You don’t have to worry about finding a job once you learn Java programming. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs that require this training will grow by almost 20% for the next few years, or until 2024.
To understand how Java can help you land a programming job (I am a java Programmer at AssignmentOverflow.com, You can hire me as Java Developer), you need to know more about the ten key concepts that you will learn when taking the training. Because Java is a programming language that enables you to write software for various platforms, you will become familiarized with specific terms and climb a career path that supports your developing skills.
Taking the Basic Career Path: What to Expect
Usually, you will take the following basic path when you retain the know-how needed to work as a Java professional.
1. Junior Programmer
Usually, you will start in a junior programming spot and remain in the job for about four years. Duties include coding, debugging, reviewing coding, and technical documentation. When you work in this job, you should focus on key aspects of the language and how to obtain further certification in various areas.
To make sure that you can raise your earning potential, focus on Java development courses such as Oracle certified associate and professional Java SE 8 programmer coursework. You can prove your skills by advancing further after you earn the aforementioned endorsements by concentrating on receiving a certified master Java EE 6 enterprise architect certification. Another key certification involves getting the Java SE 11 programmer 1 validation, which is a course and certificate that confirms your Java expertise.
When you are in this development phase, you can support your Java training and certifications with courses such as cloud computing, business analysis, Linux, project management, and big data information. Other courses of note include the Six Sigma Green Belt certification course and the Black Belt certification course by Six Sigma.
Any further computer education that you obtain will bode well for you and your career. Java programming and other computer courses enable you to advance your educational skills and keep updated on the latest computing trends. Your education will not end after you receive the basic training.
2. Senior Programmer
Once you take more coursework and become certified, you can transition easily into a senior Java programmer role or a more expansive programmer job. When you take on this assignment, your job will include increasing responsibilities. Not only will you have to mentor junior programmers but you will also need to use your skills and knowledge to design and implement various types of software.
While you still will be involved in coding, you will assume a more customer-focused role where you will train external and internal users of the software. By this point in your career, you will want to concentrate on achieving skills that will lead you to management. Again, attaining additional education or certifications will help you realize this objective.
3. Architect
By this point in your programming career, you should have worked in the field for about a decade. This type of computer job involves working with software customers and collecting and assessing the structure of your computer system. By this point, you will assume more management responsibilities, including interact with senior management.
4. IT Manager
By this point, you have already received a number of endorsements and have proven yourself to be a responsible and valuable leader. You should have some managerial training listed as a part of your portfolio. Once you become a manager, you will be responsible for delivering software, managing your department’s finances, and collaborating with senior management.
Specializations for the Basic Career Path
The above career track shows what you can expect if you first start out as a Java programmer. You can assume this role in one of various industries. Java programming can be used in the following areas.
1. Back-End Development
This area of Java requires that the Java specialist write code for back-end servers, which include application servers, database servers, and web servers. If you take this specific career path, you will find a large amount of opportunity. Besides being competent in the core Java platform, you should know the following:
- EJBs or Enterprise Java Beans
- SQL, which is used for both small and large projects
- Spring, which is used in place of EJBs
- REST services that expose APIs to web services
2. Big Data Development
If you take on this specific career path, you will work with big data sets. This fast-growing career track must be supported with the following:
- Hadoop – introduced big data to the public
- MapReduce – used for processing big data
- Pig – used to write big data processing assignments
3. Android Development
Because Android is based on Java programming, you need to know the language to balance out this type of platform. Once you become familiarized with the Android platform, you can label yourself as an Android programmer specialist. By using this niche title, your opportunities as a developer will increase overnight.
4. Embedded Devices Development
This particular career path is ideal for Java-trained programmers because this form of coding is used for items such as network appliances, entertainment centers, and routers within the equipment.
Choose a Specialty to Keep You Focused
When you take a basic career path, you will find that you can specialize in one of four primary areas. Again, all these areas are developmental in nature and can be used to follow the basic career path that starts with junior programming and ends with management. Once you have a niche in mind, such as back-end use or Android development, you direct yourself toward a more logical path.
Reviewing Java Applications
To see how you can expand your opportunities in the Java field, you have to review the extent that Java is used. To put it bluntly, this popular programming language is used just about everywhere on devices and platforms around the world. Java enables developers in the computer field to make programs work. Whether you use the language to develop mobile applications, smart card apps, or server-side enterprise applications, you can easily realize your goals.
Plus, Java is an easy-to-learn language. That makes Java simple to use, easy to write, and clear-cut, especially when you need to compile data or debug a program. This language is popular as it is easier to implement than other programming languages. Java enables developers to formulate modular programming technology and reusable code.
