Career switching from Technical Support to Programming

"Balaji " <a.balaji@rediffmail.com> wrote in message
news:3a58c496$1@news.dev-archive.com...
> I really now want to switch my career to software development. I dont know
> where to start...

Here's my 2 c.

Learn a language, say Java and get certified. While studying for
certification, make sure you get enough hands-on experience.

> whether i am doing a right thing switching career or it is better to go
for DBA or sys admin

Well, that depends what you think you'll enjoy more.

Software development probably has more growth opportunities, but you must be
prepared to continuously learn...

<Pierre />

It's you who finally recognising the strength behind you.

IF S/W Developer is being choosen :
1. Keep your ear and eyes wide open, to grab the knowledge for learning
the new technologies. Though the programming has always one style which vary
from person to person, the only thing you want to know about is tips, tricks
and sytaxes of the new technologies.

2. You need to have one recognised certification to lauch or shift yourself
from Tech writer to S/W Deceloper.

3. You should decide which branch to go : Application prtogramming or System
programming. Application programming has wide scope and requires lot of man
power in future, My suggetion is plunge into it.

IF DBA is being chosen :
1. Secure Job, as you will hold the major responsibility of a company's
information.
2. Very few vacancies
3. Odd time working.
4. Keep improving in the same field and you will be land up as Master of
One, but in S/W development, People are jack of all master of none.

Good Luck .

"simon" <substring0@hotmail.com> wrote:
>Balaji,
>
>Software development has 2 tracks... a technical track and a business
>track. Technical track will be software engineer, and it usually requires
a
>Computer Science or related engineering degree, and you must know some
>programming languages like C++ or SmallTalk. Business track will be product
>management, and it may or may not require those I mentioned above. This
>might be your best bet, judging from your background and education.
>
>As of DBA or Systems Admin, those are totally different track from software
>development. Bare in mind that, in most companies, they only need one DBA
>or Systems Admin. Therefore, there is not a lot of "mentorship"
>opportunities as in software development. You also need to fully
>understand the nature of their work, before you make the decision. DBA
is
>very close to data and their work could be very very dry and boring. It
may
>be fit your personality. Systems (or Network) Admin has to work very odd
>hours. You just cannot "down" the system for maintenance while everybody
is
>working in the office. That means a lot of late night work and weekend
>work. If that is "your cup of tea", more power to you.
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>simon.
>
>
>
>"Balaji " <a.balaji@rediffmail.com> wrote in message
>news:3a58c496$1@news.dev-archive.com...
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> I have 3 years experience in customer and technical support in computer
>networking.
>> I am pursuing my master's
>> degree in computer application through off campus and also currently
>working
>> as a technical support engineer.
>> I really now want to switch my career to software development. I dont
know
>> where to start... what to do .. whether i am doing
>> a right thing switching career or it is better to go for DBA or sys admin
>> .. I am terribly in need of guidance..
>>
>> Please help...
>>
>> Thanx and regards
>> Balaji
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>