Java/.NET First Timer Questions

[benj]

Hi - new to the board here, and maybe new to contracting!

I have 2 years good Java banking experience, + 2 years non-commercial .NET experience. I'm probably stronger on the .NET side. First question: Which one should I try and pursue to guru status? Which will pay the most both now and in the long run, and which market seems to have the best opportunities?

Second question: What are the chances of someone with my experience gaining a first contract role in banking? I won't have to leave a permanent position fortunately, as I'm currently between jobs. However, maybe I should get one more permanent role under my belt.

Third question: Are any clients or technologies likely to lead to more travel opportunities? Travel is important to me right now, and I'd like to give myself the best possible opportunties here.

Thanks all!
Benj

[Underscore]

Change your name from Benj.

[BlasterBates]

Without commercial experience, however good you may be it will be difficult to get a contract (but not impossible), however you should be able to get a permie job no probs.

Your two years Java would enable you to get a contract for a junior. My advice is to try your luck on Jobserve. You have nothing to lose, and you're available immediately. Give it a week or two and then go for a permie job, or maybe set the ball rolling now for permie, but try and snatch a contract.

A word of warning, is that once in contract it is difficult to change your skill set. Once you start contracting your path will be more or less set in stone; as a permie it's much easier to do this.

As for which is better Java/.NET. Java currently offers more opportunities and will continue to do so for some time; .NET won't replace Java, but will live side by side. The rates for Java, J2EE at least, are slightly higher, though .NET rates will probably rise. I see .NET as simply a the next version of Visual Basic/Visual C++ and many companies will simply upgrade old Microsoft applications. I doubt whether Java legacy code will be ported to .NET.

[NOTiFY]

once you start contracting your path will be more or less set in stone

PL/1
Cobol
dBASE II/III/III+/IV
Clipper 87 - 5.0
C
Java
J2EE

Over the past twenty six years contracting

[BlasterBates]

...and since 2002.



agreed you used to be able to do it, but it's not so easy these days.

[NOTiFY]

Java since 1996, J2EE since 2000.

I am now doing some J2ME for phones, so it's now a gradual evolution, not major changes as in 80s and 90s. The introduction of PCs in 1982 resulted in a major change for me away from Mainframes.

Need to get a skill which can evolve.

[DimPrawn]

I predict .NET will overtake Java within the next 50 years. Something to bear in mind when choosing which path to follow......