ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » software developer coaching 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 Which Software Development Life Cycle Is Best? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/09/23/which-software-development-life-cycle-is-best/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/09/23/which-software-development-life-cycle-is-best/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:58:46 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3284

Your Guide To Software Development Methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, SDLC, Extreme ...)

Your Guide To Software Development Methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, SDLC, Extreme ...)

Models like Agile, Extreme Programming, Scrum or Waterfall are used by project managers, business analysts, software developers or quality assurance analysts to describe how a project is managed or a software product is built.

The software development life cycle determines how risks are managed, business requirements documented, resources estimated and allocated, stakeholder expectations or customer feedback is managed and when software / quality assurance testing is performed.

Each software development model recommends a set of guidelines or best practices for developing software.

It is then up to an adopting organization to follow these guidelines from the inception of their project.

Choosing the right Software Development Life Cycle is important because it helps your project team reduce or eliminate the risks of project failure which occur as frequently as 60% of the time.

Software Development Life Cycles are also important because they help deliver a better product or user experience.

In a nutshell, software development practices like Agile, Extreme Programming, Waterfall, Lean Software Development, Rational Unified Process (RUP), Scrum will help your project team meet or exceed customer or business requirements, deliver products on time or under budget.

Meeting Business Requirements

Software Development Life Cycles help with clarifying when or how software requirements will be gathered and analyzed in a software development project.

In software methodologies like the Waterfall model, business requirements are collected, analyzed or documented extensively at the beginning of the project.

In other software models like Agile or Scrum, requirements are gathered or analyzed multiple times during the life cycle of the project.

While opinions differ as to which software model helps you gather better software requirements, each model still offers the benefit of a formal plan for gathering, analyzing or documenting business requirements.

Engaging the Best Minds or Resources

Some Software Development Life Cycles like the Waterfall model are more traditional with their “top down” team structure or project management approach.

Other software models like the Agile or Scrum models are flatter in their team structure or more self organizing and independent.

The benefit of following a software development model is that it helps with organizing or structuring the project team’s roles, responsibilities or communication style.

Reducing or Eliminating Time or Budget Overruns

Statistics show that as much as 60% of Information Technology (IT) projects fail for various reasons including time or budget overruns.

This is where choosing the right software model can be helpful.

Each software development life cycle offers a set of best practices for estimating project resources, planning project deliverables or product features and monitoring timelines or milestones.

While some software models like the Waterfall emphasize time, budget or resource estimation at the beginning of the project, others like Agile or Scrum emphasize time, cost or resource estimation & planning throughout the life cycle of the project.

Managing the Software Development Process

Each Software Development model divides separates the development process into a set of activities which makes the project more manageable.

While some Software models are sequential, others are iterative.

Software development models separate your development cycle into phases which helps with project planning, resource utilization and progress monitoring or control.

Creating Better Software Products

Software development life cycles can help with meeting or exceeding customer expectations as well as creating better software products.

Your software development model will provided guidelines for creating test cases or mapping test cases to requirements or product features.

Software models provides guidance for quality assurance analysts or software testers, on when to execute tests, record bugs or defects and measure or report on the quality of the software product.

How To Adopt A New Software Development Life Cycle

An organization may be incapable of taking advantage of a software development model in-spite of the merits of the model.

Here is my advice on adopting a new software development model

  1. Evaluate your Company Culture: consider the flexibility or willingness of your company to change or adapt.

    I have seen organizations with a top-down management culture fail at agile models because they were not ready to give up some control to an agile, self-organizing team.

  2. Take Small Steps: don’t try to change too much, too soon, when adopting a new software development model.

    Over-committing at the early stages of your project raises a red flag because it means that your project team is being expected to run before it has learnt how to walk!

  3. Get Executive / Organizational Commitment: get someone with senior management or executive authority to back the adoption of the model or it may not survive corporate politics.

Sometime ago, I functioned as the Information Technology Director of a re-manufacturing plant in the Ozarks.

One of the goals I set for my team and employer was to get them to adopt a formal software development model.

Before I started running with the implementation of that model, I spent time coaching the CEO, the quality assurance and product development directors, and other senior managers on the benefits as well as potential challenges of the new software development model.

Because I had strong organizational commitment and backing, the software model was finally adopted without any incidents.

Which Software Development Life Cycle Is Best for Your Project?

With all that has been said in mind, i have prepared a downloadable study guide that will help you with choosing a software development model for your project!

