Mobile Development

Lyle Goodwine

MBL 400

Professor Earl Campbell

May 2, 2016

Week 5

        Mobile application development is a booming field, with plenty of job opportunities and interesting projects at both small and medium sized businesses and large enterprises. Here's what I think organizations are looking for in their mobile app developers.

        I think most organizations seeking mobile-focused developers are looking at relevant, practical experience, but many will also put emphasis on hiring candidates with a strong foundation in computer science, including a related technical degree. Although there are no industry standard certifications for mobile app development that I am aware of, there are plenty of options that will help learn programming with different languages, mobile user interface design, mobile security and other related areas. Also, it would probably suite me well to work on boosting my skills and knowledge in the mobile app development space. I should take advantage of Android and iOS developer programs and resources. Android has detailed training guides, reference documents, tools, samples and API guides to help developers get started building mobile apps. Apple has a paid iOS Developer Program that includes technical resources and the ability to test and debug your code on iOS devices.

        All signs indicate there is a healthy demand for mobile app developers, but that demand isn't translating into widespread offers of full-time jobs on corporate IT teams.  Maybe it’s because many companies with lean IT budgets aren't ready to commit to hiring highly mobile development talent. But this doesn’t mean all companies are this way. Never stop investigating, exploring, playing around, and asking questions.  As long as I develop my skillset, the more attractive I will become to any organization.