Systems Analysts -> programer

[jstephens]

I currently am working in Evansville as a Systems Analysts. I like the work but I find programming more enjoying. What would it take for me to switch careers and move into programming. I am currently learning Java because I am moving to Michigan in about 8 months. Would be a good path for me to follow to achieve my goal of working in programming. I then plan on moving into project management. I will appreciate all help and even critisim.

[Deniz]

Do you have any exposure or experience to commercial software development as an systems analyst? If so, this will work in your favour as you can market yourself as an analyst/programmer. And don't get too picky when you are choosing your first job.

What you study is entirely up to what the trends of the market are. I'd suggest .net technologies or java.

[dglienna]

I'd recommend C#, as it seems pretty straight forward to pick up, and you can get the VS Express ediition for FREE for another month or two from Microsoft's site.

[jstephens]

Do you have any exposure or experience to commercial software development as an systems analyst? If so, this will work in your favour as you can market yourself as an analyst/programmer. And don't get too picky when you are choosing your first job.

What you study is entirely up to what the trends of the market are. I'd suggest .net technologies or java.


None that I could write down on a resume. I am currently using java and still learning the ins and outs of java. What would you suggest I do to be able to put expierence down on a resume.

[Deniz]

None that I could write down on a resume. I am currently using java and still learning the ins and outs of java. What would you suggest I do to be able to put expierence down on a resume.

That's the million dollar question. Everyone finds a different way around this problem.

Personally, I approached a local video hire store who didn't have a computer system and offered to make one for a very very small amount of money. ($500 for a 3 month project). That was not particularly an impressive project but the employers can see your willingness and initiative when you later put this down on your resume.

I'd say the best thing to do is, if you are already in the IT industry, talk to some people you are friends with, and try to convince them to give you a go. You'd be surprised how many doors open with a friendly attitude and honesty. :)

That way you can have some "experience" on your resume and you can give yourself a kickstart into your development career.

[jstephens]

That's the million dollar question. Everyone finds a different way around this problem.

Personally, I approached a local video hire store who didn't have a computer system and offered to make one for a very very small amount of money. ($500 for a 3 month project). That was not particularly an impressive project but the employers can see your willingness and initiative when you later put this down on your resume.

I'd say the best thing to do is, if you are already in the IT industry, talk to some people you are friends with, and try to convince them to give you a go. You'd be surprised how many doors open with a friendly attitude and honesty. :)

That way you can have some "experience" on your resume and you can give yourself a kickstart into your development career.

Thanks for the advice. I am currently building a program for a guy at work. I am hoping to use him for a reference. I also had a plan to see if the next company I work for has a programming department. Then I would be able to shift into that department after maybe a year or wo.

[Deniz]

Thanks for the advice. I am currently building a program for a guy at work. I am hoping to use him for a reference. I also had a plan to see if the next company I work for has a programming department. Then I would be able to shift into that department after maybe a year or wo.

Well, thats a great starting approach. Good luck with it.