The combining factors of Java being a new language, the overall shortage of skilled programmers, and the high demand for Java skills in the workforce creates a situation in which entry into the labor force as a Java programmer is relatively easy for those interested. Formal education, though often preferred, is not mandatory for Java because the need is simply too high for employers to be overly picky. It's a seller's market when it comes to Java skills.
Java Pro, a Java magazine, and a company called Wilson Research recently conducted a salary survey for Java careers. Recognizing the demand for Java programmers, the results were not surprising. Worldwide, the United States pays the highest salary for Java programmers at an average of $86,000 followed by Canada, which pays an average of $53,000. Within the United States, the regions around California pay the highest salary in the country on average. As the need for Java programmers is destined to continue to rise, so too will these salaries.
The downside to these high salaries is that they are not always earned by punching the clock between 9 and 5.The same survey discovered that on average Java programmers in the United States work 48 hours per week. That of course is just the average, some programmers work considerably longer days than that.
The shortage of skilled Java programmers has led to another interesting factor in the labor market, that being the aggressive recruitment of potential employees. Companies in need of a programmer may contact employees from other agencies to lure them away. Whether right or wrong, this type of practice is quite common. The loss of key IT professionals can be devastating to a company, which creates the need for employers to attempt to ensure a high level of job satisfaction for their employees. Considerably more attention has been given to staff retention. For now at least, Java programmers can expect to be well taken care of. Keep in mind, however, that there was a time when the IT industry was screaming for Pl/1 programmers. Now Pl/1 programmers are sought only by weekend archeologists. At this point in time, Java programming is a hot commodity, maybe even the hottest, but as Robert Frost once said, "Nothing gold can stay."
Training Options and Resources
There are numerous training opportunities and methods for those interested in learning more about the Java language. Whether for general interest or certification, there is something for everyone.
Courses and Certifications
Perhaps the first place to look when seeking Java training is to go right to the source-Sun Microsystems. Sun offers many courses, which range from beginner level to very advanced. Sun delivers a wide range of recognized certification programs that provide a solid background for Java programming. Sun offers three key certification programs:
- Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform
- Sun Certified Developer for the Java Platform
- Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java 2 Platform
Java training is also provided by many postsecondary institutions as part of degree or diploma programs, or as separate more focussed certification programs. Obtaining postsecondary degrees, diplomas, and certifications are widely recognized and sought after by employers. They are, however, considerably more expensive and time intensive than obtaining certification through self-study. The choice is yours.
Online Training
The Sun Web Learning Center (http://suned.sun.com) is an interactive online training resource. Sun's online courses are available by subscription and allow access to Sun's IT courseware anytime, anywhere. That is, of course, if you have an Internet connection.
Experquest (www.experquest.com) offers technical computer courses online including some Java courses. It may be worth your time to read their course descriptions to ensure that the course covers the material you desire. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that you have the right equipment and prerequisites for the course.
Infotec (www.infotec.com) offers courses and certifications including Java. It is a good site to check out to get an understanding of what Web-based training is all about.
Self-Study Options
As with C++, one of the great aspects of learning a computer programming language is that you do not need a great deal of equipment to learn the basics. With a PC, a copy of the Java program, and a little spare time, you can begin to learn the language.
Those interested in self-study to obtain Java certification have a wide range of resources at their disposal to assist them. Numerous books on certification and self-study guides are available, including:
- Tittel, Ed. IT Certification Success Exam Cram. 3d ed.The Coriolis Group, 2000. ISBN 1576107922-This book is a good "first stop." It provides a detailed description of Sun's Java Certification program, among others, and provides many valuable resources, such as how to locate training and certification information, obtaining descriptions and objectives for the relevant exams, and identifying training and self-study options.
- Brogden, Bill Java 2 Exam Cram.The Coriolis Group, 1999. ISBN1576102912-This book assists you as you actually prepare and study for the exam. It focuses on those areas that are critical to passing the exam and provides tips and other helpful notes that aid in exam preparation.
- Roberts, Simon, Philip Heller, and Michael Ernest. Tlie Complete Java 2 Certification Study Guide. Sybex,1999. ISBN 0782127002-This book also assists you in preparing for the exam. The book itself was written by Sun Java course instructors, giving it an added bonus. The book starts out explaining the core syntax of Java, and then progresses into the more graphical and sophisticated aspects of development. As an additional feature, each chapter includes a practice test complete with an answer guide.
- Jaworski,Jamie.Java 2 Certification Training Guide.New Riders Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1562059505-This book focuses on the specifics of what you'll need to successfully pass the certification tests. It also includes practice exams, which follow Sun's format and style. A CD is included, which includes a sample of the actual computer based tests.
