When it comes to information technology jobs, US markets certainly have a lot to offer. Among the best jobs in information technology, one of the jobs near the top of the list is that of a Java Architect. Java architects are like the architects of a construction project. They formulate the framework and overall design of a web application. There is a difference between a Java developer and an architect. When looking at a tree, the developer would see the tree, and note how the leaves produce sugar, while the trunk carries water and additional nutrients up into the tree. The architect sees all of this, but also sees the air cycle that trees participate in, the conversion of carbon dioxide into oxygen; the process of water filtering; and many other processes that the tree is but a small part of.
However, many businesses are looking to hire someone who is half architect and half developer. They not only want the developer who can code a solution but can also have the over all vision that is very beneficial to the process of problem solving. Many feel that some one who is considered half this and half that is a generalist, unlike those with specialist titles of developer and architect. Overall, however, an architect without any developer training is like a building architect without any knowledge of how a building is put together; their ideas may be phenomenal but the likelihood of being able to be built is very small. With developer knowledge, the ideas that an architect comes up with can actually be implemented.
What this means to the job seeking information technologist is that if you would like to be a Java architect, you should make sure to be in possession of developer skills. A pure developer will be able to implement solutions that an architect formulates. The architect with developer knowledge will be able to formulate web applications to solve the problems that a business faces, and develop them into fully functional pieces of software. Many businesses looking to hire Java trained personnel want the latter because that is one hire versus two. These businesses are small and cannot afford to hire two or more Java trained coders. Therefore, they rely on hiring individuals who are part architect, part developer.
When it comes to training to become a Java architect who can fill these frequently available positions, there are various traits and skills that one should develop. A good source of information on the skill set to develop is the requirements for passing the Sun Certified Enterprise Architects Exam and the Sun Certified Developers Exam. Architects are experts in object oriented development and analysis, unified modeling language, and other wide-ranging concepts. Developers go deep into the code and algorithms. They have the programming ability to write a code that does a particular task. An architect who is also a developer, can create codes that not only satisfy a given task but also work within a larger framework.
Individuals who are Java architects should have passed the Sun Certified Enterprise Architects Exam, and if time and resources permit, the Sun Certified Developers Exam. Those who are looking to apply for one of these positions should also look to other skills that are in their possession. These skills should be sold as being beneficial to the company being applied. You want to make yourself an invaluable tool for the company, one who is like a Swiss army knife; able to be used for a variety of situations. When you are developing web applications as a Java architect, you are solving the problems and improving the efficiency of a business, generating and saving money.
Java architects have a reputation as being gurus. The truth is that a Java architect is a programmer who not only sees the solution to a problem on a local level but also on a global level. The algorithms they develop do their task, and work with other elements to ensure that functionality is integrated and pieced together smoothly. Businesses are looking to hire Java architects who are also developers. Many feel that this is spread too thin, but architects without developer knowledge are not very valuable in terms of creating the code, they only provide the overall framework without specifics to the overall implementation. Small businesses will not be able to afford architects and developers, so they will hire someone who is 50/50. The best way to fill these positions is to be flexible and able to fill the role of developer and architect.
