Originally posted by k .p.thottam:
Hi All,
As a practicing architect , I deal with different java based server technologies that have become mainstream outside of the normal sun process. Example spring , Struts , velocity etc.
This should be the case for most of us in the real world.
So my question is : how many of you see the value of upgrading -
a) because it makes a difference in financial compensation ?
or
b) Because the technologies covered make sense from a personal growth?
---
My take is -
for item a - really no one cares as long as you are SCEA , they aren't very concern it is the older version
for item b -- well of all the newer technologies JSF is the only one we are adopting widely is my take. EJB 3 isn't taking off , and as for the ORM the open source dominates the field. So again not much value...
Your opinions guys .........???
I'd like to chime in with my opinion, for what it's worth.
I too, have a
string of certs after my name (JSCP, SCBCD, SCWCD, JCDJWS). I am currently studying for the SCEA5 and I will stop doing more certs after this one. (I'm really doing it because I can't get enough architectural experience at work). I think they are just a way to make money by Sun. think about it, if you get on the cert merry-go-round, you need to keep them all up to date. Every year.
I think the older SCEA is fine and wouldn't recommend wasting the time upgrading. The reality is, certs are for people to show knowledge and skill that they couldn't get adequately on the job.
Instead, I would recommend doing a masters in Comp Sc. and then the PMP to be a well-rounded architect and general project consultant. It really depends on where you see yourself in 5 years. If you see yourself leaving technology for management, then start an MBA partime now. If you see yourself as a senior enterprise architect, then start moving up the ladder. Certs only reinforce the level your at.
Finally, I'd like to say that I work as a contractor in J2EE, and that I have been asked for Sun certs on a few contract interviews and it's nice to be able to tell them I have some certifications from Sun. I doubt I got a better rate because of the certs, but I suspect (but don't really know) that I secured a contract because of the certs. I'm assuming the other candidates didn't have the certs, of course. In this case, the certs probably did help me. But honestly, I know other contractors who have no certs at all and who do much better than I. They told me deep experience and exposure to the technologies you need is far better than a cert that will be out of date in 6 months. I believe them.
-jeff