Apr
Whether you’re a college grad or a seasoned professional with the right skills, you may have what it takes to be a mobile app developer. You’ll need to have strong Java, HTML and general technical aptitudes. You will be at a distinct advantage if you are immersed in object-oriented programming and understand user interface and design patterns. Experienced programmers should have no difficulty moving between languages since mobile development basically involves learning a new syntax.
A Promising Outlook
Seasoned IT specialists have a golden opportunity to take advantage of a fun and rewarding career makeover; and tech newbies, who are well versed, can jump on the bandwagon as well, and embark on a career in an exploding field that is still in its infancy.
Mobile app sales are skyrocketing. Apple amassed upwards of $1.8 Billion in App sales in 2010 and global mobile app sales reached a staggering $4 Billion in 2011.
Job postings for Android developers soared more than 300% in the first three months of 2011 when compared to the first quarter of 2010. Career ads for iPhone-related positions rose more than 200% during the same period of time. Tech companies are feverishly searching for coveted mobile- development talent.
Mobile Apps Are A Different Animal
Making the transition from computer technology to mobile-device technology isn’t necessarily challenging, but it does require a personality-type that is willing to step into a different paradigm and be open and teachable to learn new technologies by becoming proficient in new rules, laws and principles.
In a variety of ways, mobile app technology, is a different animal than computer technology and because of that exciting reality, university-based curriculums now offer courses that specifically target mobile application design and programming. A vast array of Under-Grad, Continuing Ed and Certificate courses such as HTML 5, object-oriented programming, Java, iOS and Android programming have emerged onto the scene.
A Big Nugget In A World Of Golden Opportunities
Mobile-app development has become revolutionized in that it has transformed itself from building not only fun, novelty apps but is creating corporate-based applications, as well. An example being the linkage of both Apple iOS and Android apps in which a main computer (Apple) processes the information from the small computer (Android). A case in point: Chipoltle Restaurants, as well as many others, offers an app that permits patrons to order and pay for their food through the use of their mobile devices. Pretty cool!
There is no shortage of web and Java development talent, but specialists with proficiency building apps for Apple’s iPhone, iPad or the BlackBerry or any of the latest Android devices, are in short supply directly due to the newness of those platforms.
Yes, these are the ‘gold-rush’ days of technology as it applies to mobile-app career opportunities. And there’s an added bonus thrown into the mix—-it’s totally fun!
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- Designing Mobile Apps, Where to Start?
- Google Play has more downloads, but iOS still rakes in most of the profits [GigaOM]
- Cross-platform App Development Frameworks: An Aspirin for Developer Headaches
- The pros and cons of developing a mobile app for your small business
- 10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Mobile App Developer
