ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » pros and cons 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 Pros and Cons of Business Analysts vs Computer Programmer Careers http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/08/pros-cons-business-analysts-computer-programmers/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/08/pros-cons-business-analysts-computer-programmers/#comments Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:48:08 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3060

Pros and Cons of Computer Programming vs. Business Analysis

Pros and Cons of Computer Programming vs. Business Analysis


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

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

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

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

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

  1. Market Demand for Skills or Careers

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

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

  2. Job Satisfaction

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

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

  3. Salary, Wages or Compensation

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

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

  4. Stress & Lifestyle After Working Hours

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

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

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

  5. Stress & Lifestyle During Working Hours

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

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

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

  6. Big Picture Thinkers

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

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

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

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

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

  7. Portability of Skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

  8. Authority & Control

    Computer programmers are frequently micro-managed.

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

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

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

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

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

  9. Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

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

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

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

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

    Answer this Question:

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

  10. Career Security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/08/pros-cons-business-analysts-computer-programmers/feed/ 2 The Job Market Outlook for Computer Programmers http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/14/the-job-market-outlook-for-computer-programmers/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/14/the-job-market-outlook-for-computer-programmers/#comments Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:11:23 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/14/the-2007-job-market-outlook-for-computer-programmers/

Job Market Outlook for Computer Programmers

Job Market Outlook for Computer Programmers

Inspite of the outsourcing of Information Technology jobs, there is a net positive increase in staffing for computer programming jobs, because the fundamental demand for hi-tech skills in the US economy is quite strong.

The job market for computer programmers has virtually exploded in the last ten year and the demand for software developers will continue to be strong for the foreseeable future.

In this post, I would like to discuss the factors driving up the demand for computer programmers.

Job Market Surveys for Computer Programmers

One of the surveys conducted by Harris Interactive found that:

  1. 40% of companies are expecting to add to their programming and IT staffs over the course of this year
  2. Another 45% expect to maintain their staffing levels
  3. 81% of companies surveyed plan to increase the salaries of their computer programmers this year

You may be surprised to know that one of the reasons why hiring and compensation is on the increase for computer programmers … is that employers cannot find enough qualified or skilled computer programmers for their software development projects.

According to David, an IT manager with a fortune 500 defense contractor, It’s been this way for a while now. We have to constantly modify our objectives for the coming year, because we can’t find enough people to implement the solutions to achieve our objectives.

Broader Skills Are In Demand

According to a survey conducted by Computerworld magazine of 250 CIO’s and technology managers, computer programming and application development skills are 2 of the most in-demand hi-tech skill-sets.

Also, most of those same CIO’s noted that knowledge of more than one technology or technical platform is essential.

Most employers, according to the study, are seeking what they term as deep generalists, meaning software developers with knowledge of several platforms, deep expertise in a couple, and awareness of the larger enterprise framework in which their applications reside.

The key for most applicants is a deep base of knowledge, from which a greater, more generalized knowledge can be grown.

Entry-Level Prospects For Beginner Programmers

While the core high-paying jobs will go to those with cutting-edge or marketable skills, experience and contacts, the prospects for entry-level computer programmers continue to rise.

According to surveys, employers are hiring more entry-level computer programmers.

Who’s Hiring for Computer Programming Positions?

The survey results of 1,500 CIO’s around the country show that the following industries plan to hire computer programmers:

  1. Transportation – 25%
  2. Manufacturing – 19%
  3. Finance/Real Estate – 17%
  4. Professional Services – 17%
  5. Retail – 13%

The Fight for Programming Skills and Talent

The current high demand for computer programmers is expected to increase because as companies continue growing their information technology capability and as new regulatory requirements or legislation such as Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA are created, the need for skilled, talented and experienced computer programmers or application developers will continue to increase.

Here are some of the other reasons why the demand for computer programmers continues to rise:

  1. H-1B Visa: Recruiters cannot find enough H1-B Visa holders to staff the high numbers of software development projects because of quota restrictions put in place by the government.
  2. Obsolete Skills: A number of software developers have legacy, obsolete, outdated programming skills and new software development job postings are traditionally for the latest, cutting-edge software development languages
  3. Learning Curve: Because of languages like C/C++, software development is looked upon as having a steep learning curve.

