Future Options

les_steaks

Hi all, I've been programming using VB for just over 5 years now. I'm in a good job but feel like I need a new challenge. I was hoping for some advice. Would you recommend that I pursue the project management route or what new technologies should I learn. Can you recommend any courses etc. for either.

Any advice very appreciated,

Thanks,

Les

irishguy

Depends on what you like doing. If you want to keep programming then i would learn J2EE and get certified by sun. Otherwise i would go into project management, if your more management focused.

damnyanks

Where would you like your career to go ? Do you want to be a developer, more business side , different thing all together ?

DOLEMAN

Would you consider doing some side projects as a hobby? I was bored so I started making some recruitment website software (staff.ie, dole.ie). I've learnt a lot about business, design etc. as a result. One of the best decisions I've ever made!

les_steaks

Thanks for that lads for the advice, in the short term I would like to continue programming but a new technology would really interest me. So I'll start looking into J2EE and certification and may also follow Dolemans lead and use this with some side projects to develop desig and business knowledge.

What is the market like out there for J2EE developers? How much experience would I need considering I already have 5-6 VB development experience to a high standard in the financial services industry?

Cheers, Les

comer_97

if you are a vb programmer why dont you move into vb.net / asp.net. J2EE would be quite a leap!

irishguy

vb .net would be easier to learn and would also be a good technology to learn. I recommend J2EE as i have been looking for grad roles over the last few months and thats what eveyone is looking for and they are prepared to pay more for people with experience in it. I have done some VB6 work before i learned Java and I found it quite easy to pick up, so you should be fine.

les_steaks

Thanks for the advice, if I was to pursue the other option i.e. Project Management, can any advise what course(s) etc. are best? Thanks again, Les

irishguy

Sorry dont know much about project management, but i remember someone telling me that there is industry certification for it. Dont know who does it though