Hi all, sorry i didn't know if this was the correct forum. I was just going to ask advice about the current qualifications i have (and in the process of getting) in relation to getting a full time job as a asp.net web developer. I currently have a level
6 diploma in web development (asp.net, tsql) and am in my second year of a bachelor of science majoring in computer science (3 year degree). I also plan on sitting the asp.net microsoft certification exam sometime before i finish.
Also about a year ago me and my friend started a small web design/development company and we have around 8 websites in our portfolio. I am willing to work anywhere in the world hopefully when i finish. I would appreciate any advice on if my qualifications
and experience would give me a good shot at getting a good job somewhere once i finish at university next year. Also is it a good idea to create an example site to show employers when applying for jobs and should i learn mvc (since at the moment i only know
web forms).
Any general advice on the job market would be great. Cheers Dave.
You've posted to the right forum Dave. Ok, by looking at your experience and qualifications, you could probably start out as an intermediate developer and possibly even senior level. Having a portfolio of sites to show a potential employer is good but you
also want to have some source code samples to show them as well. Writing some how-to articles would showcase your ability to train others. MVC is a good skill to have. Personally, I still don't 100% understand it; it could simply be the nature of the fact
web forms make more sense to me? Who knows, I'll keep trying anyway. I can tell you that the technology sector in and around Maryland, Virginia & DC is really booming right now. I have literally a handful of openings that I could refer others to, all they
need to do is reach out to me. Hope this helps you. :)
Like I said, this is just my opinion based on what you've told me, current job market conditions and if the employer is willing to give you a chance at skipping the junior level. They may start you at junior level but depending on your skills and what you
show them, they could advance you through the ranks very quickly. Every employer is different and each job requires different skills. If you have a few sample sites to show and some sample code you've written, I could probably give you a better idea of where
you stand.
downward pressure on programmer salaries will continue.
selling software will be increasingly difficult (too much s/w is already FREE).
earning through websites will be increasingly difficult from customers who are small*
* a decade ago, i could get CDN$1000
per page for a static, text only page;
today, it's difficult to get CDN$500 for a five page static web site.
Dave ... you need to be a complete programmer ... static web sites alone are not enough; the money is with large enterprises, you need to get your foot in the door, you need to become the key to your employer's success.
Example: imho, i'm a decent programmer; if you wish, read some testimonials here: https://gerrylowryprogrammer.com/home/testimonials ; one quote
"Gerry was able to design and build processes that even IBM,
at the time did not think could be done".
Dave, the point i'm trying to make is that even though i've a lot of financial systems
experience, an agency did not even bid me or even programmers that had the
specific experience their customer, a major bank, required unless the job
candidate had the desired experience with their customer ... no other bank would do;
furthermore, within an hour or two they had three candidates to present.
Likewise, it does not matter that i managed a financial project for Apple Canada,
companies now want and can get project managers that have managed their
very specific type of project..
Dave, you asked for advice; please note, i'm note trying to discourage you ...
(a) choose to work for large customers that are as much as possiblerecession proof (example banks);
(b) avoid manufacturing, imho, it's too volatile and will move to other countries when you least expect it;
(c) develop domain specific knowledge ... if you are working for a stock exchange,
learn everything you can about how they work, their history, and their future
(d) read lots of generic business books
(e) perfect your people skills
(f) be ahead of the curve with your computer skills ... strive not to fall behind
Good Luck!
g.
P.S.: competition is fierce; with the large number of students coming out of schools, it will continue to be an employers' market ... if you're passionate about being a professional programmer, you'll need to be prepared mentally for an uphill battle; choose
your employer's wisely (i did not do that and i'm suffering for it now).
B-) Please help me by completing my school survey about computer programmers on my website. Thank you!!! Gerry Lowry +1 705-429-7550 wasaga beach, ontario, canada
dudlite
Member
46 Points
28 Posts
Question about job prospects
Mar 29, 2012 11:27 AM|LINK
Hi all, sorry i didn't know if this was the correct forum. I was just going to ask advice about the current qualifications i have (and in the process of getting) in relation to getting a full time job as a asp.net web developer. I currently have a level 6 diploma in web development (asp.net, tsql) and am in my second year of a bachelor of science majoring in computer science (3 year degree). I also plan on sitting the asp.net microsoft certification exam sometime before i finish.
