Your opinions please!!

[Priyanka Chopda]

Hi,
Though my expertise lies in Java/J2EE I have this offer of Production Support in one of the big company. Experience wise I don't have more to get direct developer job (1 year exp). But I'm really afraid that if I take up this job and work on non-development role I will never get a break as a developer or programmer. But on other side something is better than nothing...right? What should I do? please let me know
Thanks
-PC

[Dilip kumar]

I believe it is quite difficult to get opportunity to work as permanent employee for a big company and always work in development project. Because of bad economy and budget problems companies will try to run the business with exitsing projects only. On average you might spend 75% of your time maintaining the applications and 25% of your time new development and enhancements. You should consider working as consultant(contractor) if you want to work in development projects only. This is just my opinion. I think in your situation you have to decide whether you need a secured job or you want to work with hot technology. If you get both then it would be wonderful.

[Andrew Hamilton]

Generally speaking, some experience is better than no experience. Companies tend to want folks that have proven themselves. Occasionally they will take a chance on an unknown quantity, but that is fairly rare and I wouldn't bet my life on it. I guess for me it would depend on what "Production Support" meant. If it means writing utility code or documents then that would probably be a good opportunity. If it's help desk type stuff, that would probably be ok too. At least you are in the door and working. You have something to put on your resume. I remember when I had no experience and was looking for a job. I would have taken anything that got me in the door somewhere. After that you make your chances. Take the job. Good luck.

[Priyanka Chopda]

Guys, thanks for your quick replies. This is contract for 6 months, and even I thought that I keep on getting calls from many firms but actually hirings are none. So I don't want to miss this chance. This role is more of help desk type with knowlegde of scripting,SQL,Unix. In mean time I'm also looking for other jobs. But are there some of you who did the jobs like these and were able to break into development or working on new technology? I'm surely waiting for your replies.
Please do reply your opinions.
Thanks a bunch.
-PC