Careers in Programming
Why do you choose to program with Java?
[Wade]: Basically for its ease of use, access to the full development tool set, its memory management and hiding of pointers features, and the use of object-oriented methodology. Java was written for the Web and offers a full range of support tools, such as debuggers and integrated development environments. Furthermore, there is a wide range of uses for the language; it offers a rich set of components includingJSP, EJB, applet, servlet, and so on; and the abstraction of data.
Essentially, it combines all of the latest innovations into one language.
What are your qualifications, training, and years of experience?
[Wade]: I currently hold a degree in computer science and degree in management. I have been an application developer for more than seven years in database processing and am currently a technical consultant for a major credit bureau in the United States. I am currently working on the integration of legacy systems into the Web environment and will be changing to a project leader for a major consulting service provider.
What is required in maintaining and upgrading your skills? Do you pay for your upgrading or does your employer?
[Wade]:Training is typically based on individual needs. Employees should take advantage of employer skill development programs based on how the training fits with their personal goals.
A technical writer who wishes to become a manager might focus more on nonreimbursable external leadership courses rather than on reimbursable writing courses.When it comes to training, the first question should be-Does the benefit outweigh the cost? Don't waste your time taking courses you won't use in the next six months. Chances are you will forget everything and waste your time as well as your employer's money.
What are your likes and dislikes with the profession or with the language? What are the job stressors?
[Wade]: I would say that there are key forces that are associated with the profession. It then comes down to whether you have the personality to adapt to working within those forces. For example:
- Product to market/branding-In the e-commerce world, half the battle is being first.This means long hours, tight deadlines, and unsympathetic stakeholders.
- Competition-A typical technical professional is geared to be the best. This means you're often working in an environment of egos. Team skills are a definite requirement.
- Change-What you know today will be obsolete in one year.
- Niching skill sets-Value is found in expertise; techs need to niche their most durable skills.
The stressors of the job can be summed up in three words: better, faster, cheaper.
What are your current job responsibilities and daily tasks?
[Wade]: Architecture, scoping, development, and integration using the best tool for the problem presented. A typical day includes product support, maintenance support, documentation, standards development, infrastructure enhancement, product development, and implementation.
What kind of environment do you typically work in?
[Wade]: Distributed processing on various platforms including PC, mainframe, Unix, and Tandem.
What are your job prospects?
[Wade]: Experienced techs can typically expect to see a flood of opportunities available to them across the country in all areas of business. In today's market, techs are in a very strong negotiating position and have the opportunity to find jobs that closely match their overall goals.
