Words of Wisdom by MrWes » Career

My journey to the App Store

Wes Johnson — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:26:00 +0000

Over the past few months I have gone through a major journey of discovery and enlightenment. At the end of 2009 I decided to update my software development skills. The platforms I decided to learn were the iPhone and Mac OS X. I figured developing iPhone and Mac OS X applications would utilize my experience as a software developer and help me learn some transferrable skills along the way.

The early days

Joined Apple Developer Connection and iPhone Developer Program
Purchased the development environment (Macbook Pro, iPhone 3GS)
Installed Xcode on my Mac
Downloaded lots of free iPhone Apps to understand the User Interface and how other developers were making use of Cocoa Touch
Watched hours and hours of iPhone Programming on iTunes through Stanford University
Read many books on Objective-C, Xcode, Cocoa, and Cocoa Touch
Spent countless hours making sense of the development environment.

While I was learning, I wondered what kind of App I would develop, what type of audience it would have, and when I’d have an opportunity to release it. Not too long after that I met Matt Beckwith the creator and producer of Podcast Stockton. We quickly became friends and decided to collaborate on this project. We went through the design process and agreed on what the finished product would be.

What I’ve learned so far

Mac OS X behavior (keyboard, windows, utilities, applications, shortcuts, etc.)
Objective-C (An Object Oriented C developed by NextStep)
Model-View-Controller architecture (a different way of organizing code that helps to keep the data separate from the views)
Cocoa and Cocoa Touch (Frameworks for developing applications for iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS X platforms)
Xcode (A suite of tools for developing Mac OS X, iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad software)
iPhone User Interface Guidelines (all the little resources needed for producing and releasing a professional level application for the iPhone)
iPhone certificate provisioning process
iPhone AdHoc distribution process

When it’s all done, there will be two applications. The first App will be for the iPhone which may just work for the iPod Touch; it seems like it should since they share the same U/I but I won’t know for sure until I’ve tried it out. The second App will be for the iPad, we’re still talking about what it’s going to look like. Will it be the same App that automatically expands to fill the screen real estate or will it have some extra features that aren’t available to the iPhone? That will be determined shortly after the iPhone App has been completed.

Things I’m still learning

App Store application approval process
App Store application provisioning process
Apple’s iPhone App Store updating process
Taking advantage of iPhone OS 4 features
How to make money developing premium iPhone Apps
Improving iPhone App performance for 3G network

The journey is far from over; it’s only the beginning. I see no end in sight for new ideas. I receive suggestions on a regular basis from people in my professional and social networks who tell me that they would love to see an App for this or that. So far, this journey has been an enlightening experience. I look forward to hearing suggestions from the people who use my applications in the real world.

My journey to the App Store is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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Think outside the box

Wes Johnson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:58:36 +0000

We’ve all heard it before. What is the definition of insanity? – repeatedly trying exactly the same thing and expecting different results. I’m not insane but may be acting a little like someone who is. I have been searching for a position in the occupation I’ve held for many years in the past. Unfortunately, due to the economy, the opportunities at my current education level have dried up at this time. As I see it, there are three options.

Option 1

Stop everything. Live in poverty while I update my education so I will be considered for my dream job.

Option 2

Stop pursuing my dream job, switch to a totally different career.

Option 3

A little bit of options 1 and 2 might be the right mix.

I can’t completely stop everything, because living in poverty is not very appealing to me or my wife. I don’t think we would have a very happy existence under those circumstances.

I can’t stop pursuing my dream because living without hope would be very depressing. I can postpone my dream for a while and continue pursuing my education so I can eventually achieve my dream job.

The Box

To achieve Option 3, I was told I need to start thinking outside the box.

Box = “The career I once had.”

I’ve been stuck looking inside the box. I’ve been desperately, trying to find the life I once knew. I have focused so much on the inside of the box, that I haven’t noticed all the other opportuntities that are available outside of the box.

After I finally put the box down, I notice it has the shape of a coffin. I realize the coffin needs to be buried. So, I don’t pick it up again. I start to notice there are other opportunities to utilize the skills I have. These other opportunities have different job titles.

Thinking outside the box

So once, the box is buried, where do you go to see the other opportunities?

Visit the O*Net website http://online.onetcenter.org/find
Enter key skills you already have or plan to have in the “Keyword or O*NET-SOC code” field, then click Go - the resulting list of occupations will be ordered by relevance, to their side may be a leaf to represent green jobs and/or a demand symbol signifying the field is in high demand.
Click on the Occupation to find out more about it.
Click on the Wages & Employment for the median wages to see if the pay is reasonable enough to help you make ends meet. It provides an option to see the wages based on State.
Click on the Details Tab to bring up more options to investigate such as Education.
Click on the Education link - to see the average education level for this particular occupation.
While investigating this occupation, you can review the Job Tasks, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Activites, Work Values, etc.