    However, modern programming languages like C# or Visual Basic actually have a low learning curve and a high-payout unlike their C/C++ counterparts.

    Read this post on: “Why C/C++ Programming Language Is Bad For Your Career“

  4. Lack of Handson Skills: Software Development is a handson field and why a number of computer programmers have a background in computer science, they lack real-world, handson skills or experience which disqualifies them for actual programming jobs!
  5. Investing in Online Technology: The internet is one of the biggest business or technology drivers and software developers play some of the biggest roles in building internet applications or services!

    So, one of the best reasons why software developers will continue to be in-demand is, that as investments in internet / online businesses, web applications, mobile devices and media applications continue, software developers will have a future and a bright job outlook.

Finally, as the hiring for qualified computer programmers increases, the competition for scarce computer programming skills will also intensify.

According to industry sources, the salaries of computer programmers which has been rising 4 -5% each year for the last few years, will increase to 8-10% within a few years.

My conclusion is that the job market for computer programmers is full of opportunities and that software developers with cutting-edge skills and real-world experience will continue to be in-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/2007/08/14/the-job-market-outlook-for-computer-programmers/feed/ 4 Benefits of Becoming A Computer Programmer Part 2 http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/11/benefits-of-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-2/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/11/benefits-of-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-2/#comments Sat, 11 Aug 2007 20:55:38 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/11/benefits-of-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-2/

Since this website (IT Career Coach) is about careers, it makes sense for me to discuss at some point, the benefits of becoming a computer programmer.

So, I will continue along the lines set by part 1 of benefits of becoming a computer programmer, by discussing further, the advantages or benefits of choosing a career in computer programming.

1. Lots of different companies hire computer programmers

Computer programmers are employed in virtually every industry including entertainment, medical or financial industries, and they enjoy the same perks and privileges that employees in these other occupations do. That’s one of the benefits of working in the software development industry; you are exposed to a number of different industries without being required you to make huge shifts in your own skill-sets.

That’s part of why I got into computer programming says Brad, a Microsoft .Net developer in Denver, Colorado. Brad worked for a healthcare provider for 4 years, before transitioning to a financial services firm last year. I’m still doing .NET software development work, but the data I work with is completely different, the users have very different requirements, and the systems my stuff interacts with are completely different.

So while I’m still doing what I love, it’s in a totally new environment, and it’s all fresh again, and the challenge is back.

2. Future job demand for computer science is likely to skyrocket

One frequently mentioned aspect of the future US job market is the coming wave of retirements, as the baby-boomer generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) start exiting the workforce. To put it in perspective, the baby boomer generation is calculated at 76 million people; that?s out of a population of roughly 300 million, meaning that the baby boomers represent about one-quarter of the entire US population.

In fact, this retirement exodus from the workforce has already begun, as over over-60 workers begin retirement this year, and additional numbers will follow. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, anticipates the demand for computer programming jobs to increase by a whooping 35-40% by the year 2014, less than 7 years from now, and the baby boomer retirement wave will not complete until some time in the 2020′s.

The reality is, these numbers aren’t fudged, and they can’t be made to go away either because aging is aging. And as the senior workers begin to exit the workforce, younger workers will move into their positions.

The problem is that the baby boomer generation created the single largest generation of workers and computer programmers, in the history of the United States, and the skills shortfall created by their retirement can’t be filled by the current number of computer programmers in the US, unless the current generation of workers find ways to upgrade their technical skills and get into the software developement industry quickly.

3. Career paths for computer programmers are also likely to expand in the future

Closely related to the last point is that, as technology expands into virtually every part of the business enterprise, so will the roles and usefulness of computer programmers. Gone are the days of computer programmers working together in a forgotten corner of the enterprise, toiling for days on end in anonymity.

Also gone are the days of simply writing Cobol code for in-house mainframe applications. Most corporations and industries have woken up to the use of technology, and adoption continues and increases year after year. Computer programmers today are asked to develop applications for data analysis, security, wireless communications, web-based marketing tools, and a wide range of other uses.

