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webmaster54880
07-14-2008, 12:15 AM
I am finishing up my last year of a IT Web Programmer/Analyst Degree. I have been playing around with web design for about 4 years, but I went to school to learn how to be an at least half way decent programmer and I also wanted that little piece for paper that might help me land a decent paying job.

My major goal as a developer is to become financially independent as a free lancer and entrepreneur, but I am also aware that working for a larger company will help pay the bills until I can create the next Myspace of Ebay, lol. No, but seriously, even though I have created a few websites for a few small businesses they are not oober technical, nor graphically elaborate, and the reality that play time will soon be over has me shaking in my boots.

I thought I would come to the experts who have been there and done that for advice on how to improve my resume and possibly suggest extra courses I may want to take over the next year that can better prepare me to enter into the market after I graduate.

First of all I can tell you what skills I have now and what major areas that my program actually covers. Basically my particular degree trys to prepare the student for entry level positions as either a Web Develper/Designer or a Software Developer/ IT support. The program is only two years long but cover the following concepts:

Related to web design:

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WC3 compliance (2 semesters, 1 year)
Programming with PHP & MySQL (1 semester)
Constructing JavaApplets
Limited experience with Apache 2.XX installation and administration
Dreamweaver 8 (not a course, but my main workhorse)
PhotoShop CS2(not a course, but main image editing software I use)


Related to Software Development:

Enterprise Visual Basic (3 semesters 1 1/2 years)
Enterpirse Java (3 semesters, 1 1/2 years)
Administration and Development with MS SQL Server 2005 ( I semester)
MS Access (1 semester)
Systems Analysis (1 semester)
Programming with UML (1 semester)


Of coarse there were other courses in there, but they were just your generals. Where I am right now is I am fairly comfortable with all my web developing oriented skills. There is still room for more education, always, but I am really comfortable with working with PHP/MySQL. VB Okay, I want to shoot myself in the face every time I even think about Java. Access was really:cool: ?? But I don't feel that my experience with MS SQL Server is strong. But anyways back to the main question of this post:

Are there any recommendation that any of you may have for obtaining skills that will make my resume more competitive, mind you as an entry level , developer/programmer.

Also for those of you that have been through the interviewing process for a career similar to what I am looking for what kind for things can I expect in the interview or during the application process?

Any suggestion are greatly appreciated.

Thanks :)

KDLA
07-14-2008, 08:21 AM
It's not skills - it's proof of experience.
Get some clients (free or paid) and get crackin' on an outstanding portfolio.

webmaster54880
07-14-2008, 12:32 PM
I have been slowly building an e-portfilio. I have a basic php/mysql site up now but again it is nothing fancy. I really want to do a redesign for this guitar shop near my home, kinda do the whole e-commerce site for him, but it is a small town so he is a bit shy of flash, so we will see.

I do have another question though what is a fair market value for developn and hosting a small e-commerce site for a company, assuming that I build an admin panel for the client so that i have to do very little maintaince on the site after it is complete. Mind you I am beyond a novice but still a beginner. I really don't know what I should quote people for services?

KDLA
07-14-2008, 12:53 PM
Sorry, but we do not discuss prices here. Best thing to do is to Google web design companies and see what they charge.

Jeff Mott
07-14-2008, 01:47 PM
webmaster54880
I do have another question though what is a fair market value for developn and hosting a small e-commerce site for a company, assuming that I build an admin panel for the client so that i have to do very little maintaince on the site after it is complete.

KDLA
Best thing to do is to Google web design companies and see what they charge.
I don't think copying some other company's pricing is the best way to go. Everyone has different skills sets and skill levels. If you're new, then you could bill hourly, starting off at, for example, minimum wage. When the time comes that you have more clients than you have time to service, then you increase your rate. It's basic supply and demand. Your supply of time is limited, so as demand for your work goes up, so does your price.