Implement outside the box

Once you’ve decided on which occupations would be suited for you, build a resume for each occupation that you’re considering. Have a trusted accountability partner evaluate each resume. See if you can convice them that you are really skilled and proficient at the skill required for the job. If you can’t convince your accountability partner that you really want that occupation, then how are you going to convince a potential employer that you want the job?

Think outside the box is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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iProgram

Wes Johnson — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:51:33 +0000

With the recent introduction of the iPad, the question has been posed by many people. Will you get an iPad? I didn’t have to think very hard on this question. I have already made a commitment to develop software for Mac OSX, iPhone & the iPod. The iPad is the next logical extension of my programming skills. I think the question is not will I get an iPad. The question is when will I get an iPad. For me personally, I will probably get one after I have gotten a few iPhone Apps under my belt. Who knows, by then, maybe the service plan for WiFi will be FREE Okay, maybe not, but I can always dream.

iProgram is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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Challenging Status Quo

Wes Johnson — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:32:47 +0000

Status Quo is usually associated with average or mediocre. In reality it’s not good or bad. It just states someone’s existing condition.

What is your Status Quo? Is your life average or mediocre? Are you stuck in survival mode or riding on the coat-tails of past successes. Are you constantly improving or just existing? If you’re not careful, Status Quo could mean you’re losing momentum while your competition is gaining speed.

Status Quo – n. The existing condition or state of affairs.

“status quo.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 25 Jan. 2010. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/status quo>.

Say NO to Average:

Don’t coast. When you’re coasting you’re not paying attention to what’s happening in the world around you.
Be engaged. Make sure your actions are intentional and focused on improvement.
Promise yourself to not be average or mediocre.

Say YES to Excellence:

Always hone your skills. Keep them sharp by using them.
Improve your skills regularly. Be open to learning more.
Promise yourself to be the best in your field.
Don’t do anything half-way, be committed to excellence.

Challenging Status Quo is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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Steps I’m taking to Re-invent my career

Wes Johnson — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:50:24 +0000

Yesterday, I wrote “Re-invent your career“ In that post, I listed several questions to ask yourself. I’ve been asking myself and others which skills are the most important to know. Of course I get mixed answers. I have narrowed the marketable skills down to Objective-C. The business establishments that I would like to work for require Objective-C programming experience with iPhone and Mac OS X development experience.

How I’m Re-Inventing my Career:

Becoming proficient at Objective-C
- Objective-C is used for both iPhone and Mac OS X development.
- Obtain iPhone and learn all aspects of iPhone App development
- Obtain Mac OS X system and learn all aspects of Mac OS X App development
- Learn by Watching Videos on iPhone & Mac OS X development
- Learn by developing iPhone App for iPhone store
Reinforce / Build colleague networks
- Meet on regular basis
Looking for Mac & iPhone software developer Community to network with
Utilize Forums/ Groups /NING / Meetup for learning & networking
Meet with other like-minded people to discuss the topic of iPhone & Mac OS X development
Participate in Forums and Blogs, either writing blogs or commenting on them.

Side note, since I will be using these new tools, I believe there will be lots of experiences to write about in my blog.

Steps I’m taking to Re-invent my career is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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Re-invent your career

Wes Johnson — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:32:57 +0000

Perhaps you’ve been looking back at your career and you’re asking yourself, “What happened?” I recently listened to a job coach speech that mentioned if you’re not keeping your skills sharp, then you’re falling behind. No wonder so many employers are looking for employees with certifications or straight out of college. The employers expect the younger generation to be educated in the latest technology unlike the ”Old Geezer” that probably hasn’t cracked a book on their field in 20+ years. Maybe you’re one of those “Old Geezers” that was too busy working to pay attention to all the changes happening in your field. Maybe you’re not an ”Old Geezer” but you’ve noticed that your skills are becoming less essential to your employer. What are you doing to do to add value to your current or future employer?

Questions to ask:

Your current position
- Are you utilizing current technology?
- Is your technology being phased out?
Informational Interviews
- What are hiring managers looking for?
- What are industry leaders using?
- What skills / education do your colleagues have?
Job Boards
- What skills / certifications / experience are listed on job descriptions?
Forums
- What are people in your field talking about?

What to do if you discover you’re lacking skills:

Take a class
Join a club
Read a book (related to updating or learning the needed skill)
Watch Videos (YouTube has many tutorial videos)
Find a mentor that will help you achieve your potential

Re-invent your career is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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Tip: Job Searching Tools

Wes Johnson — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:36:35 +0000

While watching one of the latest Tekzilla shows I learned about an information searching tool called Tink O Matic http://www.tinkomatic.com/

NOTE: Click on Login as Guest butotn. If IE shows a black screen, just click on the black screen, then it will show the search interface.