Educational Requirements
To obtain a Java programming job or work as a developer, you typically need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, information technology, or the equivalent. Some companies require that Java programmers or developers possess master’s degrees.
Even if you simply know Java and do not have the degree, you can land an entry-level position. If you have a great deal of technical knowledge and experience, you don’t necessarily need the college endorsement. Nevertheless, that additional training and knowledge makes you appear more attractive to employers.
Go Where They Need Java Programmers or Developers
To get a beginning programming or development job, you need to look for jobs where technology skills are in great demand. Otherwise, you will waste what you have learned by finding only jobs that do not support your technological training.
Set Educational and Career Goals
You need to have a passion for programming, and for programming in Java in particular. Master and enhance your skills in coding whenever you can. Make this part of programming an extension of what you can offer an employer. You also need to set programming goals. If you don’t set goals, how can you realize your full potential? If you proclaim that you want to be a programming genius, you are only stating a wish, not setting a goal.
Establish a Niche
To set a goal, you need to be specific. For example, if you begin as a junior programmer, do you want to direct your sights toward back-end development or would you rather take on tasks that focus on Android enhancements or improvements?
For example, write down your goal, such as the following: Obtain a job developer position by August 1. When you write down your objective, you will focus all your tasks toward meeting that deadline. Doing so will enable you to realize quicker results and make you feel as though your life is more purposeful.
Build Your Personal Brand
You should also start building your personal brand as a Java programming or development professional. If you believe that you communicate well, you might display your knowledge on YouTube or begin a podcast. Maybe you want to share your knowledge and content. If so, begin a blog that focuses on an area of Java programming.
Preparation Is the Key to Unlocking Career Opportunities
While you may have the tools to program software, you still need to find the company that wants to use those tools. Yes, you may need Java programming to get inside a company’s door. However, you still have to show that you will also fit into the company’s culture. Doing so will give you an edge whether you have a degree in programming or have taught Java to yourself. If you prepare well, or sharpen your tools, you can easily cut through any difficulties.
Generally, the basic steps used for getting a job as a Java programmer are straightforward. Usually, you earn a college degree that will give you the credentials needed to pique the interest of employers. If you choose four-year degree program, you will concentrate on subjects such as the following:
- Data structures
- Statistics
- Technical writing
- Database management
- Computer architecture
Join a Student Association Related to Your Career Interests
To enhance your college training, join a student association related to computer science. This type of move allows you to connect with college alumni or representatives from companies seeking computer programmers. Next, you need to concentrate on getting certified or backing your professional know-how. If you really want to shine in an employer’s eyes, work toward earning multiple certifications. Obtaining more than one certification will show potential employers that you are dedicated to working in the programming field.
Gaining Industry Experience
When you obtain the education and certification to work as a programmer, you can gain industry experience. Normally, your chances are greater if you begin by exploring the opportunities in a technical service business or software company. If you eventually want to work as a systems analyst or information systems manager, you need to show that you are an experienced programmer.
The Average Income
The average salary for programmers hovers around $80,000 per year, making this sought-after job both easy to obtain and lucrative, provided that the applicant stays focused on following a specific path. When going online to find a job, submit your resume so employers can locate your credentials. Add keywords and meta tags to boost your chances for landing a job.
Following an Educational Program
Usually, the core courses for a Bachelor of Science in IT (Information Technology) involve some of the following courses:
- Web design and development
- Statistical literacy
- Scientific and technical writing
- Fundamentals of programming languages
- Computer networking
- Data structures and algorithms
- System administration and security
- Fundamentals of IT and technical literacy
- Introduction to project management
Electives to Consider
To round out the college experience, you also need to take about 20 credits of elective courses for a bachelor’s of science degree in IT. You will need to focus on communication courses such as digital literacy, English composition, interpersonal communication, and information literacy. It is also helpful to take courses such as introduction to film, ethics, American government, intermediate algebra, and cultural anthropology.
Again, you need to primarily concentrate on Java coding, particularly if you wish to make Java programming the major part of your learning and career experience. By taking the above steps or teaching yourself Java, you can become an invaluable employee. Landing a job with this type of background can be easy once you have the knowledge and direct your sights on a program-friendly job market.
Making Yourself Invaluable to an Employer
Regardless of the training program you select, you need to know the basics of how a computer functions before you begin. If you want to make yourself a vital part of the working environment, you can’t go wrong by preparing yourself for a coding career.
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