how to break into mobile app development
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How to Break Into Mobile App Development
Before the window closes
Leslie Stevens-Huffman
Independent business and careers writer with over 20 years’ experience in the staffing industry
Advisor to the Human Capital Institute
Corporate trainer for UC Irvine Extension
Agenda
Current LandscapeRequired CompetenciesHow to Get Training and ExperienceHow to Score an Opportunity
Current Landscape
Global Sales of Mobile Apps $4 billion in 2010
Gartner Projects Sales of $15 billion in 2011
Apple Accounted for $1.78 billion in 2010
Business and Consumer Apps
Web Apps Emerging Universal Language
Job Growth for Mobile Developers
131% this Year Tops US Dept. of
Labor List for 2012 2,123 jobs on Indeed 4,500 on Elance 1,900 jobs on Dice Top Earners
$115,000 (nationwide)
Talent Acquisition Strategies
BUYBUILDBORROW
Buy
Job Postings, Advertisements
Mine Social Networking Sites
Headhunters Referrals Passive Job Seekers Highest
Cost/Greatest Risk
Build
Cross-Training Educational
Reimbursement Programs
Corporate Universities Mentorships Lunch and Learn Interns Low Cost/Moderate Risk
Borrow
Consulting Firms Independent
Contractors IT Staffing Firms Boutique
Development Shops Moderate Cost/Low
Risk
Transferable Competencies
Bachelor’s Degree Development and
Programming Experience
C++ Objective C C# Java
Creativity, Ideas, Communication Skills
Business Value/Impact
New Competencies
Mobile Operating Language (s)
Hands-On Experience/Body of Work
Mobile User Interface Implement APIs Miniaturize Adapt Web Apps Tight, Error-Free Code Passion and
Commitment
How to Acquire Mobile Skills-DIY
Developer Toolkits, Online Tutorials, Books, YouTube
Create AppsDebugRequest CritiquesPartner with a Colleague, Coach or
Trainer (hybrid or two heads are better than one approach)
Pluses and Minuses of DIY
Shows Passion and CommitmentLow Cost/Time IntensivePortfolio MaterialLack of Coaching/FeedbackHard to Validate/Mitigate RiskNot for Everyone
Formal Learning
Bootcamps Online Courses Certification Courses College and
University Courses
Pluses and Minuses of Formal Learning
FastExpensiveStructured LearningAuthenticated/Standardized
Development MethodsReduces RiskLimited Hands-On/No Portfolio Material
OTJ
Come up with an Idea
Write a Business Plan
Develop an App for Your Company
Pluses and Minuses of OTJ
Get Paid to LearnUtilize Educational BenefitsLeadership Role/Job
Security/MarketabilityPortfolio MaterialDemonstrate Creativity/Business ImpactUser InterfaceCompetition/Other Priorities
How to Score an Opportunity
What’s Out:
Shot Gunning the
Market
What’s In: Strategic
Targets
Target Strategic Opportunities
Consider Employer’s Risk and Cost Objectives
Culture and Environmental Fit
Contacts Target 15 to 25
Companies Network Your Way In
Create Value
What’s Out: Relying only on Your Tech Skills
What’s In: Value Creation
Who Benefitted from Your Work and How?
Tailored Approach
What’s Out: Generic Resumes and Cover Letters
What’s In: Customized Approach
Leave No Doubt
What’s Out: Subtle MessagesWhat’s In: Mapping Your Skills and
Experience to the Requirements
Map Competencies to Requirements
Error-Free Code, Mobile User-Interface, Miniaturize, APIs
Business Impact
Enthusiasm and Passion Reduce Risk
Portfolio, Body of Work,
Experience Examples in Resume,
Cover Letter, Profile, Business Plan, Vignettes, Monetize
Demeanor, Language, Follow-Up, Participation Communities, Meetups
References and Education
Create and Market Your Brand
What’s Out: Blending InWhat's In:
PersonalBranding/MarketingCampaign that Includes Social Media
Now Go Get ‘Em
Before the Window Closes
Resource List