Question:
I'm very interested in Java, and I would very much like to work with
Java as a professional programmer. I have a degree as an electronics
engineer (from 1996), but unfortunately, I can't get a job as a
programmer with this diploma, because it is to old, and courses in
modern OOP are missing.
What should I do to get a Certificate as a Java (2) programmer? -I've
heard that Sun Microsystems have examination as "Sun Certified Java 2
Programmer" and "Sun Certified Java 2 Developer".
I think, that I could study Java 2 at home with my own computer (With
Suns Java 2 SDK), and then go to the examinations later. How is it
working with these examinations? -Where is it possible to take these
examinations, and how much does it cost?
I would be vary happy, if someone could tell me something about this.
Answer:
-see http://www.javaprepare.com/
-But now java 1.5 already released, and its called Java 5. That means
Java 2 exam is outdated. Just wonder if this is released from Sun yet.
-I must admit, I have never had trouble getting a job with my diploma in
computational physics from 1989, so I suspect the problem is not the age
of the diploma, but how it is presented. Consider how your resume/cv
look to a potential programming employer, and perhaps recast some of
your experience. Never lie on a resume, but do focus it towards what
the potential employer cares about.
At the end of the day, all potential employers have just one question:
can this potential employee solve my problems for less money than it
would cost for me to do it myself? If your resume tells them how you
can solve their problems and how you can save them money, then they are
more likely to hire you.
Certifications may help that, but so might other coursework. Studying
for the programmer exam might take about six months, and in the same
time, you could probably plow through a JC course in programming, or
perhaps SQL or web design or something else that will help you stand
out. You can then provide real code to the potential employer at the
interview, which always helps.
Others have given good links. If you do go the cert route, be very
clear in your own head how it helps you and how it helps them. If you
expect it to get you a job, you are going to be disappointed, but if you
use it to showcase your other skills and talents, with the cert as icing
on the cake, then it can be very handy.
-Have a look at these and see if they are of any help -
http://www.geocities.com/technofundo/tech/scjp/scjp1_4.html
http://www.geocities.com/technofundo/tech/scjp/scjp.html
http://www.geocities.com/technofundo/tech/scjp/scjpnotes.html
and
http://www.javaranch.com/
