J2EE specialists work with the software developing companies. There are 2 types of work involved for a J2EE engineer. One option is that the engineer interacts with the clients and understands the scope of the software required. He is basically a link between the client and the programmer. He has to ensure that the software that is developed meets the standards of commercial software and that the software is bug free. The second category of J2EE developers sit in the back office and do the actual coding for the software. Their job includes making the program run and testing it for each and every possible condition. Once the software is made, it is the job of the engineer to provide maintenance for it. It is the job of the J2EE specialists to think out of the box and design software that is efficient and takes less time to execute.
Most good programmers are good at math. So when going to school make sure that you have math as one or your subjects and you are good at it. At the undergraduate level, pursue a course in computer engineering. Although Java is much different from other languages, you need to know C++ and C. You can specialize in the J2EE platform to make yourself different from other IT engineers. There are also various private institutions that offer courses in J2EE. You must be an expert in Java to say the least.
The single most important criteria is to have a good command of the computer. You must be comfortable with different operating systems. You must know various computer languages. You must know Enterprise Java Bean along with some other frames. If you know a few versioning tools, it can be more than handy. It is also important that you are aware of the Integrated Development environment. You must have sound technical knowledge to become a J2EE developer.
If you know a database language like My SQL, it can certainly be helpful. Apart from the technical details, you should have good communication skills. You have to be in constant touch with clients and should be able to strike a good rapport with your clients. Having good leadership qualities will help you to become a team leader. You need to have problem solving abilities. Also, good HR skills are required because you generally do not work alone on a large project. So, continuously you have to work with people and deal with them. Apart from that, you must be able to work under pressure as you have to meet the stringent deadlines.
It is important that you have the experience of dealing with small programs before taking up projects of commercial value. Take up any problem and try to develop code on that. Potential J2EE engineers must look at building small software programs at even the high school level. You can even look to obtain an internship at a software firm that builds applications on J2EE platform when you are still studying. This will give you an idea of how commercial software based on J2EE is made. Apart from that, you should always be willing to learn new things as there is some new development in this field every other day. Keep referring to eBooks and online sites to keep track of new developments in this field.
With more and more companies looking to make customized software, the requirements of J2EE developers will only increase. The job opportunities are huge and there is still a lot of room for improvement. You can start off as a J2EE software engineer and can go on to become a team leader, senior J2EE engineer, and then go to the management department. You can get a chance to work with multi national software companies. Many engineers even work as a freelancers and do the projects on a contract basis.
Salary prospects are huge. A J2EE engineer can start off with a salary of $45,000 annually. With experience and an increase in credentials, you can even draw a salary as high as $90,000 annually. It is not uncommon to come across a J2EE engineer drawing a salary well into 6 digits.
