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General Discussion

Posted by Michael Hampshire
Michael Hampshire
12,206 Points

So I'm in a dilemma and don't know which programming choice I should choose..

So I will try to make this as clear as possible and I'm just looking for some guidance or advice.

I'm about to graduate in April with my Bachelors in Software Development. I'm doing extra studying through treehouse to strengthen my skills. But I don't know where I should put my focus. I've been jumping all over the place for the past 2 months. I started with web development, then jumped to Java, then to C#, and now I'm on Android. I know how to create simple programs and I've even made some small text games in Netbeans and form games in C# and Visual Studio.

So my dilemma is: I want to be a Java developer and also make Android apps/iOS apps. I have no professional experience and I'm hoping that if I get an interview, I can use these apps as a portfolio. BUT where I live, most of the software jobs deal with C#, .Net. VB.net..etc. It seems that whenever I get an interview, others are chosen because of they have more experience than me. (At least that's what I'm told). I work 45 hours a week, do schooling online, and have a family so my free time is scarce. My biggest fear is not landing a better job then where I'm at now in order to pay school loans.

So with that said, should I put more of my focus in C#, .Net and MVC to possibly land a job locally and then change my focus towards Android? Or should I keep with Java and Android, make some apps and still try to find a local job? I know C# and Java are relatively the same with different syntax. So I think that if I had to switch between either Java or C# it wouldn't be too bad, maybe? I think I know enough to be considered entry-Jr level.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

1 Answer

Jorge Emilio Domínguez Nájera
Jorge Emilio Domínguez Nájera
16,713 Points
Jorge Emilio Domínguez Nájera
Jorge Emilio Domínguez Nájera
16,713 Points

Hi Michael, I don't know what is the best choice for you, that is something you have to figure out according to your specific context and circunstances. However you must think about what you like: You say that you want to make mobile apps for Android and IOS. That's completely valid and you can do it not only in your town but as a freelancer.

What I'd recommend you is to improve your skill and portfolio in Android apps development (because you already have some portfolio). And put some extra effor on C#. Java and C# are very similiar, I don't if you are aware but there is a plataform called Xamarin where you can make native mobile apps with C#. So if you learn Java for Android and also C# for Xamarin (and another purposes in your town) at the end you can have a good skillset oriented to mobile development. At the end you will do what you really want.