The study guide which you can download below covers answers questions like:

  1. What is Agile, Scrum, Waterfall?, Lean Software Development, Extreme Programming …
  2. What are the advantages, disadvantages, challenges or benefits of adopting a software development model …
  3. How does Agile compare to Waterfall … And More ….

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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/09/23/which-software-development-life-cycle-is-best/feed/ 1 How To Learn Programming In 6 Months And Get A Job! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/08/09/how-to-learn-programming-in-6-months-and-get-a-job/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:00:15 +0000 joshkemp http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3225

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Believe The Myths About Computer Programming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me start by debunking these myths one by one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  3. Computer Programming Is Easy To Learn!

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

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

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

  4. Computer Programmers now have multiple career options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  6. Computer Programming Languages Are Not Equal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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This post was submitted by joshkemp.

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

How To Become A Faster Programmer?

How To Become A Faster Programmer?

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

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

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

How To Become A Faster Computer Programmer

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

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

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

Coding Under Pressure Will Not Make You Faster!

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

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

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

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

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

Staying Ahead Of Technology Will Make You Faster!

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

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

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

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

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

Writing More Code Will Not Make Your Faster!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taking Lots Of Practice Tests Will Make You Faster!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/05/13/how-to-be-a-faster-programmer/feed/ 3 In The Software Developer Industry, Experience Is King! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/03/14/are-software-developer-internships-key-to-landing-good-jobs/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/03/14/are-software-developer-internships-key-to-landing-good-jobs/#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:02:04 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3137

Hands-on Experience Is The Key To Landing Good Jobs!

Hands-on Experience Is The Key To Landing Good Jobs!

Once a computer programmer with marketable programming skills gains handson experience by building real-world, practical applications, he or she is virtually guaranteed not just any type of job … but a portable, marketable, high-paying professional career as a software developer!!

Why? Because in the software development industry, Experience is King!.

Real world, hands on, practical, computer programming experience is valued more than computer programming certifications or even computer science diplomas or college degrees!

With that in mind, a promotion that allows you to enroll in our 2012 Software Developer Internship Program ($1000) + SQL Boot Camp Online Training ($499) + Software Developer Boot Camp Online Training ($1000) for only $1125 Ends Today!

How Do You Get A Software Developer Internship?

This is how you can land yourself a Software Developer Internship opportunity:

  1. Start by learning marketable programming skills:

    Internships opportunities go to those with marketable computer programming skills.

    So, if your programming skills are out of alignment with the business needs of employers, you are out of luck.

    Demonstrate a high level of commitment to your career by learning how to program first before looking for how to get paid.

    Software Developer Internships are hard for those who want to be paid first before they learn how to code, get it?

  2. Next, build practical, real-world software applications:

    Internship opportunities do not go to those who have not first taken the time to learn or master a programming language.

    In other words, internships are for putting the knowledge and skills that you’ve acquired to work and not for learning how to code!

  3. Finally, get yourself a good programming job:

    Software developers who first take the time to learn valuable programming skills and then build a portfolio of web / software applications will get a job because they have fulfilled the major requirements for getting hired!

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

The demand is so high that you are virtually guaranteed a good job when you fulfill the requirements I just mentioned.

A software development internship will help you land a good programming job, keeping in mind a few things:

  1. The purpose of a software development internship is to provide you with guidance, mentoring, coaching or feedback as you build real-world, practical software applications, products or services.

  2. Though software developer internships are helpful for landing good jobs, they are still very competitive or hard to get.


  3. Click here to Read More about the “2012 Software Developer Internship Opportunity”

Announcing the Software Developer Internship Program

With all this in mind, we are announcing our Software Developer Internship program for 2012:

  1. Computer programmers: who want to build hands-on software development experience in marketable computer programming skills.
  2. Web developers: who want to be mentored, coached, guided or advised on how to build practical, real-world software applications.
  3. Information Technology (IT) professionals: who want to build a portfolio of database driven web-based applications from beginning to end..

Enrolling in the software developer internship program means that you work on projects like:

  • Building Database Driven Websites using ASP.NET, C# and SQL Server.
  • Developing font-end, user-driven websites using HTML, CSS, JQuery and Javascript.
  • Hosting websites on .NET Framework (ASP.NET, C#, SQL Server and Windows).

Special Pricing Discount – Enrollment Starts Now!

