What is my title?

[ElPresidente408]

I'm just out of college for a year and a little unsure as to what title I should be comparing myself to.

I started off doing data entry here and hated it so I began writing software in vb.net which would do my job for me. Over the course of the year I became the person in the department who creates/maintains databases, writes software to automate processes, and reciently started desgining internal webpages for reporting.

I don't know what someone with similar roles would be titled in the industry? I'm trying to gauge comperable salaries.

[Hack]

Programmer or Developer - take your pick.

I prefer programmer.

Developer reminds me of old dudes smoking fat cigars chuckling over taking the widow Smith for every cent she had in a real estate scam.

[Shaggy Hiker]

You also appear to be the DB Administrator, and a bit of a web designer. I think the DB Admin might have the highest pay range of the three.

However, it also sounds like a small company that is taking advantage of your willingness to learn in the tech arena. Therefore, you could also be: Tech-serf, or whipping boy. Those don't pay as well, but can be oddly rewarding.

[ElPresidente408]

I think whipping boy might be the proper term lol. But hey at least now I'm stepping up to doing work for the department, not just my group.

I was thinking about pursuring the MCTS certification in ADO.NET applications. Is this a worthwhile investment or are there better certifications?

[Hack]

I was thinking about pursuring the MCTS certification in ADO.NET applications. Is this a worthwhile investment or are there better certifications?

An oft asked question to which there is only one answer (IMO) - what is your market looking for?

Take a look at your local want ads and see what they are looking for in candidates. That is what you should be pursuing.

[Shaggy Hiker]

Whipping Boy isn't really a bad title. For one thing, you tend to become indispensible, which gives you remarkable leverage...eventually. At the moment, you can learn whatever you want, take on whatever projects you want, and people are just grateful. Eventually, they begin to realize that you own them.

I would agree with Hack that the value of an MCTS depends on what you want to do. If you intend to shop yourself around, then it can look good. If you are hoping to stay in one place, then it won't make a whit of difference. I considered the move, once, but realized that I would be unlikely to find a better job than my current one, and if I did find a better job it would be through my contacts, rather than through my resume, since it would have to be a case where somebody offered me something worth giving up an ideal situation.

[ElPresidente408]

I mean I don't see myself leaving in the near future. I have this opportunity to start a new group which provides a service that our IT department doesn't. Not to mention I'm the only person who writes software in the entire building as far as I'm aware (although we don't officially even have .NET 2.0 installed but that's a whole other issue).

Seeing how the MCTS is so closely related to what they want me to do, I believe I can provide enough justification for them to pay for its cost. If that's the case I think I'd take that option

[Shaggy Hiker]

I agree: If they will pay for it, then take the option. If they won't pay for it, then don't do it. The real value of the certificate is unlikely to justify the cost to you.

[mendhak]

A programmer's/developer's job can include maintaining databases, a DBA's job doesn't usually involve a lot of coding.

So you moved from a DBA to a programmer. Programmer. Inclusive term.

[ElPresidente408]

They're asking for a total cost of the certification. I see two exams which cost $150 each to take. Are there any other fees? I also did a quick look, so I don't know if there are cheaper costs?

[Hack]

I'd suggest getting some practice exams and those aren't free.

Typically, however, I purchase those on my own.

[FunkyDexter]

In my (almost certainly wrong) opinion, for a developer, the MS certificates aren't worth the effort, let alone the cost. IT Support's a different kettle of fish but on the development side I don't think I've ever seen a job advertised that wanted one. I did once have a job with a small company that wanted to become gold partners so they put us forward for the MCP exams but it wasn't a requirement of getting hired in the first place.

That said, I know other forum members have had a different experience so it probably varies from place to place and industry to industry. As Hack says, just look at the job market in your area and make up your own mind. If it'll carry a raise at your current company, that would make it worth it too.


Also, am I the only only person who sees the irony in 'El Presidente' asking what his title should be? I'd have thought: "Anything you want"