The question: what are the options for aCobolexpert?
I returned to IT a year ago after a 10-year absence. I am an
analyst programmer with Cobol and RPG experience, and I was lucky
enough to get a trainee position with a small local firm using
Cobol/Unix. Unfortunately, the IT department is going to be made
redundant on 30 November. Can you recommend a course of action?
The solution: broaden your skills to target larger
firms
There has been an upturn in demand for Cobol experience, but
demand is still relatively low in real terms, and salaries have
topped out at about £30,000.
Programming skills in general are very much in demand at the
moment. Employers are looking for candidates with business and
technological expertise, so your experience will stand you in good
stead. It would be worth thinking about widening your skill set to
open up more opportunities.
If you want to market yourself to bigger companies, it would be
worth considering honing your skills in Microsoft programs, as many
employers will expect you to hold a relevant qualification. There
are various ways to go about this, so you need to look at the
options.
The most obvious additional qualifications to look into would be
the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
.net or .net 2.0, based on
Visual Studio 2005. This would allow you to stay in
programming.
Moving up the career ladder should not be a problem. Average
salaries for those with .net skills are about £40,000, and there
are good opportunities within a wide range of companies.
Solution by Rob Chapman, chief executive at Firebrand
Training
The panel: Computer People, Hudson, No Limits Coaching,
Firebrand Training, Wreay Group