The Software Developer Internship Program is an exclusive program that is designed for computer programmers who want to develop hands-on experience by building practical, real-world applications.

The special pricing for the Software Developer Internship program is set at $1000 for a limited time!

However, if you signup for the Software Developer Boot Camp before midnight Today (11:59 PM on Friday, February 3, 2012 (CST)) you will get a complimentary one-time, $1375 discount and be enrolled in both the Software Developer Internship program ($1000) and SQL Boot Camp ($499) and Software Developer Boot Camp ($1000).

Click here to enroll for the Software Developer Boot Camp + SQL Boot Camp + Software Developer Internship Program ($1375 discount) by making a $1125, one-time payment … this offers expires on Midnight of Friday, February 3, 2012 (Central Standard Time).


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/03/14/are-software-developer-internships-key-to-landing-good-jobs/feed/ 0 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.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/12/18/which-programming-language-is-best-to-start-with/feed/ 16 Complete What You Start! How To Stop Doing Things Halfway http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/03/complete-what-you-start-how-to-stop-doing-things-halfway/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/03/complete-what-you-start-how-to-stop-doing-things-halfway/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:56:43 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2923

Successful Project Completion

Complete What You Start

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

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

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

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

Here is the Reader’s Question

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

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

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

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

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

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

This problem is almost costing my job.

How To Complete What You Start Or Stop Doing Things Halfway

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

Here are some tips on how to avoid that …

  1. Plan Your Programming Tasks

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

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

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

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

  2. Design your Application Before Coding

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

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

    Finally, give some thought to your business logic.

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

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

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

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

  3. Follow An Agile Software Development Process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/03/complete-what-you-start-how-to-stop-doing-things-halfway/feed/ 0 Why Microsoft .NET Jobs for COBOL Mainframe Programmers? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/03/17/why-microsoft-net-jobs-for-cobol-mainframe-programmers/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/03/17/why-microsoft-net-jobs-for-cobol-mainframe-programmers/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:33:25 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2878

Cobol Mainframe Programmers Changing Careers!

Cobol Mainframe Programmers Changing Careers!

COBOL Mainframe Programmers switching careers have to overcome several challenges including the fear of learning new programming languages.

In addition, cobol programmers have to pick the right programming language which is not an easy task considering the range of possibilities (C#, Java, C/C++, PHP, Python, Visual Basic, Perl, etc.).

Cobol programmers also have to brand their resumes to look like that of modern, object oriented software developers.

Considering these challenges, one is not surprised whenever a cobol programmer decides to stick with legacy programming skills.

That is why I am dedicating this post to helping cobol mainframe programmers transition their skills or careers.

How To Transition Cobol Mainframe Legacy Programming Skills

I will start by answering a question which is at the core of the challenges faced by many cobol programmers.

Here is the question submitted by a cobol mainframe programmer from Stafford, Texas.

I am a Cobol programmer but I have been out of the business for more than 5 years due to layoff.

I have been driving an 18-wheeler for 6 years and I want to get back into programming.

What is the best route to take?

I am planning to take A+ Certification class at Houston Community College in the Summer.

In the meantime, I need to stop driving.

Changing Careers For Mainframe Cobol Programmers

I would advice that you start with learning the Microsoft .NET suite of programming languages.

Learning Microsoft .NET is not a small undertaking, but it currently presents the best career path for modern, object oriented computer programmers.

Learning Microsoft.NET includes learning the following family of programming languages or platforms:

  • .NET Framework
  • ASP.NET

  • C# or Visual Basic .NET … I recommend C#
  • SQL Server for database Development

I don’t recommend that you start with A+ certification because that is taking an in-direct route to a programming career.

That path will take you to a desktop support job and you may actually end up getting lost in that role … which is okay if that is what you really want!

If you really want to become a computer programmer, then you need to learn Microsoft .NET

Here is why learning Microsoft .NET will be a better option for you:

High Demand For Microsoft.NET Programming Skills

  • There is such a high demand for Microsoft.NET programming skills in the current economy, that you’re virtually guaranteed a job, as soon as you’re skilled or competent at programming with .NET Framework.

Shorter Training Time For Microsoft.NET

Here is why I advocate that you learn Microsoft.NET instead of Java or C/C++.

It has a shorter learning curve or training time because the language is easier to master and Microsoft provides you with a Rapid Application Development (RAD) environment which allows you to write full-featured applications in a shorter time.

