Best part time IT systems course
- Thread starter doogo
- Start date
johny28 said:
crumdub12, I agree that database development is a good objective.
johny28, think you're being a little negative though I agree that the OCP alone won't do much for you. I think we should be more encouraging
My advice as follows...
I'm in the industry for a long number of years, and have worked as an Oracle developer, on and off since the mid 90s.
It would help to get a recognised computer certification from an Institute of Technology or University, perhaps at night.
I think Oracle is a good area to work in here. It is not too popular amongst the noughties generation of java/net heads and it will still be there in 10 years time. Oracle is the new Cobol, steady and rewarding work. The one caveat is that Indian engineers are focusing heavily in Oracle so there may be greater competition in the years ahead.
I would encourage anyone looking at I.T as a career to consider Oracle development. It changes far less year to year than the java/.net side of the fence, and for many it can be easier to understand than fully Object-Oriented environments. If not oracle then focus on java or .net skills. Don't go down the route of ERPs in general SAP/BAAN/JDEdwards/Peoplesoft/OracleApps until you've learned the basics of software development methodology and programming (either OO or database).
OCP won't turn you into a developer overnight and it won't prove you can cut the mustard in a professional environment. It is a multi-choice book learning test. You can learn off the book and still not be able to program.
If however you looked at the OCP in conjunction with a software diploma or degree then this might be helpful.
What I also think would be useful, and I know it may be daunting for a newbie, is to download the Oracle 10g database from otn.oracle.com and start playing with it yourself. This would give you an idea whether you are suited or not, and what areas to concentrate on. Start with learning SQL and PL/SQL. You will need a broadband connection to do this.
I have the full 10g database on my machine and I use it to test new solutions to problems I encounter. It is also however a fantastic learning environment and there are tons of free resources and forums for you. If I have a problem at work I have often been able to find a solution from the world expert in the field, the guy who wrote the book I am reading.
Anyway good luck. What I would say though is that there is a knack to programming. Some people who do four year degrees don't quite fit in professionally. Some folk who have done 1 year diplomas are brilliant.
I don't think there is a shortcut though, and OCP will not turn you into a developer overnight. One thing to correct though is that the OCP doesn't change year to year, but release to release. This is a slightly longer time span as we will have 10g with us for quite a while yet, and most people in the industry still develop against 9i databases.
Good luck. Let me know if you have further questions.
Can you be clearer about the kind of proficiencies you want? A number of other posters have advised you on possibilities for technical skills. But do you really want to get technical - or are you looking for user training in these applications?doogo said: