MFranklin1981

I am a Software tester, contracting in Seattle and I am currently teaching yself Java. I have no prior programming experience. I have an unrelated degree (BA in Law and Justice). I know I have a long road ahead of me but I would eventually like to work my way up to becoming a Developer. How can I do this? My current plan is to become Java certified then start applying for SDET positions. How likely is this scenario? Does anybody have any better suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

//Mark

PhilBon

My first question is do you know the idea behind programs? Such as the reason we use them and make them. My next question is are you able to take a big problem and break it up into little problems? Probably the biggest question of all, do you work well with others? depending on those answers you might want to go back to law and justice.
Programming is a skillful task in the sense of being able to look at something and see the deep complexity in the situation and take that complexity and make it into something simple. for example look at the ocean, other than the fact that it is big it has millions and millions of life forms in it. Can you take that make life forms and separate them into areas that would reduce the complexity to the ocean and be able to make one item that would fit more than just one group of simplisity.

MFranklin1981

We make programs to make our work more efficient, educate our minds and entertain us. Some of us make programs because it's entertaining.

I do work well with others. I always have. I learn something new from everyone I meet (thats my goal).

Your final question about the Ocean is very creative. My answer is yes. It appears to me that you are making a reference to Object Orientated Programming. Class = Marine Life > Subclass = Various species > Object = individual creatures etc...

Arevos

It seems quite likely. You may have a problem getting your foot in the door, but once you have some development experience jobs will open up for you. When I was first looking for a job, it took me several months to get my first, low pay, programming job. After a year, the company folded, so I went looking for a new job, and believe me, it's a completely different story when you actually have experience. I had to choose between two job offers in the end, and decline many requests for interviews.

So becoming Java certified seems a good step, as you'll likely need some computing qualifications to get that first job, but you may have to hunt around for it. But once you have some development experience, you'll have a much easier time of it. Applying for SDET positions also seems like a good way to go, as testing software generally involves less risk, so companies are willing to widen their hiring net, and take a bit more of a chance on their employees.

I'm not sure whether Java certification involves learning about JUnit (since it's not part of the standard Java libraries), but I'd imagine that you'll be using this quite a bit if you're testing Java applications, so it's worth getting to know it pretty well.