These RAD tools have intelligence built-in which presents you with tips on the programming syntax as you code.

This reduces the challenge of memorizing .NET Framework programming syntax and it also reduces the time it will cost you to create complete, working business applications.

More Career Options for .NET Developers

Becoming a .NET Developer opens up your career to the corporate computer programmer career path.

  1. As a .NET Developer, you have more career options because Microsoft.NET is designed to work with other Microsoft products. This makes your skills more portable and it opens up a bigger programming market for you.

  2. If you’re a .NET developer, you may also get a job creating websites or work as a database developer or focus on developing MS Office applications.

  3. You can also work as a windows developer or as a mobile developer.

  4. You can even work on enterprise business applications like Commerce Server, Sharepoint or Reporting Services.

Since you have some previous programming background (even though it was as a cobol programmer) and you are still interested in computer programming, I would advice you to jump into learning .NET Framework immediately and not to waste your time on other pursuits!

Finally I would like to mention that we are running a special discount where you can get trained on both the Microsoft .NET Framework and SQL Server database development.

All you really have to do is, place an order for both the Software Developer Boot Camp and the SQL Boot Camp and this special discount would be applied to you.

Here is what you need to do to be fully enrolled as a Microsoft .NET Framework Developer … enroll for both the SQL Boot Camp and the Software Developer Boot Camp at the same time using the links below:

  1. Click here to Add the Software Developer Boot Camp

  2. Click here to Add the SQL Boot Camp Training

Once you add both the SQL and Software Developer Boot Camp, you will get the on-going special discount for the Microsoft .NET Software Developer Training Track.

In this post we discussed the challenges facing legacy cobol mainframe programmers and suggested the best path for those interested in changing careers.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/03/17/why-microsoft-net-jobs-for-cobol-mainframe-programmers/feed/ 14 Knowledge Workers Accept The Challenge To Be The Best Or Why IT Professionals Feel UnderValued http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/12/02/knowledge-workers-accept-the-challenge-to-be-the-best-or-why-it-professionals-feel-undervalued/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/12/02/knowledge-workers-accept-the-challenge-to-be-the-best-or-why-it-professionals-feel-undervalued/#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:38:35 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/12/02/knowledge-workers-accept-the-challenge-to-be-the-best-or-why-it-professionals-feel-undervalued/

How you value knowledge tells me a lot about who you are … because knowledge capital is the most important resource in any organization.

In the digital age, what makes one employee more valuable than the next employee is simply stated … the amount of knowledge, skill, expertise, training and learning they have managed to acquire and put to use.

Now, managers are not interested in employees that know it all … only in employees that constantly put their knowledge capital to work by solving corporate problems or challenges … those employees are the gold mines in any organization.

Now, think about it for a moment, if you are a trained, knowledgeable, competent, skilled Information Technology (IT) professional, your resume would display your accomplishments, success stories, skills, training and technical mastery. And because you have all these, you can send your resume anywhere in the the world … and be instantly hired! … just because you are very good at why you do … and you can prove it!

The singular reason why you, as an IT professional may feel undervalued or wasted in your career is that for some unknown reason … you have made the unconscious mistake of not investing enough of your personal time in improving your skills!

Here is why technology or software development professionals lag behind in their career:

Managers Have A “Show Me Proof” Mindset:

Managers tend to follow a show me proof strategy .. .simply put, you have to demonstrate that you have acquired or mastered a new skill … before you will get a break or the next promotion on the job. So, your manager will pay you more money when you show tangible proof that you have learnt a new skill, you have attended a new training or course, you have mastered a new technology or software development process like UML, Use Cases, Requirements Analysis or Object Oriented Software Development.

Without tangible proof that you are constantly improving or learning … you may not only be bypassed for new or important opportunities, you will also be more likely than others to be back-burned or fired in a recession.

Adult To Adult Relationship:

Several years ago, I was hired first after college into a Fortune 500 company as a Process & Technology manager. During the employee training sessions, I heard a great word that has stuck with me throughout my career … that word is “Adult – To – Adult Relationship“.

What that word really means, is that your employer wants to forge a new relationship with you, where you are treated as partner or co-business owner even though on paper .. you are just an employee. In the light of this, your employer wants you to take personal responsibility for your career, personal development, initiative or the contribution only you can make to the company … and that is where you may miss the boat!

Taking personal responsibility for your career means that you need to sit down and draw up a career roadmap of where you want to go in the next 1 year, make a detailed career plan for achieving your career roadmap … and then follow through.

