Becoming a Java developer: 5 things you should know

Do you have some self-taught coding skills? Then you could be on your way to the job of your dreams.

Java. To some it’s a cup of coffee, to others it’s a second language for developing incredible web applications for a variety of platforms. Coordinating a range of letters, symbols, and numbers in the most beautiful and logical way—and getting it to work—is all part of your journey towards becoming a Java developer.

Being a developer can sometimes mean spending a lot of time sitting behind a desk and working alone, but that isn’t always the case as there are a lot of different roles in Java. Here are five reasons why it could be the dream career for you.

It can be anyone

Becoming a Java developer often requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, but experience is just as important. Some of the best devs out there are self-taught, and they generally learn as and when new features or developments get released.

There are plenty of online courses that facilitate and guide you through learning various programming languages. Often these will have to be paid for, but they are worthwhile if you’re serious about a career in the field.

A developer certification can help, but it’s certainly not essential to landing your dream role.

You get paid what you deserve

Of course, this depends on your experience, qualifications and where you live. The road to becoming a Java developer isn’t easy, and it can often require working unsociable hours, or doing last-minute changes.

When it comes to your salary, it also depends on what type of company you work for and what industry you’re in. Experienced developers in the UK can earn on average £40,592 according to our latest Java salary survey, and $76,339 in the United States. Understandably, this is based on developers with more experience, but the earning potential for a career in Java is huge.

You will work for some amazing companies

Technology is always advancing, whether the business is a start-up or an enterprise. With so many different businesses across various industries, it’s a massive source of pride knowing that your coding knowledge and skills are part of shaping the outcome of any company, whether they are big or small.

Working for different companies will give you valuable insight into how different industries and sectors work, whilst building an incredible portfolio for small and big businesses. No company is too big or too small to work for; the experience in return is worth so much more.

You will have no limits in learning

As technology advances, so will you. Increasing your skill set and hands-on experience will benefit you in the long run, and you will start to notice a difference in your capabilities and, potentially, your wages. But it’s only you that can make that happen. Every person is different and will learn at different paces. Some will be more comfortable with learning to a certain level, while some would like to continually advance their skill set over time.

As mentioned already, you don’t necessarily need a developer certification, but if you think it’s necessary for you to enhance your Java career path, then it certainly would not be a bad move.

Your Career is Future Proofed

Many jobs can disappear over time, often because they can be replaced by computers and software. In most cases, these programs will still need to be developed and maintained by developers, so the need for the job will most likely always be there. For devs, it can be long hours, a lot of pressure, and time spent behind a keyboard – but it’s a guaranteed job for life. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your career today.

FRG Technology Consulting – where you’ll find your next Java job

If these weren’t good enough reasons to start considering (or advancing) a career as a Java developer, then make sure you browse our platform featuring all the latest available Java developer jobs in many locations across the globe. Browse our jobs online, subscribe to receive jobs by email, or contact one of our consultants today and see if FRG Technology Consulting has a suitable job role for you.

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