Expanding my skillset

[svalmont]

Hey everyone. I've been working as a programmer at a small, private software company for almost 3 years now. This is my first full-time position since I graduated from college with a BS degree in MIS. I did a little freelance web design (I have an art background) while I was in school as well.

Over the past 3 years, I've become, without question, a top performer at my company. I feel that my problem-solving and communication skills are very good. I've been promoted to a senior-level programming position and have tackled some advanced projects. The compensation, however, is well below industry standard. Consequently, I feel I need to branch out and start looking for new opportunities.

My dilemma is that the programming language (UniBasic) and database technology (UniData) I've been working with are not very popular in the today's industry. For this reason, I think my resume--which is lacking the cache of Java, C++, VB, etc.--does not accurately represent my true talent.
I'm afraid that I've pigeon-holed myself by working with such a proprietary set of technologies.

Personally, I believe that I have enough raw intelligence and programming experience to quickly adapt to most technologies and languages. However, I don't think very many interviewers will simply take my word for it.

My question to everyone is: what is the best way to expose myself to newer, high-demand technologies so that when I interview my experiences are more relevant to most of today's entry- to mid-level programming jobs?

I understand that I can't learn every technology/language listed on every job description. But what can I do that will *concretely* demonstrate that I have flexibility? Should I randomly pick a language and start building a portfolio of personal projects? Should I start contributing to an open-source project? Should I get certifications?


Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

-svalmont

[dglienna]

Download your favorite 'flavor' of Visual Studio Net Express series, in 5 languages. They're free!

[PeejAvery]

Also, if you want to get into web work, you will need to master both a client-side and a server-side language. I would highly suggest the combination of HTML, JavaScript, and PHP. Then you can use PHP to interface with databases (MySQL, SQL, Oracle, etc.).

W3Schools is the best all-in-one resource for web programming.
PHP.net is your #1 stop for language documentation.
MySQL.com will help to learn commands for the database.
XAMPP is an all-in-one install for apache web server with PHP and MySQL.

[svalmont]

That's good advice.

I've purchased some books on MySQL, Java, and PHP. I've found, however, that while reading up on PHP or Java in a book or online is helpful, nothing can replace hands on experience.

What is the best way to apply what I'm learning in a way that is meaningful to potential employers? Should I just dream up spare-time projects to work on?

It is tough to come home at night after programming at work for 9 hours and then program some more, but I'm willing to do it. I just want my efforts to go into something that I can use to demonstrate my skill when applying for a job.

Thanks again.

[PeejAvery]

...nothing can replace hands on experience.

That is true with anything in life, not just programming!

What is the best way to apply what I'm learning in a way that is meaningful to potential employers? Should I just dream up spare-time projects to work on?

Well, you need a portfolio base to get you started. Dreaming does some good, but employers want to see how the dreams come to life!!!

[svalmont]

Well, you need a portfolio base to get you started. Dreaming does some good, but employers want to see how the dreams come to life!!!

Any tips on where to find projects to work on to build a portfolio? Should I start contributing to open-source projects on sourceforge.net maybe?

[PeejAvery]

Sourceforge is an amazing resource. I would pick a number of those projects and create your own versions. Remember to focus on security!

[goatslayer]

It is also good to think of something you enjoy, I know a guy interested in physics simulations so outside of work he creates java based gravity simulations and such. Thinking of something you enjoy, thinking what program you might be able to make surrounding the subject and creating it is a good way to start and expand a portfolio in any language.