Latest News from Bill Baloglu

Looking into the Java Future…

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 EST

For Java developers, as for all professionals, the beginning of a new year is a good time to review what new directions the technology world is moving in, what changes in the job environment those new directions will bring with them, and what changes you may need to make, as a Java developer, in order to continue conducting business successfully in this complex new world.

Rough Seas, Sinking Ships, and Lifeboats

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 EST

As 2002 draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year. There are many things we can be thankful for, primarily that this year wasn't nearly as cataclysmic as last year. Unless, of course, you happen to be one of those CEOs who was busted big time.

Playing Four Square

Fri, 01 Nov 2002 00:00:00 EST

You're a senior Java engineer who's been working with J2EE on enterprise systems software and applications. You've got a résumé that reads like a who's who and what's what of current technologies.

Training Days

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 EDT

It's no secret to anyone who works in the technology industry that continous training (and retraining) is required. The only thing that's constant in this business is change, and engineers need to be ahead of the curve on the latest and greatest technologies.

Making It Useful

Thu, 01 Aug 2002 00:00:00 EDT

One of the distinctive qualities of the high-tech industry is that the people who make technology love technology. They love its powerful capabilities, its potential, and the opportunity it provides for creativity.

'Should I Stay or Should I Go?'

Mon, 01 Jul 2002 00:00:00 EDT

We were recently looking for a skilled Swing engineer for one of our clients. Three people who had been referred to us looked like good candidates for the job. One of them was happily employed. The other two had left the business - one is now an aspiring rock star, the other, a monk.

Contract-to-Hire

Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 EDT

As staffing professionals in the technology industry, we've seen the focus for many staffing firms shift from placing senior consultants in contract positions (while occasionally filling the odd full-time job) to placing them in full-time jobs.

Women's Work

Wed, 01 May 2002 00:00:00 EDT

This month we focus on women in the engineering world. In this competitive, male-dominated world, female engineers face a variety of challenges. Many of these challenges have less to do with getting the job done than with getting hired, communicating with their male counterparts, and getting recognized for the work they do.

The Next Big Thing

Mon, 01 Apr 2002 00:00:00 EST

Web services applications are expected to be broad and far-reaching. Early uses include companies utilizing them within their business to integrate multiple applications and systems; to find a common way to link payroll, sales, and CRM applications; and to communicate with each other.

Back to School - Put downtime to good use

Fri, 01 Mar 2002 00:00:00 EST

Maybe the last three startups you work for no longer exist. Maybe you're one of the thousands whose job at that monolithic "solid" company no longer exists. Or maybe you're still hanging on as one of four people in what used to be a department of 30.

'How's the Boss?'

Fri, 01 Feb 2002 00:00:00 EST

We've all had them. Some of us have been them. But if there's anything that seasoned engineers have in common, it's lots of experience working with different kinds of managers. Whether you're working for a small startup or a huge corporation, the quality of your daily life can be ruled (or ruined) by the style and personality of the person who signs your time card.

Where We've Been and Where We're Going

Sat, 01 Dec 2001 00:00:00 EST

This past year has been a tumultuous one, initially for our high-tech industry, and then for our nation and the world at large. We don't presume to know what the coming year will bring. But in the 12 months we've been writing this column, we've covered many topics and offered some professional advice to Java engineers that we still think is pretty sound.

Just Don’t do It

Thu, 01 Nov 2001 00:00:00 EST

We have many stories of skilled engineers who've done a great job on contract and full-time positions, leaving behind happy managers who sing the engineer's praises for the rest of their days. We've also seen engineers self-destruct at each step of the hiring process, eliminating themselves from consideration for what could have been great opportunities. As technical hiring has shifted from employees to employers calling the shots, it's especially important to pay heed to the errors of those who have come (and gone) before. How to Blow an Interview Don't pay attention: Look around the room, show more interest in photos on the wall and books in the bookcase than in talking to the interviewer. Okay, so not everyone is comfortable in a face-to-face interview. But if you want to make a good or even decent impression, force yourself to focus on the interviewer and respond directly with pertinent answers.

Who's Hiring Now?

Mon, 01 Oct 2001 00:00:00 EDT

Since most of our past articles have dealt with Java jobs from the engineer's perspective, we decided to write this month's column from the hiring manager's point of view.

Follow a Career Path…

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 EDT

Since we started writing this column, we've gotten lots of inquiries from engineers who want to know the best way to reach the level of senior Java server-side engineer. The trouble that many engineers have in breaking through to this level typically has to do with a lack of key training and the right experience, and, most important, a résumé that doesn't show a clear career path.

So You Want To Be A Senior Engineer

Sun, 01 Apr 2001 00:00:00 EST

In recent columns we've discussed the current job market, rates and salaries, and different kinds of Java engineers: those who know Java and those who understand Java.

To B2B or Not To B2B - and Other Questions

Thu, 01 Feb 2001 00:00:00 EST

Dot-coms are crashing and burning all around us. Yesterday's 'hot' companies are seeing their stock values plummet, triggering massive layoffs. Even 'sure bet' companies seem to be going out of business everywhere you look.

Two Kinds of Java Engineers

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 EST

Java Jobs is our new column. Each month we'll focus on different aspects of working with Java - in-demand skills, up-and-coming technologies, hot cities, salaries, rates, and other tips to help you plan and further your career in the Java marketplace. Whether you're a Java developer or manager, you'll find this column full of useful information and tips. We'd also like to hear from you about related topics that you'd like us to cover as part of this column. Please send your suggestions to jdjcolumn@objectfocus.com.