Tips for switching jobs and moving into web based programming?
- by JerryC
I graduated in 2006 with a computer science degree and got solid grades (3.5 overall 3.8 in my major) For the past 4.5 years I've been working as a Software Engineer doing primarily rich client development. Most of my experience is with Java, Swing and C++. I've done a lot of network programming and I have acquired some skill working & debugging in distributed environments.
I would like to switch jobs and move into a role where I can get exposure to some new technologies and frameworks. I would like to move into a more web development role but I find my lack of web development experience is hurting me.
90% of the jobs I see advertised are looking for one of two skill sets:
1) Stereotypical server side Java web developer. Experience with Spring, Hibernate, J2EE, etc.
2) Stereotypical front end web developer. Experience with Javascript, jQuery, HTML5, GWT, CSS, etc
I find most of these companies are looking really specifically for this experience and they are not willing to take on good programmers/ CS fundamental guys who lack experience with this stuff. I would love to get a job doing stuff like this, but have my skills become out of date and unmarketable?
Any opinions on ways to sell myself to help get a new position?