You need to specify how long it will take you to master each skill or competency needed to perform your job 1 year from now and then personally ensure that you acquire the knowledge, expertise, skills, training or experience needed.

Some employees fall off the grid at this point by making the mistake of waiting on their manager to take personal responsibility for their IT Training and skills development.

You Are Only As Valuable As What You Know:

In today’s competitive digital economy, nobody gets ahead based on their good looks or their family connections or the type of college they attended! Even if you manage to get your foot in the door by “repeating the name of your alma mater three times” at the interview or getting your dad or mum to pull some favors for you … you will only last as long as the next round of corporate cost reduction / cost cutting a.k.a downsizing / layoffs.

So, there is no getting around it, you simply have to know what you are doing or strive to be the best on your job or just simply play the sorry, loser on your team … the butt of off-handed, not so subtle remarks on the need to shape up or shape out.

So, what is a knowledge worker to do?

The Attitude Of A Knowledge Worker:

Start by recognizing that knowledge is one of the core prerequisites for wealth, personal empowerment and career advancement. Tell yourself this “without knowledge I bring nothing to the table , no usefulness to my team or manager and therefore I may not have a job … and you will being to get the big picture.

To Be The Best:

Accept the challenge to be the best … you simply must accept the challenge to be the best at what you do, whether you are a business analyst, a computer programmer, a project manager, database developer or you wear a myriad of hats on the job!

The problem with individuals who do not accept the challenge to be the best on the job is that, they constantly allow themselves to under-perform because they don’t hold themselves to a high-standard! This may be due to a poor self-image or a feeling of incompetency or a “I could never be that good” mindset.

Unfortunately, this has a way of proving itself right. If you lower the bar for yourself, you will fulfill the expectations set for under-performers or inevitably shoot yourself in the foot. The saddest part of it is that you cheat yourself by losing out on the opportunity to discover that you are in your own unique way, a gem, a virtuoso, a top performer … who can achieve just like anyone else!

Take Your Training:

You have heard it all … you are only as valuable as the knowledge you bring to your team or manager … take personal responsibility for your career development … accept the challenge to be the best at what you do … so, what next?

No one ever achieved anything much without the help of other people … that is why I’m referring you to these great resources for becoming the best, the most competent professional, the top dog and not the under dog on the job!

We are now accepting registrations for the next batch of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BOOT CAMPs … Early Bird Registration Discounts Are Available … Register Now And Use This Discount Code: EarlyBirdCoupon For A Special Discount

To Register for the Business Analyst Boot Camp Training … Click Here:
To Register For SQL BOOT CAMP Training (Database Developers, Data Analysts Or SQL Programmers) … Click Here
To Register For Software Developer Boot Camp Training … Click Here.

In addition, if you haven’t already done so, read How To Learn Or Master Computer Programming Fast – Book OR How To Learn Or Master Business Analysis Fast – Book.

If you enjoyed reading this post, you may Click Here To Follow Me On Twitter: when I make the next blog post.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/12/02/knowledge-workers-accept-the-challenge-to-be-the-best-or-why-it-professionals-feel-undervalued/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.


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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/09/29/choosing-online-business-analyst-training-or-software-developer-coaching/feed/ 14 Software Developer Mentoring Programme http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/13/software-developer-mentoring-programme/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/13/software-developer-mentoring-programme/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:39:00 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/13/software-developer-mentoring-programme/

Due to the requests for a payment plan on the
target="_blank"
title="Software Developer Mentoring Programme">Software Developer
Mentoring Programme, I am offering you two (2) payment plans for
a limited time.

Payment Plans

The target="_blank"
title="Software Developer Mentoring Programme">Software Developer
Mentoring Programme is $2,000.00 only.


1. Right now you can get a special 50% discount ($1,000), if you make a
one-time payment of $1,000.00
2. Right now you can also get a special $400 discount, if you prefer to make
4 monthly payments of $399.00

Software Developer Study Materials

You will need to order the books you will be using during the
target="_blank"
title="Software Developer Mentoring Programme">Software Developer
Mentoring Programme.

You will be covering a lot of programming topics during the software development
training programme so you need to budget an additional $300.00 for the textbooks
and study material you will be covering during your training programme.

Software Development Tools

You will not need to buy commercial software development tools during your
training.

