How to get into Access Development (& suitable qualifications?)

[HockeyNut]

Hi everyone, I'm after some advice on how to get into this field, and suitable qualifactions too.

I work in a IT support role at the moment, but after 5 years, I've finally made my mind up what area of IT suits me, which I enjoy and which I would like as a career. I've decided on the database application development area. I think Access will be the best starting point for me in a database developer career???
I've created a few 'here 'n' there' databases at work, in Access with front end/back end design and I think I have an intermediate grasp on Access. I'm also studying a HNC Computing, in which we covered database design/sql/etc. I'm also learning VB in it (albiet VB6).

I want (and will I hope) to get out of IT support and into development!!!
I'm just unsure where to start.

Are there any industry recognised qualifications like the MCAD/MCSD/MCDBA which are applicable to Access development (not support of)?

Are there any other qualifications like this you could recommend?

And last but not least.... Just how do I, what is the best way to break into this field? Some direction on how to get my going would be very much appreciated.
Yours hopefully,

David.

 

[gmlwong]

Hey HockeyNut!

Here's how I broke into the IT vault of opportunity:

From within Public Education, I applied for any IT/SYS Administration positions and accepted every opportunity to take on extra IT-type work...

Beginning with record proofing and editing, I moved up to technical writing and database development; along the way, looking for side projects in the A+ discipline (HW/SW, PC/Mac building, etc.), then on to focused MS Access and SPSS database and data management applications...

See, simple?$?@??!

As far as Certifications, check out the MOUS program for MS Access; inexpensive and may be available online now... go to Microsoft's website and search for these certifications and instructions...

Personally, I would recommend the A+ certification first; more industry punch for your dollar and better IT industry opportunity!

I think it is more important to know how computers work, in general, to better appreciate how the applications interact behind the scenes and for the users.

This way, your database development will show an appreciation for the end results...especially when those end results are the ones signing the checks!?#??$?!

Keep those hopes and expectations high! - I'm a mid-level developer in Access, and mid-to-upper level A+ technician, and I've had great success in attracting really good paying projects and now, a FT job! My worst paying contract has been $12/hr. (back in 1994) and now averages $24!

 

[HockeyNut]

Thanks for the detailed reply gmlwong.

I didn't know what to make of the MOUS qualification. I got the impression it ranked down there with ECDL, am I wrong in thinking that? Is it really something that might have some clout with perspective employers?

As for the A+ side, to be honest that's the side of my job I'm trying to get away from! lol I already have a very good understanding on how computers work, so I don't need to worry about that side.

This summer I will have finished my HNC and will be seriously contemplating doing a degree (hopefully in Information Systems) either full time or part time.

Is a degree my best way of getting into this area, or is it not really neccesary?

Any help much appreciated.

Kind regards,

David

 

[gmlwong]

Degreed or not, it comes down to the specific need and opportunity with the employers in your area or in the perimeter of where you'd most like to work...it makes no sense because it's not supposed to...

I've found the best opportunities by being that unique enough of individual that offers to go the "extra mile" and then, one mile more!

That's what I look for in my wholesalers and if they don't, I drop them because there is always someone out there willing to do what the others won't!

I based and have balanced my professional education on TRUE need married with the costs involved...an unfortunate necessity.

Sure, I'd love to complete my A+, Network+, MCNE, and VB6 but when?...so, I compromise and have been fortunate to find great IT/IS projects and FT IT work in these disciplines and fields without the need for the degree...go figure...