Moving from Development to Operations

[Jency Jack]

For the past 2 years i have been in to development.Recently i joined a HR Consulting Company in which my job will be to look after operations. Does this help me in long run or should i move back to development.

Pls give suggestions
[ March 05, 2007: Message edited by: Jency Jack ]

[Mark Herschberg]

It's a great help for your future in operations. On the other hand, it's likely going to hold you back from your future in development.

Until we know what you want careerwise, we can't really advise you as to which is better.

--Mark

[Jency Jack]

My Ambition is to become a good Techie.I just want to know whether operations have a bright future.What are all the career prospects for it

[Jay Dilla]

I work for a consulting firm and EVERYBODY dreads taking operations assignments. I don't think it has quite the attractiveness as development and doesn't look as nice on your resume.

[Mark Herschberg]

First, I think you should be clearer on what "operations" means. It can mean procurement, manufacturing, shipping, finances, physical plant, etc. Basically the daily pulse of the company. I suspect you might mean "operations" as system administration or somethingmore along the veins of IT, as opposed to development.

Assuming it's the latter, I believe having some experience there is useful. At previous roles as a Dir of Eng / VP of Eng I oversaw not only development but IT operations. However, you need to be sure not to get sidetracked. There is not shortage of sys admins trying to become developers, and if you get off track, you may look less appealing as you move back to development roles.

I would consider such a role cautiously, and only if there is a clear time and transition back to development.

--Mark

[Jency Jack]

Thanks for the suggestion.I wuld also write few certifications to strengthen my knowledge in java.Iam already Sun certified Java programmer and Sun certified Web Component Developer.I would move in to development probably in a year.

Any other suggestions are welcome
[ March 06, 2007: Message edited by: Jency Jack ]