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Importance of SCJP

 
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Hi,

Well....this might sound a bit absurd. But I need to make
things clear.

I basically, am a new joinee to this software industry.
Now, learning some programming related stuff.

When the topic of certification comes in, I come across two different opinions. Some say that certifications really do matter.

Others opine that the person's skill is more important. Like some people,
have worked on technologies for years, and they are not certified, but really competent.

I am beginning my career and I have a long way to go. It would be really helpful, If you can help me out, in choosing which way to go. All I would like to know is how potentially, will certification(in this case SCJP) will help in career growth?

Thanks a lot.

Cheers,
Swamy
 
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All I would like to know is how potentially, will certification(in this case SCJP) will help in career growth?


Personally, certification alone is with no help to your career, if you dont really have experiences on certain technologies, because you might pass SCJP in high score but you might not have enough experiences to solve the problems. In other sense, you might write Java for several years, but you still fail in SCJP if you dont study it thoughfully.

Thus, if you got some experiences, and passed in some exams, you will find them more useful. Then, you might consider getting some vendor specific exams to further strength your knowledge.

Nick
 
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Aside from the job/career reasons for doing certiifcations, I think more importantly you'll learn loads.

Def worth the time and effort.
[ December 01, 2004: Message edited by: James Clinton ]
 
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From every conversation I have had with networking colleagues at my college, they all go for as many certs as they possibly can. Then, in addition, they voluntarily 'sit in' on as many projects/ courses as possible while learning some new networking aspect. I wish it were that easy with programming but there simply aren't too many others at my campus that teach computer programming.

The mere act of studying and hacking away at something tells potential employers that you are not merely sitting on your laurels waiting for a career to come to you, but are indeed actively engaged in furthering your education in your subject area.

Just my 2 cents...
Wendy Powell, BA, MA, MIT
Java and Visual Basic Instructor
ITT Technical Institute :roll:
 
Nicholas Cheung
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they voluntarily 'sit in' on as many projects/ courses as possible while learning some new networking aspect


It really depends on what you needed. In general, you could learn things on your own even you dont have those projects on hand. However, having too much projects do not definitely mean that you learn too much things because time is needed to digest those new things. You cannot claim that you know, say, Web Services, J2EE and J2ME just because of you have sit and worked in 3 projects using these technologies at the same time, while you just did one of the modules.

Nick
 
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For those who are certified, what do you think is the best way of presenting that information on a resume? Ideally you'd want it to stand out, but you don't want it to be too overbearing. Is the best thing to create a Certifications section entirely, or to mention it in the Objective and then again in the cover letter? What's the consensus on this one?
 
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"Is the best thing to create a Certifications section entirely, or to mention it in the Objective and then again in the cover letter?"

Briefly, I think the best way is to have a Certifications section. It makes it easy to find and maintains the bullet-point ease of readability desired in r�sum�s.
 
Nicholas Cheung
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I would have a small section, namely Professional Qualification, just after Education background. And depending on what type of jobs you are applying, you selectively put down those certs that are related.

Nick
 
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Here are my thoughts regarding the purpose of the SCJP exam. Take that for what it's worth.
 
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Hi,

According to me, having certification doesnt mean you know the technology very well........however, it may mean that you can cope with the technology in a good manner, probably you can take the new one very fast (fast learner)...

What I think is that, probably most of the employer looking for those who has great experience for that past few years......., But, dont you think they want someone who can solve the problem without wasting too much time??? Isn't the same as looking for some who is really fast learner???

Frankly speaking,...... it doesnt mean that working for 10 years may have greater knowledge (or better solution) as compared to those with only 1 - 2 yrs experience,............ !!! All what it concern is HOW YOU PUT YOUR EFFORT AND WANT TO LEARN, THAT'S ALL....

AM I CORRECT???

At the end, certification is only a way to get you have the chance to show your expertise to your perspective employee....

Regards,

Spaceact
 
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