how to break into mobile app development

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 LandscapeRequired CompetenciesHow to Get Training and ExperienceHow 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 2012 2,123 jobs on Indeed 4,500 on Elance 1,900 jobs on Dice Top Earners

$115,000 (nationwide)

Talent Acquisition Strategies

BUYBUILDBORROW

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 AppsDebugRequest CritiquesPartner with a Colleague, Coach or

Trainer (hybrid or two heads are better than one approach)

Pluses and Minuses of DIY

Shows Passion and CommitmentLow Cost/Time IntensivePortfolio MaterialLack of Coaching/FeedbackHard to Validate/Mitigate RiskNot for Everyone

Formal Learning

Bootcamps Online Courses Certification Courses College and

University Courses

Pluses and Minuses of Formal Learning

FastExpensiveStructured LearningAuthenticated/Standardized

Development MethodsReduces RiskLimited 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 LearnUtilize Educational BenefitsLeadership Role/Job

Security/MarketabilityPortfolio MaterialDemonstrate Creativity/Business ImpactUser InterfaceCompetition/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

NetworkPersonal Branding/Marketing Campaign

that Includes Social MediaProactively Contact Target CompaniesPost Resume Online/Reply to PostingsCustomize Your ApproachRecruiters

Now Go Get ‘Em

Before the Window Closes

Resource List