Hi Stackoverflowers!
I am planning to write the SCJP exam soon, and I wonder if that will be helpful to get Graduate/Junior Java Programmer job. Exam seems to be easy to pass for some people.
What is the minimum scope of knowledge to start thinking about career in Java field?
Do you think that SCJP will be enough to dive in to Java world?
If not, what advice would you give me? how to start a career in Java?
Regards
It worked for me, I recommend it.
For a soon or recent graduate, it is a very straightforward way to put something tangible and objective on the resume.
My story: I was changing careers, had a math Ph.D. but know real experience in programming experience (either coursework or job related.) I started learning Java and after four months bought a textbook to study for the exam. In another two months, I took the exam, passed it, and was hired as a full-time Java intern within two months after that. (And in this economy.)
Certainly SCJP won't make anyone's career, but it can definitely help you get a start if only to slightly separate your resume from the others on the stack.
Finally, don't let anyone make you feel bad about certification. Sure, the rockstars don't get certified, but there's nothing wrong with not being a rockstar.
As for other advice for future, after the SCJP, study Java EE. That's where the jobs are.
I really hope people don't hire just because someone has a SCJP...if you really wanted to get hired as programmer, make sure you understand the fundementals by taking some classes in computer science or at the very least read some books about it. Then go and try to actually create some programs on your own.
Try browsing through the following topic to see what kind of books they recommend http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1711/what-is-the-single-most-influential-book-every-programmer-should-read
It is good to have SCJP exam. With this you shall get the answers of first level of questions asked by interviewers.
However, you should also understand the data structure part of Java. e.g. List, Map, Set, Thread, Array, System classes and its variant classes internals. How sorting works in Collections.sort and so.
Many things you shall hardly be noticing while reading theory or performing an examination. For subtle details you should be doing a rigorous pragmatic approach towards Java for few weeks.
Above all degree does matter but not at the cost of knowledge and experience and wisdom.
I've gotten a lot of Java work over the last ten years (and been through countless interviews). I've never heard anyone ask about SCJP - before or after I got it.
Even with SCJP every team that I've interviewed with has tested my Java knowledge...
Although the knowledge in SCJP is useful, don't wait until you've passed SCJP before trying to get work.
The best way for people to get their first break with Java is to:
... it's easier to learn to program a technology if you've got a fun project to work on.