Not long ago I was doing programming tasks, but right now I had to upgrade my skills. Something like being in the web design since I am mostly into blogging (and blogging needs a bit of web design and SEO and those are two areas that I plan on strengthening right now).

Right now I am more active into blogging simply because my internet connection (which is dial-up) is limited to it. I had to add more to my oDesk profile by coming up with new sample sites where clients should be able to browse through and decide which sample works for their companies. I think this is useful rather than having them browse through the web for some sites that they really like.

To even complicate things, web design jobs even needed a bit of basic SEO, so I really have to reinvent myself.

I had already arranged to have the new DSL connection up by two or three weeks, and by then I should be able to catch up with the skills in web design (I’d like Web 2.0 by the way). I am fortunate that I still have paid blogging sites and clients who feed me with some writing jobs to do each day.

photo credit: ilco (SXC)

photo credit: DaleEu (SXC)

I have tried my hands learning Java, Visual Basic, Perl, C, C++ and other programming languages but I still consider Visual Basic as the fastest way for me to develop databases. If you are in a corporate setting who needs databases written out, then Visual Basic is the way to go. When I was learning that language, the first database that I had connected with it was with MS Access. Not long I was learning how to create and secure databases in MS SQL Server as well.

However, if you are considering smaller databases instead, do away with Visual Basic and just create the entire thing in MS Access - if you do not need so much network connectivity with other users.

I believe each language or technology has its own strengths: comparing Java applets and ActiveX technologies, many would go on developing Java applets instead. But with Java applets versus Flash, there are so many developers who would choose the latter. With so many technologies that are used in creating web pages, then there are so many options that would make it easier for an IT developer to create applications within the specified deadline.

Too often programmers would like to get their hands dirty in writing code. Oftentimes though, the project manager still overseas and controls how the IT personnel is able to meet deadlines and come up with superb work that will truly make an accomplishment for the IT department. This makes it a truly challenging feat for a developer to create such programs in the nick of time.

Did you know that the first known programmer was a lady? You’ve probably heard this listed in many computer books - way before the blogosphere has conquered cyberspace. Ada Lovelace is credited as the first known programmer. In Wikipedia she is accurately described as the first known publisher of a computer program. She had worked with Charles Babbage on the Analytic Engine project. For this Charles even called her the “Enchantress of Numbers” because of her impressive intellectual skills that is rarely found in a titled lady like her.

If you are interested whether the two had romantic interludes: you might be disappointed because there was no recorded fact on whether they had been attracted to each other. Their meetings were all pure work.

By profession, I graduated as an Electronics and Communications Engineer, but my stint with this profession was short-lived. For most of my working life, I was an IT specialist: I was an instructor, programmer, web designer and programmer and now, I do some blogging too.

I have encountered others like me who like to consider changing careers because IT is fast becoming a profession that pays a lot when employed. I also discovered that there are also more jobs in the internet that opens up more possibilities because of some outsourcing sites. Writing and programming are jobs that are usually outsourced for less expensive but quality labor.

I began the IT field by having an inclination in programming. As I was taking up engineering, I noticed that I always got high grades in computer subjects. This had prompted me to pursue professions related to IT.

photo credit: lusi (SXC)

I took up short term courses to further enhance my skills. After finishing these courses, I got myself employed as an IT instructor for a few years. Then I moved to another company working as a programmer - although I was doing a number of things at a time - web designer, programmer and technician.

Now, I had decided to go on freelance. Although I had applied to various jobs, I had considered the possibility of going freelance instead of getting employed. This is entirely a very different experience indeed because I am relieved from the pressure of going to work and setting strict timetables.