ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » riches 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 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“.


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]]> 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.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/08/06/reasons-for-becoming-a-computer-programmer-part-1/feed/ 1 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.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/07/16/the-secret-path-to-contract-programming/feed/ 0 Discover Money From High Paying Careers http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/03/22/discover-money-from-high-paying-careers/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/03/22/discover-money-from-high-paying-careers/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:48:24 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2007/03/22/discover-money-from-high-paying-careers/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • a school teacher in South Carolina

  • a waiter in Bronx, New York

  • an investment banker in Saint Louis, Missouri

  • a high school graduate in Madison, Wisconsin

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

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

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

  1. Most top paying careers have stringent, required educational exams. There are requirements for examinations, certifications, and years of schooling in medicine and law

  2. Preparing for top paying careers requires many years of classroom education. Years that may not be spent earning any additional income

  3. Going to school to learn a top paying career can be expensive. Tuition costs can run into six figures and may require taking on hard to pay back debt

  4. Not all students who can afford high tuition costs for top paying careers can be admitted. Because of the pre-defined, limited number of credentialed and certified academic institutions, competition is usually very high among prospective students and only a minority of applicants can be accepted

  5. And if you weren’t near or at the top of your class in high school, your chances of being accepted into a top paying course in college or university is limited by stiff competition from your fellow high school students with better academic scores than you.

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

THE TRUTH ABOUT COMPUTER PROGRAMMER CAREERS

  1. There are no stringent, required or mandatory exams that must be passed to practice computer programming. You don’t need to be registered, certified or degreed to begin a programmer career.

  2. You don’t need formal classroom education to begin programming. You don’t have to spend years learning programming without earning an income and you can begin programming today and start earning an income in as little as 3 to 8 months depends on your motivation.

  3. You don’t have to pay for any expensive sort of education before you can begin programming. Of course you have to invest in resources for learning programming, but at a small fraction of what you will have to spend to learn other top paying careers.

  4. You are not disqualified from beginning programming because of your past or present academic performance, and I mean absolutely not. Even if you only have a high school diploma or a non-technical college degree, you can begin programming, if you simply want to.

  5. And you can learn programming from any location, at your own pace and convenient time. There are no rules for learning, no set exams to take and additional classroom education is completely optional. You can begin your computer programmer career at home, in your spare time by just studying 1 to 2 hours a day or a few hours per week

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

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

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

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


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