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 Landscape Required Competencies How to Get Training and Experience How 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 ,123 jobs on Indeed 4,500 on Elance 1,900 jobs on Dice Top Earners $115,000 (nationwide)

Talent Acquisition Strategies BUY BUILD BORROW

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 Apps Debug Request Critiques Partner with a Colleague, Coach or Trainer (hybrid or two heads are better than one approach)

Pluses and Minuses of DIY Shows Passion and Commitment Low Cost/Time Intensive Portfolio Material Lack of Coaching/Feedback Hard to Validate/Mitigate Risk Not for Everyone

Formal Learning Bootcamps Online Courses Certification Courses College and University Courses

Pluses and Minuses of Formal Learning Fast Expensive Structured Learning Authenticated/Standardized Development Methods Reduces Risk Limited 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 Learn Utilize Educational Benefits Leadership Role/Job Security/Marketability Portfolio Material Demonstrate Creativity/Business Impact User Interface Competition/Other Priorities

How to Score an Opportunity 1)Target Appropriate Opportunities 2)Map Your Competencies to the Job Requirements 3) Develop and Execute Your Marketing Plan

Target Appropriate Opportunities Consider Employer’s Risk and Cost Objectives Culture and Environment Contacts Target 15 to 25 Companies Network Your Way In

Map Competencies to Requirements Error-Free Code, Mobile User-Interface, Miniaturize, APIs Business Impact Enthusiasm and Passion Low 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

Market Yourself Network Personal Branding/Marketing Campaign that Includes Social Media Proactively Contact Target Companies Post Resume Online/Reply to Postings Customize Your Approach Recruiters

Now Go Get ‘Em Before the Window Closes Resource List