Also, more and more disciplines are realizing that technical skills make sense in their departments as well. A marketing exec with programming skills and who can design applications directly is more valuable than one who has to rely on IT to understand and prioritize marketing’s application needs.

Therefore, those who can take their programming skills and apply to it, a greater understanding of the larger business enterprise are more marketable, will be compensated more than those who aren’t.

4. Computer programming experience and knowledge is portable to other professions

In the end, computer programming is all about problem solving. The ability to take a set of business requirements, and create a solution that meets those requirements is what computer programmers do. Computer programming requires problem solving and analytical skills, combined with a stubborn desire to see a problem through to resolution.

Those who have of develop the ability to do this are hand picked for choice assignments and are compensated and promoted accordingly.

So, you will fare well as a computer programmer, if you enjoy analyzing real-world problems and solving them.

5. How many jobs give you the chance to really change the world?

It might sound cliche, but the chance to change the world is something a lot of people look for in their careers. People want to know that their work isn’t just mind-numbing and bureaucractic, and that they’re doing something that positively impacts their company or their world.

Want proof of the impact computer programmers can have on the world? Look no further than Google, the Internet and Email, without which you will still be writing letters by hand and without which you wouldn’t be able to search for information on any topic and get results or answers within a second fom a computer in your home.

This ends my two post series on “why you should consider a career in computer programming” or the “benefits of becoming a computer programmer“.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/11/benefits-of-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-2/feed/ 2 Reasons for Becoming A Computer Programmer Part 1 http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/06/reasons-for-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-1/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/06/reasons-for-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-1/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:02:52 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/06/reasons-for-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-1/

The last ten years has seen a dramatic increase in the job openings for computer programmers in the US or worldwide, as global demand for skilled computer programmers out-paced the supply. I would like to show you the benefits of this strong global demand for computer programmers.

Before you decide on a career, it’s a good idea to investigate the career and understand what you’re getting into or what the career has to offer you. Here are a few reasons why computer programming is worth your consideration.

1. The demand for computer programmers is increasing

Outsourcing which is a concern for many professionals has been offset by the growth in Information Technology and computer programming. Outsourcing as a trend reached its peak during the recessionary years following 2001, and then leveled off in recent years

.

The fact is, the days of major outsourcing initiatives are gone and a number of the previously out-sourced tech jobs are moving back onshore to the US. In fact, a recent study commissioned by the federal government discovered that the technology sector gained 147,000 new positions in 2006, even with outsourcing, a gain of 59,600 jobs over 2005.

Keep in mind that the average unemployment rate for computer programmers which was 2.5% in 2006 or about half the national average represents a significant shortage of qualified computer programmers. Any time unemployment in the US falls below ~3%, it’s considered over-employment, because 3% is made up of people who are voluntarily unemployed.

2. Experienced computer programmers have increased job security

Once you have real skills and experience in the computer programming industry, your job security increases. This happens because you become indispensable to the company where you work, or your skills and experience become valuable enough that it doesn’t really matter what happens to any one job.

The fact is that, while the tools used by computer programmers change, such as the languages they code with and the platforms they code on, the fundamentals of a programming don’t.

You might code an application differently in Java as compared to C#, for example, but the software application and its uses are the same, as are the types of business problems you need to solve. And once you have a base set of skills, and add the experience of problem solving and design in real-world environments, your skills become valuable and portable.

While the programming language you master may change, and your continuous education is a requirement for remaining in the computer programming industry, your real-world experience combined with programming skills is valued like gold.

3. Computer programmers continue to enjoy very competitive salaries.

The average starting salary for beginner computer programmer can reach $45,000, the average salary for experienced computer programmers can reach $90,250, based on a recent report issued by the Robert Half Corporation. This represents an increase of 5.1% over the previous year. Compare that with, say, the average salary for entry level accountants ($33,250 to $39,250) and experienced accountants ($48,000 to $72,250), respectively.

