java opportunities in Canada (esp. Montreal)

[Dan Murphy]

Hi,

I'm planning on moving to Canada next year and would like to know what the market there is like for java developers. Ideally I'd like to work in Montreal, although I don't speak French, so I'm not sure how feasible that would be.

I've about 3 years commercial experience, and an MSc in coputer science. I've also completed the SCJP and SCJD certifications. However, I don't have much J2EE experience, mostly J2SE. I'd be interested to hear what my prospects in Canada would be like, particularly in Montreal.

Best Wishes,
Dan

[Jan Valenta]

Hi Dan and everybody,

I am in similar situation, I plan to go to Montreal at the beginning of next year. Hopefully with Ph.D. in Software Engineering, definitely with SCJP5.0, 4 years experience with programming, 2 years in Java. Poor French.:-(

Could anybody give us any advice, recommendation?

Thanks a lot!

Jan

[Jerry YlZhang]

As I know, if you have 5 years solid Canadian or US experiences, especially from some big name companies, You probably can find a
Java/J2EE job in Canada, otherwise, who knows?


Not only IT jobs, you can hardly find any kind professional job in Canada, here is a web site, I knew it from CTV news, you can get some information about Canadian job markets.

"www.notcanada.com"

Best regards

Jerry

[Jan Valenta]

hi Jerry,

Thanks for reply. Even for the not-so-optimistic web page. In spite of that, I am booking the ticket today. I'll see...

Anybody any other advice about Montreal?

Thanks again,
Jan

[Maximilian Xavier Stocker]

As a Canadian I would say the following.

1) The Canadian economy and job market is better than the U.S. and has been for several years. That doesn't mean it is the land of milk and honey but it does mean that there are a fair number of jobs out there.

2) Certifcation is fairly useless here. A degree is important. Most important is experience. If you have a (relevent) degree, certification and no experience you will be considered junior compared with someone who has experience but a non-relevent degree and no certification.

3) Don't go to Montreal. The economy in Quebec is far worse than the national average. This is because companies continue to leave Quebec as a whole and Montreal in particular largely due to the constant separation griping.

Those companies that remain will pretty much only be hiring those VERY fluent in French. And speaking France French is of no use either since that is not the version they speak in Quebec.

The best place for work in Canada is Toronto and surrounding area. But anywhere in Ontario is good. Also Alberta (Edmonton and Calgary) and British Columbia (Vancouver).

[Al Caplan]

Originally posted by Jan Valenta:
Anybody any other advice about Montreal?

Go catch a Canadiens game!

[Jan Valenta]

Hi Maxmillian,

Thanks for very interesting points. I am a bit surprised by the poor certification credit, but it is better than nothing, I guess. My girlfriend is in Montreal so I would like to go there. But even Toronto (or Ottawa, any jobs there?:-) ) is much closer than Europe.

On your point on Quebec economy: I have heard the economy there is rising and more and more jobs are opened (especially in Montreal)! I am most worried about French but that's for other long discussion..

Thanks again!

Go catch a Canadiens game!

Al, you bet I'll try! But I have heard the games are sold out for the whole season(s). :-( I like hockey!
[ December 23, 2005: Message edited by: Jan Valenta ]