Learn More Technologies or prepare for SCWCD

[Sammy Bill]

Hello,

I m a SCJP and a recent college graduate from a US university.
I have learned some of the new java technologies such as (Struts2, Hibernate 3, Spring 2.5) in addition to core java and JSPs and Servlets.
I was wondering if it would be better to keep learning new technologies (EJBs, web services, JSF......) or prepare for SCWCD certification (one of the two, cant focus on both at the same time )?

How valuable certifications are to US employers?

Thanks in advance

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Sam,
It depends on the employer. Personally, I'd rather you know more technologies (or some technologies on a deep level) than a second certification.

[arulk pillai]

I would do exactly what Jeanne is suggesting. There are so much to learn in so little time. Good developers continuously learn, and they don't need certificates, marks, or grades to motivate and discipline them. They are driven by passion and hands-on accomplishments in writing workable code. But if you find it hard to discipline yourself without a proper end goal like a cerification, it won't hurt to sit for SCWCD. Employers favor experience more than academic qualifications unless you are applying for an entry level position. The experience gained can be through self-taught projects, open-source projetcs, tutorials, etc.