And this doesn’t take into account the compensation paid to contract programmers. Contract programmers are exposed to more technical and financial risks because of the temporary nature of their work and are compensated at a higher level than full-time or employee computer programmers.

By way of comparison, a contract programmer can earn an average of 25-50% higher pay than a permanent employee performing the same work. A contract programmer can convert and become a permanent full-time employee if both the employer and contract programmer want the conversion to happen.

4. Compensation for computer programmers can get extremely lucrative

Added to the base salary most computer programmers enjoy is the possibility of making truly amazing amounts of cash. Historically, technology has been the best place to create wealth. Of course, over the years the definition of the term technology has changed, from railroads to cars, to oil production, to airplanes, and so forth.

Today, technology refers to Information Technology including computer hardware and software development. The major fortunes of the past 2 decades were created in the technology industry, especially in the software development industry. It only takes one look at the world’s richest person, Bill Gates, to understand the potential of combining computer programming skills with timing and business sense to make truly vast sums of money.

Even if you don’t start your own Microsoft or Google, there are plenty of ways to create significant wealth as a computer programmer. You can, for example, make considerable amounts of extra money by consulting and freelancing, in addition to your day job. Established freelancers and consultants may bill or earn significantly higher wages for their services while enjoying the flexibility of working on projects they truly care about.

Contract programmers typically earn a higher rate of pay, usually in the 24-50% range for longer term projects, 50-100+% higher for shorter-term projects and enjoy a greater range of flexibility in terms of working hours and types of job they accept.

5. Computer programming is an excellent gateway to rewarding business careers.

One of the strengths about computer programming is the exposure to many other occupations. The truth is that most of the functions in a business enterprise, including marketing and accounting, value team members who have computer programming skills. Since this enables them to use software technology effectively without depending on other departments.

For example, marketing departments employ computer programmers to gather and analyze customer data or develop marketing campaign software applications. Accounting and finance departments employ computer programmers to create or modify accounting, data mining and financial analysis applications.

Computer programmers who are exposed to multi-disciplines gain more business experience and marketability. According to a recent study by InfoWorld Magazine, the most desirable trait employers are looking for today is someone with technical skills, who can diversify into and interact with other business departments and disciplines.

As the workplace changes and technology becomes more integrated into corporate America, computer programming offers you an excellent base for launching or expanding your horizon and career.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/06/reasons-for-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-1/feed/ 1 Learning C++ Programming Language Is Bad For Your Career … C++ Programmers Can’t Find Jobs http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/25/learning-c-programming-language-is-bad-for-your-career-c-programmers-cant-find-jobs/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/25/learning-c-programming-language-is-bad-for-your-career-c-programmers-cant-find-jobs/#comments Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:41:07 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/25/learning-c-programming-language-is-bad-for-your-career-c-programmers-cant-find-jobs/

Learning A Marketable Skill?

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.


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/25/learning-c-programming-language-is-bad-for-your-career-c-programmers-cant-find-jobs/feed/ 21 The Secret Path To Contract Programming http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:00:38 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/

Who is a contract programmer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long do contract programming projects last?

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

How much do contract computer programmers bill?

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

What factors determine the contract programmer’s billing rate?

The factors that determine a contract programmers billing rate include:

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

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

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

Who should be a contract programmer?

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

What is the future or outlook for contract programmers?

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

How do you become a contract programmer?

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

  1. Expert programming skills

  2. Well-crafted resume

  3. Effective job interviewing skills

  4. Aggressive Resume Marketing

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

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


What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?



What Is The Toughest Challenge Facing Your Career?

Visit the Shopping Cart, Click Here




ABOUT TRAINING & COACHING COURSES


Visit our Shopping Cart

]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/feed/ 0 The Pros and Cons of Computer Programming http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/10/18/the-pros-and-cons-of-computer-programming/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/10/18/the-pros-and-cons-of-computer-programming/#comments Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:50:18 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/10/18/learn-the-pros-and-cons-of-computer-programming-first-if-you-aspire-to-a-career-in-programming/

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

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


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/2006/10/18/the-pros-and-cons-of-computer-programming/feed/ 0