Hi guys!
I really wanted to shift career to software development and one major decision I made was when I resigned with my previous job (repairs computer and maintains a local area network) to enroll in a fast track
java course and pursue java certification. Fortunately I was able to get certified last Nov. 2002. Then I started looking for a programmer position but with no luck all the employers are looking for at least one year work experience and usually looking for knowledge with jsp/servlets/j2ee that during that time I'm not yet familiar. So again I said to myself I have to learn this stuff but I can't afford another training anymore so I just downloaded free online books on the web (one of them Core
Servlets and
JSP by Marty Hall great book) and did self study. When I am a little confident with the technology I approach my previous employer because I know they are planning to replace their payroll system and asked them if I could develop it for them. I said making it web based will eliminate their major problem of decentralized payroll (program based on foxpro one program installed in every location). Maybe because they know how badly I wanted to shift to programming they agreed but pays me only until I finish the project. They only give me working allowance. I'm near to finishing the project and I started looking for a job again. This time I got a call and scheduled me for a technical interview. It was good at first when the interviewer
testing my knowledge in java but I think I messed out when he started asking about the software development process, about the documentation and testing procedures. I must admit that I'm really poor on documentation but I am aware that it is as important as coding itself. Any idea or suggestion on how I can improve? I also wanted to participate in open source projects to experience working in a team. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
