Java is one of the most common programming languages in the world, but its popularity makes a few people hesitant to pursue a career in the field. After all, isn’t it better to pursue a rare skill than a common one? Not so fast. Let’s look at which companies are most likely to hire a Java developer like yourself and what makes them great to work for.
After all, companies hire Java programmers for a variety of exciting reasons and projects, so why wouldn’t you want to be a part of it? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the businesses that hire Java software engineers and what you’d be expected to do if you were to accept a job there.
Which companies want to hire a Java developer (and why)
Java developers work mainly on the backend of websites and apps. The companies that are most likely to hire Java coders are financial services, consumer and retail services, supply chains, education, entertainment, and eCommerce companies.
There are more than 175,000 Java developers in the US, but it’s not enough to satisfy the demand that exists, so many companies choose to hire a java programmer team in Eastern Europe or Asia to meet their needs.
In Eastern Europe, there is a much larger talent pool that can satisfy the demand. Companies like Lebara and Fluke hire Java developers in Ukraine, for example, alongside large global brands like Apple and Microsoft. There are about 50,000 Java developers in Ukraine and 375 vendors looking for Java developers. If you are based in Ukraine, chances are you will run across a company that wants to hire a Java coder to work on their own software or to work for one of their outsourcing clients.
It’s an exciting place to work as there are also a wide variety of Java-related conferences that take place in the country, including JavaDay and Java Fest.
What Does a Java Developer Do?
Java developers’ roles can vary. Some developers focus on app development, while others work with multiple languages or on software that may not be entirely Java-based. A Java developer may take part in the full software development lifecycle, from requirement analysis to deployment.
Java is one of the older programming languages dating back to 1995. Today Java is part of Oracle. It’s a concurrent, class-based, and object-oriented programming language; designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Compiled Java code can run on all platforms without recompiling the code.
Java-based apps are known for speed and scalability, which is why they are used in software, computer games, mobile apps, and other applications.
If you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with Java because it’s easy to break into (although there is a learning curve). Java is used in 2.6% of all websites whose server-side programming is known, and it’s used mainly by sites with high traffic volumes. LinkedIn, Salesforce.com, and Indeed.com all use Java.
If you know Java, it’s easier to learn the many languages that have descended from Java, including PHP, Python, Scala, and JavaScript.
Smaller start-ups and companies usually don’t use Java, but as they scale and grow, they will likely switch to Java. That was the case with Twitter and UPS! If you are looking for stability and job security, Java is the best language to learn.
Reporting Lines and Responsibilities for Java Developer
If you are a Java developer, you’ll likely form part of an IT team or many smaller IT teams working in an Agile environment. You may report to a senior project manager or IT manager all the way up the chain to the CIO. You will start as a junior or entry-level Java developer and work your way up to the senior level. Each designation has different responsibilities.
You might start off working on program architecture as a junior and then work your way up to the senior level, where you are responsible for the overall functioning of the project. Titles may include design leads, software engineers, project managers, and more.
Some of the responsibilities will include the following:
- Maintaining or implementing Java apps that are high-volume and required for mission-critical systems
- Delivering high availability and performance for websites and apps
- Contributing to all phases in the software development lifecycle
- Writing excellent, testable, and well-documented code
- Ensuring that all designs comply with specifications
- Supporting continuous improvement
- Overseeing and mentoring junior staff
- Managing vendors
There are some background requirements to working as a Java developer. The most common requirement is to obtain a BS in Computer Science or a similar field. However, most companies would accept significant experience in lieu of formal education.
The Career Path of a Java Developer
The best way to move forward in your career as a Java developer is to obtain certification. The certification confirms your proficiency in the Java language and your roles and responsibilities. These certifications are available through training programs. There are three levels of certification, namely associate, professional, or master.
Certification pathways include Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 5 or 6, etc. Certification courses end with an exam that tests skills learned. For more advanced professionals, you may want to examine the next level of certification, namely Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmers. This requires training and a 180-minute assessment exam.
You can also become an Oracle Certified Master, which requires 12 months of being an Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer. You also need to complete a programming assignment over a 12-month period where you will need to write code for a small business system according to technical requirements, culminating in a two-hour exam taken through Oracle.
Conclusion
The demand for Java developers will continue to grow. If you train and upskill as a developer, you can work in nearly any industry around the globe, from education to entertainment. There will be many companies looking to hire a Java developer between now and 2024, with the demand growing up to 19% or more, so it’s time to consider a move to Java!
