I think this may be my first post after years of reading all of your posts, but I could think of no better website to post this question. I have an interesting “problem” which really is no problem at all, but rather quite an opportunity.
I’ve been in the IT world off and on for about 9 years. The vast majority of the time has been spent doing Tech Support, often hardware based but also Network troubleshooting and security. I have always had an interest in learning more, but never studied it in school other than a MCSE certification program a few years ago. I’ve also messed around with basic web development (mainly html but some CF as well) and helped a couple small businesses and non-profits set up a web presence. On my own time, I’ve used various distros of Linux over the last five years.
Last year I started working at a large company with over 16,000 employees as one of their Intranet Admins. Basically, I was doing a lot of content management and managing user access, but also responsible for creating reports via Crystal Reports. I’ve caught on to basic SQL commands by doing so. Basically, I’m a jack-of-all-trades. If someone can’t figure something out, I’m often the first that’s asked for help…whether it’s our VP or one of the Network Admins.
The company just invested big into Oracle Application Server / Database / Portal running on several high-end Linux servers and they’ve decided that they’d be better served if I moved away from the administrative work I’ve been doing and started working as a “Portal Analyst”.
What has been discussed thus far is that I’d be pushed into the role of part time Java programmer, part time Red Hat Linux administrator, and full time all-around Oracle portal developer.
I’m hoping you all might help advise me as to what I should push for. The company has agreed to start off by sending me to RedHat admin certification classes. I will be responsible for some Java development down the road (most of the major work will be done by outside consultants). Where do I start! If you were deciding to go into Java development, what would be the first thing you’d want to learn, especially as fundamentals go. I’ve been given the opportunity to learn just about whatever I want (including buying any books I feel would help me), but don’t know where to start.
Anyway, that’s more than enough to start this thread. I’m looking forward to your responses!
