The steps that I need to take...

[Srikanth Raghavan]

Dear all,

I planned to switch my job very recently but because I have just 1.5 years of experience getting a job at a good company seems like an almost impossible thing. I am from India so people from my country knows this better and mostly there are lots of openings for people with above 2 years of experience or one should be a fresh graduade.

I got advises from many including friends from JR like KJ Reddy and others that planning to switch after 2 years would be a better choice. So I have decided to hunt after 6 months. In my current job I only work on Core Java and I don't have any experience in Servlets, JSP, EJB, etc. But in my next job I would like to do any of these and I do not want limit myself to just Core Java.

So, I am planning to give SCWCD very soon and possibly SCBCD. I am also planning to learn Struts and Hibernate. XML is also something I would like to add to my resume. Can these things on my resume + the certifications + my knowledge (which is ofcourse not hands on) help me in fetching a job of my choice after I complete my 2 years. I am sure if there's another guy with the same number of years of experience in web developement competes with me for the same position, he would be the preferred one. But will this help?

And one more thing that worries me is the pay factor. My current CTC is 1.2 LPA which is less compared to someone working for a big company with the same amount of experience. I guess the pay scale for someone with 2 years of experience could possible be between 3.5 - 4.5 LPA but I do not think they will pay me this much when compared to my current CTC even if I shift to a bigger company after two years.

People say that if I shift after 6 months from now I may at the maximum get 2.4 LPA which is double that of my current CTC which is again a lesser salary for a person with 2 years of experience. Am I losing out here?

Please suggest me the steps that I need to take in the next 6 months because I think what I am going to plan and learn in the next 6 months is going to be crucial for the 4 next years of my career.

Thank you,
Srikanth

[Manish Hatwalne]

In today's Indian market any "real" experience is better than no expereince (freshers) and it has always been so. So do count your 1.5 years experience as good - you can start hunt now as well. Appearing for Java certifications (SCWCD and/or SCBCD) is a good idea given that you'r only doing core Java now. Skip XML for now, or just learn basics of XML. You can ask for 3+ LPA now with your experience and take up offer in any good consulting company that will give you diverse exposure. Do not accept lesser offer and continue your search and keep yourself updated with SCWCD or any other certs that you're planning. Good luck!

- Manish

[Rohit Nath]

Srikanth,
Dont worry about salary. If they think you are worth it they will pay you the right salary. Also most MNCs have some salary that depends on number of years of experience and not just current CTC. They will only have problem if you demand for salary that is more than their average pay scale.

So no worries! Just focus on getting technically good rest of the thing will fall in place automatically. In fact you may then even get a higher pay than the average industry pay.
Bottom line is your current salary should never be an indication of your skills and talent.

Thanks!
Rohit

[Srikanth Raghavan]

Manish and Rohit,

Thank you for your invaluable advises and motivation... It feels a lot better now...

Thank you guys once again,
Srikanth

[Kj Reddy]

If you are good in Core Java that should be enough to get a job for you. Strong fundamentals + core Java is the base to understand Servlets, JSP, EJB etc., But now a days many applications are web based application so you need to have knowledge in Servlets & JSP. As you are going for certification I am sure you will get good knowledge in those areas. In interviews you should be in position to proof yourself in those areas. I do not think EJB is mandatory but if you know that is good. Also if you some basic knowledge in XML that will be good, and try gain some knowledge in Core Desing patterns too.

In current job market getting a job is not much difficult but getting a job as per interest is more important.

Wish you good luck.
[ November 22, 2006: Message edited by: KJ Reddy ]

[Srikanth Raghavan]

Originally posted by KJ Reddy:

In current job market getting a job is not much difficult but getting a job as per interest is more important.

Wish you good luck.

Thanks KJ! Your suggestions and advises to me were always helpful and motivative...

Thanks again,
Srikanth