It searches several information sources for the things you’re looking for:

Stuff for Sale
Cars & Vehicles
For Rent
Real Estate
Jobs

It has a pretty good selection of major metro areas to search in. However, it isn’t very flexible if you’re looking at an area around a specific zip code.

Some other job searching tools to consider might be:

Tip: Job Searching Tools is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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What value do you add?

Wes Johnson — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:06:29 +0000

In any organization, some members are leaders, or supporters, while others are followers and some seem to always slow down progress. Which one are you? If you look back on different organizations, maybe you can see yourself playing several of these roles. When you come into the presence of your organization, are members happy, relieved, irritated or stressed out? If your organization was surveyed about the value you bring to the group what would they say?

Have you ever considered how you add value to your organization?

Things to consider:

Are your comments constructive or destructive?
Are you encouraging or discouraging others?
Do you support others in their endeavors?
Are you negative or positive?
Are you helpful or worthless?

Your Value at Home:

To put this into perspective let’s start at home. Assuming you live with someone, you live in an organization. What would your spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild say about the value you bring to your home?

Would they say:

you’re the MVP (Most Valuable Player) enumerating all the values you bring to the team.
you’re a Team Player that does what is expected of you.
you’re useless, can’t think of how you add value.

Don’t be useless. Try to be the MVP. At least be a Team Player.

Your Value at Work:

What if your actions at home are a reflection of your actions at work? How you handle yourself at home might be an extension of how you handle yourself at work. What would your Boss or Colleagues say about the value you bring to your work?

What kind of employee are you:

MVP (Most Valuable Player) – the team recognizes you played an integral roll in the success of the project
Team Player – you played a supportive roll in the success of the project
Deadwood – no-one remembers you helping or supporting the team to complete the project.

Never be viewed as Deadwood. Always strive to be the MVP. Add value in whatever you do, wherever you are. Always be remarkable.

What value do you add? is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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Informational Interviewing

Wes Johnson — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:50:03 +0000

Informational interviewing is an informal way of building your networks and expanding your understanding of an organization or gaining new information in the industry. The cool thing about this kind of interviewing method is that you’re not asking to be hired.

This kind of interview actually encourages a free exchange of ideas and information that probably would not have happened in a normal hiring interview. Many times in an informational interview you might receive a referral to another person or department that is hiring. I have done a few of these informational interviews so far. I have to say, although I was terrified of doing them at first, I have grown to enjoy doing them.

I have had opportunities to:

Share my 30 second me (Elevator speech)
Develop my inter-personal skills by interacting with strangers
Communicate intelligently and effectively about the industry of my chosen career
Discuss skills and certifications that might be benefitial for present and future career opportunities
Learn about the culture of the company or organization
Develop potential friendships and network connections that didn’t exist before
Discover potential networking opportunities related to my career

My informational interviewing experiences so far have all been very positive. Everyone I’ve met so far have been very gracious hosts to me. Because there was no pressure to perform, it was easier to be more relaxed, learn about each other and share information. Another interesting thing to note. It has been my experience that people love to share what they know, who they are, and what they do.

Informational Interviewing is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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Chronicle your Career highlights NOW

Wes Johnson — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:05:03 +0000

Most people don’t think about it while they’re busy working. They’re too busy making a living to write down what they were doing, and who they knew while they were doing it. My suggestion is that you take some time to jot down the major career highlights in your life.

What to Chronicle in your career:

List the volunteer positions and the organizations you’ve donated your time at (date range)
List the employers you’ve worked for (date range)
List the positions you’ve held at those employers (date range)
List the contacts you’ve had and where they worked over the years
List groups within the company that you’ve worked for (date range)
List the major accomplishments you’ve achieved while serving at these different positions

The bad news. You may have forgotten some of your major accomplishments because you’ve done so much. In some ways, this might hurt you because you might miss an important aspect of your career that you should have recorded.

The good news. As you start chronicling all the things you’ve done, the contacts you’ve had and the positions you’ve held, you might remember those important accomplishments you’ve achieved over the years. If you have developed your network of colleagues over the years, you might be able to look over their resumes. Perhaps, they worked on the same projects you did or they were in the same group at the company you worked for.

The best news. This doesn’t have to be a chore. You can record the timeline information on LinkedIn. You can do the research of colleagues on LinkedIn too. As you change positions between companies or even positions within companies, make sure you take the time to record your career changes and highlights. If you develop the habit of doing this, then when you need to recall the information, it has already been recorded for you.

Hint: Maintain a life Career resume. This isn’t one that you would show other people. It’s one that you use as a resource for building your current resume with.

Have you chronicled your career? What’s the easiest and hardest things to remember?

Chronicle your Career highlights NOW is a post from: Words of Wisdom by MrWes thank you for reading my blog.

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