Also about a year ago me and my friend started a small web design/development company and we have around 8 websites in our portfolio. I am willing to work anywhere in the world hopefully when i finish. I would appreciate any advice on if my qualifications and experience would give me a good shot at getting a good job somewhere once i finish at university next year. Also is it a good idea to create an example site to show employers when applying for jobs and should i learn mvc (since at the moment i only know web forms).
Any general advice on the job market would be great. Cheers Dave.
bbcompent1
All-Star
32974 Points
8500 Posts
Moderator
Re: Question about job prospects
Mar 29, 2012 11:38 AM|LINK
You've posted to the right forum Dave. Ok, by looking at your experience and qualifications, you could probably start out as an intermediate developer and possibly even senior level. Having a portfolio of sites to show a potential employer is good but you also want to have some source code samples to show them as well. Writing some how-to articles would showcase your ability to train others. MVC is a good skill to have. Personally, I still don't 100% understand it; it could simply be the nature of the fact web forms make more sense to me? Who knows, I'll keep trying anyway. I can tell you that the technology sector in and around Maryland, Virginia & DC is really booming right now. I have literally a handful of openings that I could refer others to, all they need to do is reach out to me. Hope this helps you. :)
dudlite
Member
46 Points
28 Posts
Re: Question about job prospects
Mar 29, 2012 12:17 PM|LINK
Oh wow i didn't realise i would be able to skip the junior step =) Thanks alot for the reply mate
bbcompent1
All-Star
32974 Points
8500 Posts
Moderator
Re: Question about job prospects
Mar 29, 2012 12:25 PM|LINK
Like I said, this is just my opinion based on what you've told me, current job market conditions and if the employer is willing to give you a chance at skipping the junior level. They may start you at junior level but depending on your skills and what you show them, they could advance you through the ranks very quickly. Every employer is different and each job requires different skills. If you have a few sample sites to show and some sample code you've written, I could probably give you a better idea of where you stand.
gerrylowry
All-Star
20513 Points
5712 Posts
Re: Question about job prospects
Mar 30, 2012 11:57 AM|LINK
@ dudlite
Dave, not sure where you are in the world ... that can make a difference.
by level 6, i'm guessing you may be in one of England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
my personal opinion: ms certification is worthless ... see http://forums.asp.net/t/1777661.aspx
You will be competing against third world countries: see http://forums.asp.net/post/4881838.aspx
Your ASP.NET MVC is the easiest question to answer: http://wekeroad.com/2009/04/22/i-spose-ill-just-say-it-you-should-learn-mvc
Predictions:
downward pressure on programmer salaries will continue.
selling software will be increasingly difficult (too much s/w is already FREE).
earning through websites will be increasingly difficult from customers who are small*
* a decade ago, i could get CDN$1000 per page for a static, text only page;
today, it's difficult to get CDN$500 for a five page static web site.
Dave ... you need to be a complete programmer ... static web sites alone are not enough; the money is with large enterprises, you need to get your foot in the door, you need to become the key to your employer's success.
Example: imho, i'm a decent programmer; if you wish, read some testimonials here:
https://gerrylowryprogrammer.com/home/testimonials ; one quote
"Gerry was able to design and build processes that even IBM,
at the time did not think could be done".
Dave, the point i'm trying to make is that even though i've a lot of financial systems
experience, an agency did not even bid me or even programmers that had the
specific experience their customer, a major bank, required unless the job
candidate had the desired experience with their customer ... no other bank would do;
furthermore, within an hour or two they had three candidates to present.
Likewise, it does not matter that i managed a financial project for Apple Canada,
companies now want and can get project managers that have managed their
very specific type of project..
Dave, you asked for advice; please note, i'm note trying to discourage you ...
(a) choose to work for large customers that are as much as possible recession proof (example banks);
(b) avoid manufacturing, imho, it's too volatile and will move to other countries when you least expect it;
(c) develop domain specific knowledge ... if you are working for a stock exchange,
learn everything you can about how they work, their history, and their future
(d) read lots of generic business books
(e) perfect your people skills
(f) be ahead of the curve with your computer skills ... strive not to fall behind
Good Luck!
g.
P.S.: competition is fierce; with the large number of students coming out of schools, it will continue to be an employers' market ... if you're passionate about being a professional programmer, you'll need to be prepared mentally for an uphill battle; choose your employer's wisely (i did not do that and i'm suffering for it now).
BTW: to learn asp.net mvc: http://www.asp.net/mvc