Advice on how to get back into development

Kevo

Hi everyone,
I'm interested in getting into software development or data analytics. I'm currently working as a post doc in computational biology. I suppose my skill set is quite broad but the field that I work in has made me a bit of a jack of all trades but master of none. I'd be interested in working towards becoming a Java developer again or perhaps a data analyst.

I studied computer science and then did a PhD in Bioinformatics. During my undergrad I was mainly trained as a java developer and worked for 6 months as a junior developer. Throughout the PhD I mostly used a mix of python/java and learned various data analysis techniques and distributed/cluster computing. I also learned a lot about linux, web development and server admin.

My main languages are Java, Python and SQL.
I also frequently use: bash, perl, R, c++, javascript, php; but I'm no expert.

Other things that I've worked with are:
Web Services, Apache, Eclipse, Django, MySQL, Bash scripting, SVN, git

I currently paln to do get my Java certification, learn to use Spring and maybe Hibernate too. I am also moving my private SVN projects to github and trying to get involved in open source projects - though this is difficult to do when I have pretty demanding a day job :P

I'd be very interested to get advice from people in the field. I would appreciate any advice on how I should prepare myself to go back to industry.
Many Thanks,
Kevin

jimmycrackcorm

In your position I'd pick a new and upcoming technology and specialise in that. The reason is that with your core competencies that you're competing with more experienced developers so better off getting with the new.