Next phase of my development 4

[Smack]

I work for a medium sized manufacturing facility ($55 Million) south of Atlanta. I have six years management (Resteraunt) 3 years here as a production lead operator/lab tech, and since 98 gotten myself into (a mess?) several systems related jobs.
Current responsibilities;
1. ISO Management Rep (9001)
2. Access database design and administration
3. Cognos report writer key user
4. Project team member for shop floor data collection as an interface to our new erp (AS400)system, Movex (Intentia)
((Wordy Intro - I know))
I am self taught in Access (I did not even know how to use the office suite, word, excell outlook etc. until late '98) and have created 7 major mdbs for a multi-user Nt environment, two of which were created by downloading synergy reports from the old erp into excell, then importing the data into access. I have used multi field calculations and expressions, multiple subforms, calcs and expressions in queries reports etc. and a few macros. My goals for 2001 are to integrate these systems, including new projects on line into one cohesive system, our IT manager (who prefers to stay away from programming) and I are looking into importing these systems into a sequel (7?) server. The president of our company has some experience in access, and wholly supports my systems work, and will pay for training.
What next? I have been thinking that VBA would be the most logical choice. When using Tek-Tips, it is quite obvious how a)limited my skills are by not being able to write code in VBA or SQL and b) how much time I spend doing things the "hard way" i.e. using only the basic design tools in access. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment - but I really enjoy the design work in access.
I know there is a decent job market out there for these types of skills, but I am more interested in enhancing my status for the company I am with now. All tips are very much appreciated, and if any of y'all are from the Atlanta area, course recomendations would be most helpful.
-Smack

 

[carp]

If you're interested in staying with your company, then I would think the "best" next move would depend on where your company wants to go. Are they interested in an internet presence? Then XML or JavaScript might be useful for you to pick up. If they want you to enhance your database capabilities, then improving your SQL would allow you to build more efficient code and VB would certainly allow you to enhance applications. I think your best bet would be to sit down with your manager (or even higher) and try to determine what would be best for you AND your company. Perhaps you can even negotiate a raise or bonus for successfully acquiring a new skill.

 

[Smack]

Thanks for the response Carp. Inhouse the direction our Prez would like for to go is enhanced integration of current data systems, and the creation of new systems (he ran out several areas he wants to move on, all of which will be large projects) He also recognized that as my skills increase, salary will reflect it. I figure I'm in a win-win here (plus I like the company and my role here). If I do decide to look elsewhere, I would have (and do have)proven products and hopefully code programming. It seems like VB crosses over into other programs as well - is this correct? I have taken levels 1-3 in access at a local college, but by the time I took the classes, I had already figured out what the next class covered while developing a program here. I am also going to utilize an on-line SQL tutorial I found in Tek-Tips links. So... C++, Visual Basic or other?
Again, Thanks for your responses - Smack

 

[Smack]

PS
Are there opportunities in design with someone of my skills? Once again, I don't know code or SQL (yet) But I have created several multi user relational mdb's with varying degrees of complexity, backend tables, queries, forms, subforms, reports, subreports etc. Which have shown themselves to be user friendly and for the most part idiot proof (An important requirement I am finding out!)
Thanks again - Smack

 

[pivan]

I think you need to figure out what it is YOU want to do.

I can think of hundreds of reasons why VBA over JAVA and how extensive do you have to get into SQL. Within this one sentence their are at least 5 major careers that you could embark on. So you really can't go to far wrong here.

You might want to see what curiculum is available at extension program of local university and let that sort of guide your way, or at least provide a logical buffett of assorted items to choose from and digest.

Your background sounds a little similar to mine, and although I spent a little time coding, because of my management experience and communication skills I have been able to move out of programming and into analysis and design, then Project Management and now managing a group of software developers.

I think that at some time each of us in this business have to make a choice as to depth or breadth of a language or a technology and/or do we move from physical to logical side of the house. Where physical is the programming and logical the analysis and management side.

IMHO..of course.

I enjoy it all and have just sort of let things fall where they may and then run with it. Has been working well...for me.

G'Luck
Ivan In not now, when?
If not here, where?
If not us, who?

Just do it!!

 

[carp]

Concur with Ivan - try to find something that interests you AND interests employers! It sounds like you want to go with VB, and that certainly is a marketable skill. SQL is also widely applicable. I don't think you can go wrong with either (or better yet, both) of these languages at your command.

 

[Smack]

Would I be able to find employment with my current skill level?

 

[pivan]

Hi Smack

You can always find employment. Its what kind of employement you are capable of finding now, and what kind you want to be able to find in the future.

To understand you skill sets and how they fit into the market place I would suggest that you:

1) Determine what position you would like to obtain given your current skill sets...also determine your career objective. (This will change over time...so don't worry).

2) Create a resume..show your accomoplishments and skills.
We who hire are more intereseted in what you have done and what you can do for us.

3)Post the resume on DICE.COM...When the recruiters call you will be able to pick their brain and use them as a career guidance resource. Understand though that they may not be all that knowlegable, but they are plugged into the hiring and compensation side of this business.

4) If you are worried about your employer finding out about your resume being posted then respond to openings in classified adds in newspaper.

5) Take all of the feeback and use it to plan your education and develop your career strategy.

6) Take to aspirin, dring plenty of water and call me in the morning

G'Luck

Ivan In not now, when?
If not here, where?
If not us, who?

Just do it!!

 

[Smack]

Good info - Thanks Pivan.
-Smack