Certifications

[oceanebelle]

So I have no work and have yet to find work.

Despite having almost 5 years of work experience (give and take a few months) in the field of I.T. in no particular language. I still feel lacking in a lot of aspects regarding programming and software development in general and soon I'll have to go and look for work.

I am not sure what employers generally look for and in my first job, I was entry-level fresh graduate so not a lot of questions and so-so expectations. This time though I feel that it will be different.

In the I.T. world there are so many proof of expertise I could choose from, having completed one last February and I was wondering if that would be enough for yet another entry-level position?

Entry-level because I've worked in so many language that I cannot say I am an expert in one. If I were to sum up an experience in one language the most would be about 4-6 months in a given language.

Ultimately I would want to become an architect or an I.T. Manager, well maybe after I finish some advanced studies but now I really would want to focus on one language or at least I want to be experienced enough to be of value (say a guru! :P).

However, the first step is yet to come and I was wondering if indeed certifications can help me land a job that will challenge me and hone my abilities despite having meager experiences? Should I go irrational and try out the certifications for all languages that I prefer? Like Java, .NET, etc.?

[FunkyDexter]

I don't have a single certificate (apart from my degree) and it's never hurt by ability to find work. I think, provided you've got the experience, most companies couldn't give a monkeys about certificates.

[oceanebelle]

Hmmm, true. My degree and the university I came from is well-known here in Phils but I don't know elsewhere. So, maybe it is safe to get certificates and reviews prior to searching for work.

[leinkyle]

btw belle, what university did you graduated in?..

I myself didn't graduate on a university, just a 2 year IT course..

[alex_read]

I've not got a degree or certifications, and would have said it never hampered my job searching either, but... it depends upon the country. I moved to Finland where for some reason everyone wants me to have MS certifications (why, when I can prove I know the same/more than those with the certifications I don't know) So it really depends upon the country but on the whole they aren't needed.

What you need to do to get your foot on the ladder as it were, is look for junior programmer jobs. Though the title doesn't sound exciting, you will work beneath a senior developer and/or development teams and gain a wealth of knowledge and experience in the programming language they adopt. Spend a couple of years there and progress or move on and up the ladder

[RobDog888]

Location does matter and it does vary from employer to employer. Having said that if you have a couple it certainly would be in place if you come across one and it could add that extra something to get them to place you above someone who doesnt have any.

I just interviewed for a position yesterday where they were wanting a degree and some certs. Not sure how it woul;d look or affect my chances if I didnt have my certs but Im sure it helps in this case.

[alex_read]

I've seen 1st hand people who have these certs (ok this was on server 2003 not development tools) who had come straight off a course basically. Little real-world experience but had all the theory. Turned out to be no match.

I think a good employer should accept those without degrees and certificates and give them a fair trial. A good programming interview should often contain programming questions and a test for the interviewee to write code allowing them to prove they know their stuff rather than have it on a piece of paper.

Not disagreeing with you, they are handy to have and would give you an advantage, my point to this was I myself, and everyone else shouldn't be put off and not apply for a job role because the specs ask for certificates when you don't have any.

[RobDog888]

Agreed.

(and yes they also asked me coding questions but I told them I could write actual code for them on their white board if they wanted. They accepted and I pwnd! ).

I think the certs are more like college degrees. Some dont value them but do value the character it produces by completing the degree. So with a cert it more produces an image of competance to the employer rather then complete skill on the subject, that is where experience comes in

[GaryMazzone]

So Rob back to looking for permanent employment or just a customer to work for?

[RobDog888]

Permenant as the economy is sucking.

Have you seen the job market requesting certs in your area?

[alex_read]

Ohh I see, I thought you meant you were the interviewer above there I thought your 1 man consultancy was expanding for a sec!

Yeah I've got 2 jobs against people with degrees and certs. My last one was the first where I encountered a grilling and had to program there and then which I didn't expect! About 2 years after 2003 came out I used an ExecuteNonQuery call which the main developer leader didn't know at the time Pwned that which was a nice feeling

Are you going to take him on then Gary?

[GaryMazzone]

Haven't look recently. Last job at Lindt wanted a 4 degree which I did not have but I got that job any way. Current position also wanted a 4 year degree and an MS cert for SQL Server. I again only have an AS no cert in SQL Server (I do have one for Oracle as a DBA). I got the job over all the other anyway.... recruiter claimed I blew them a way.

[RobDog888]

Hmmm, true. My degree and the university I came from is well-known here in Phils but I don't know elsewhere. So, maybe it is safe to get certificates and reviews prior to searching for work.

Dont hold off looking for work as something may drop in your lap. Plus you can alsways tell them you are studying for xx-xxx test and expect to be taking it soon or during such and such month. They may take that as well but you would need to follow through and pass the exam.

[RobDog888]

Haven't look recently. Last job at Lindt wanted a 4 degree which I did not have but I got that job any way. Current position also wanted a 4 year degree and an MS cert for SQL Server. I again only have an AS no cert in SQL Server (I do have one for Oracle as a DBA). I got the job over all the other anyway.... recruiter claimed I blew them a way.

Confidence can show that you know your stuff too but of course you need to be able to back it up with writting code or answering coding questions.

Ps, it always feels good when you pwn in an interview