data or Relationships in a database
design session.

How to establish Domain Integrity, Entity Integrity, Data Integrity or
Referential Integrity in a database design session.

Please note that presently, the training courses at
target="_blank"
title="SQL Boot Camp">SQL Boot Camp include SQL Development
Courses, Database Design Courses and Database Development Courses.
This topics listed above are taken from the database design course only.

If you are interested in improving your SQL programming, SQL querying, database
design, database development, data analysis, business analysis or software
development technical skills, register for a class on
target="_blank"
title="SQL Boot Camp">SQL Boot Camp

About The Author

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

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


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/03/17/database-design-courses/feed/ 0 Tuition Reimbursement For Programming Classes http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/22/tuition-reimbursement-for-programming-classes/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/22/tuition-reimbursement-for-programming-classes/#comments Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:15:59 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/22/tuition-reimbursement-for-programming-classes/

One of the questions submitted by a reader to the

target="_blank" title="it career questions and answers">Myths Debunked
Burning IT Career Questions Answered post deals with "how to get your
employer to pay for your computer programming courses" and I want to answer
that question in detail on this post.

Let me start by asking you "have you ever thought of asking your employer or
manager to pay for your professional training at

title="the software developer boot camp">the software developer boot
camp?"

Yes, you can ask your employer to pay for any of our online training courses.
After you complete your training, you can present your certificate of
completion or transcript to your human resources (HR) department or
your IT manager and get reimbursed depending on your employer's benefit program.
To get started now all you have to do is ask your employer if you can get
reimbursed for job related training.

Why Would Your Employer Pay For Your Training?

Here is why your employer may want to pay for your computer programming
training. Your employer or manager would pay for your technical training or
reimburse you for it, if you can make a good case for it. I will help develop
the case for you and you can adapt it as you want and present it to your
employer for feedback.

1. Job Related Training

If you are an IT professional, the technical training we provide to you
is job related and your IT manager or HR department would classify it as a job
related training.

The target="_blank"
title="online computer programming classes">software developer boot camp
is a professional level software developer training class covering the
programming language skills a professional software developer needs. Since your
IT manager has a training budget which needs to be spent before your 2008
training year is over, now is a really good time to have the discussion on "what
you want to be trained on and how much your training will cost your company".

2. Professional Career Advancement

After you complete the software developer boot camp training, you get a
professional software developer certificate which your IT manager will love
to stick in your file as proof that his or her employees are moving ahead with
their career.

You may not realize it, but, you actually make your IT manager or IT director
look good by taking professional software development courses. It proves that
your manager is hiring and working with capable, talented, motivated employees
and guess what, your professional software developer training also improves your
chances of getting a promotion or salary raise.

3. Scarcity Of Software Development Talent

The competition for software developers is high right now. It is by far easier
for your employer to either pay for your software development training or
reimburse you after you complete your training than to hire more software
development resources.

The cost of attending the professional software developers boot camp is
peanuts in comparing to the cost that would be incurred by your IT director, IT
manager or HR department by looking for or hiring additional software
development resources which can be as much as $150,000/yr. per additional
programmer. In other words, you are saving your company a lot of money
by attending the software developer boot camp and the programming class is a
win-win for both you and your manager.

So now you know why your employer may want to pay for your software
development training at the
target="_blank"
title="online computer programming classes">software developer boot camp,
I hope you act on this information and not just sit on it!

If you have a question you want answered on the software developers boot camp,
business analyst boot camp or any of the professional IT career training
programs on this website, submit it to: href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/21/myths-debunked-burning-it-career-questions-answered/"

target="_blank" title="it career questions and answers"> Myths Debunked
Burning IT Career Questions Answered post.

About The Author

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

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


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/22/tuition-reimbursement-for-programming-classes/feed/ 0