Confused cross platform mobile developer.

[masonOnerous]

Hi,

I am a confused cross platform mobile developer in windows mobile, android, BlackBerry * my fav *, iOS and Symbian. I have self-taught most of it. Learned java on my own, as well, and other programming languages. I love programming and wish to further my qualifications.

I did the 2 year course at CTU Training Solutions, where I acquired my MCPD and MCPD Specialization Qualifications in 2010 and 2011. But unfortunately they did not offer a third year course. I want to study further to obtain a bsc degree.
I recently applied with UNISA. Then I came to realize it could probably take me 4-5 years to complete as I am studying part time, and basically not being compensated for the qualifications I have.

Considering registering with MGI or CTI for the coming year, but a bit unsure if I will have the same situation with them than with UNISA. I just don’t want to be studying for so long when some of the stuff I already know.

Please advice on what would be the best possible solution for me.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Nefertiti]

A Bsc is not just programming, and the ones I know off don't stick to a specific language either.. Have you asked Unisa to bring in work experience? Do you have work experience? Just doing a course doesnt mean much, and they differ between institutions. So even if the NQF level is the same content could be completely different depending on the course. You wont get away from that. You can make a request to Unisa where they analyse your work experience and so on and give you credits so I suggest speaking to them properly about it.

What do you actually want to gain by studying? What is your career path? Where/what do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?

 

[masonOnerous]

@Nefertiti

Thank you for your time to respond. Yes I do have experience, had no idea I could ask them to consider my experience. Would to do my masters at some stage in the next 5 years.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9810 using Tapatalk

 

[Frikkenator]

Apart from your plans to do masters do you want to be working as well?

If you know your stuff you should be able to get a good mobile dev job without further qualifications. By all means still continue studying, but don't expect to drop into a massive salary when you've got a degree. Experience will get you there quicker.

P.S. As a mobile dev, I cannot see how BB can be anyone's favourite platform to dev for... I'd rather be coding assembler in morse code, sitting in a bath filled with little leeches slowly sucking me dry while someone gives me 1000 paper cuts.

 

[Nefertiti]

lol @frikkenator... I could think of a couple of languages/platforms that would get that reaction

@masonOnerous... experience is what gets you a job... a degree just make it easier to get noticed, expecially in big corporates. If you are planning on doing your masters, you might as well start your degree now. You need to decide to what is more important to you though. From personal experience I wish I had done my degree earlier, but that really depends on the person. Where are you based? If you are in Joburg you could consider doing the Continued Professional Development programe at the JCSE (part of WITS university) http://jcse.org.za/courses/cpd-programme-2013 as it can take you to a masters. This programme is not advised for beginners/juniors.

anyway Good luck!