After your training and when you start developing enterprise software
applications for clients or employers you will have ample opportunity to buy
software development tools if they are not already provided by your employer or
clients. But for now, you don't need to buy any software development tools for
your training programme.

Discounts for Schools, Business and Non-Profit Organizations

There is a discount for high schools, non-profit organizations, corporations
sending more than 2 developers or groups of more than 2 people. If you fall into
any of these categories and would like to take advantage of the group discounts,
target="_blank"
title="contact the author">click here to contact me.

More Information on the Software Developer Mentoring Programme

target="_blank"
title="software developer training program">Click here for more information
on the software developer training program or
target="_blank"
title="about software developer training">click here to contact me directly
with questions about the software developer training program.

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,
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]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/13/software-developer-mentoring-programme/feed/ 0 Desktop vs. Web Developer Skills, Which’s In-Demand? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/11/05/desktop-vs-web-developers-whichs-in-demand/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/11/05/desktop-vs-web-developers-whichs-in-demand/#comments Sun, 05 Nov 2006 08:56:56 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/11/05/why-web-developers-are-in-high-demand-and-windows-developers-are-not/

Desktop vs Web Developer Skills?

Desktop vs Web Developer Skills?

Are you focusing your software development efforts on an area of specialization or career track? In this post, I will discuss and compare the demand for web developer skills to the demand for desktop programming skills, so that you can decide which developer track is better for you and make a better investment of your time or efforts.

  • Desktop Developers create applications known as thick clients that reside on the desktop, while web developers create rich internet applications or websites which are viewed using a web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, etc.).

    Aspiring desktop developers have to learn windows application development using tools like Visual Basic, C#, C/C++.

  • Web Developers have to learn web application development using tools like Visual Basic, C#, PHP, ASP.NET they also have to learn user interfaced based technologies like CSS, JavaScript and HTML.

    Web Developers are in much higher demand at this time because the demand for web applications is much higher than the demand for Desktop applications.

For every five (5) web developer jobs advertised, I see just about one desktop developer job.

The demand ten (10) years ago was for desktop applications because businesses were still getting used to the INTERNET and the WEB.

Today there is a much higher demand for web applications because the web HAS CHANGED the nature of how we do business and how we interact with each other.

Web applications are in more demand because they are easier to scale than windows applications.

They are more cost effective to support, easier to deploy and much more accessible.

The skills you gain as a web developer will be in demand across a wider market than the skills you gain from Windows development.

So, here is a comparison of the demand for web developer skills to desktop programming skills

  • Scalability of Web Applications Versus Desktop Software

    Web Applications have thin front-ends (thin clients) which means that they can be accessed by more users or customers with less network or server overhead than Desktop software which has a much thicket front-end (fat client)!

  • Support or Maintenance Costs of Web vs. Desktop Software

    Web applications have a lower support and maintenance cost compared to desktop applications.

    When a Desktop application has to be upgraded, the software has to be re-installed on all the desktops accessing it!

    This is in contrast to Web Applications where an upgrade or re-install is necessary only for one or a few computers (in the case of server farms used in highly trafficked websites!)

    Maintaining Desktop Applications also costs an organization more money because more support technicians have to be employed to troubleshoot install or deployment bugs and issues encountered whenever you deploy a desktop application to several different computers.

  • Accessibility of Web Programs Versus Desktop Applications

    The internet makes web applications extremely accessible!

    A Web Application deployed to a server in Tulsa, Oklahoma can be accessed easily using a browser from a computer in any city, state or country.

    This is is contrast to Desktop applications where you first have to download and install the software on your local computer before you can view or access it.

    This is why the accessibility of Desktops is severely limited when compared to the accessibility of Web Applications!

  • Web vs Desktop Software, Which Is Better for Business?

    Web Applications act as business portals for providing personalized services to customers or users around the globe.

    Web applications make it easier for businesses to streamline or automate their business processes by providing one-stop destinations for frequently used or accessed services.

    Web Applications make it easy to deliver out-of-the-box ideas or new services quickly and through testing and experimentation, they make it easier to gather feedback on what works and what doesn’t!

If a large portfolio of your application development is in Windows, your career may end up with skills that are not marketable or become extinct like the Dodo.

My recommendation is: Learn Web Development Skills like ASP.NET, CSharp (C#), Visual Basic .NET, .NET Framework, SQL Server, MySQL, PHP, WordPress (CMS), JavaScript, CSS, HTML / XHTM, Ajax, JQuery.


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