Careers for Java Developers

Last night I was really lucky to be invited to the inaugural meeting of the Auckland Java User Group - Javacom to talk to them about career development. It was a nice, cosy meeting with some people who are very passionate about their profession. I had a chance to talk about: working on being the best, growing your network, and also ways to work with Headhunters and Recruiters. There were some great questions and also some good stories that came out in the Networking session afterwards. If you are a Java Developer in Auckland I really recommend the group to you. The Chairman of the group, James Beamish-White, who is also CEO of web services company TEIQ, is keen to really grow the community. Key to growing your career is growing your network. It doesn't get easier than getting together with people who are interested in the same things you are!

A few points that came out of the meeting!

- Join LinkedIn now. This is only getting better as a resource.
- Hiring Managers are Googling your name, are you?
- Don't fall behind in IT, or your might never catch up again....
- Are you open-minded about new opportunities? You should be.
- Make sure you are great, but also make sure you can PROVE it!

I also defer here to a GREAT post by the Marketing Headhunter, Harry Joiner on careers. Five minutes of beautiful advice, and 10 questions to get you on your way to knowing what you love to do.