I have been studying Java in school and I have been trying to get a job doing Java but it seems like no one wants an entry level Java developer. Can you offer me any recommendations on how I can improve my Java skill so as to get a job developing in Java?

Now that's the million dollar question.

I would even extend your statement to say - Most companies are looking for only Senior Java developers (or as senior as they can get)

My take on this conundrum is that Java is a little different than other languages, it takes a lot of experience to really add value as a Java developer. Mediocre code can cost organizations a ton of money, and most places have figured out that it's better to wait for proven developer talent than to just fill headcount.

With .Net or scripting languages, there's not as much risk in hiring junior people. These less powerful languages also have the benefit of less ways to screw things up, and have more "drag and drop" functionality to get things done in standard ways. I've even heard some people say that Java is less attractive just because it so hard to find people who can be truly productive, whereas with .Net you can get more done with less experience.

So, where does this leave the developer trying to 'break in' to all those juicy high paying Java jobs? Like any community worth belonging to, networking is most important. The UJUG meetings are good for this, ask people where they work and how they like it. Also good are seminars like No Fluff Just Stuff coming in July ($800)

Another thing you can do improve your chances is to decrease the "risk" involved in hiring you. Improving your resume with certifications and some kind of experience. You must find ways to help the employer feel they aren't taking a huge risk hiring you.

Also know that the good jobs are rarely posted in public, you have to have an 'in' with a recommendation to get the good jobs. And most companies will hire a less qualified person from within their organization if they know and trust them over an unknown external applicant. Which leads to my final and most important suggestion -

Find a company you want to work for as a developer, and get in door however you can. Take a Support or QA job to get your foot in the door, both of those positions can give you valuable experience dealing with the technology and culture of the company. You'll be able to keep your eye out for the specific teams you want to work on, instead of going in blind from outside (And end up being on the garbage-work team with a lame manager)

Sorry for such a long winded response, anyone else have some thoughts?

I appreciate your insight on things. Looks like I will need to get me a few certifications. Any that you recommend? I was thinking about studying for the SCJP.

Lol, you asked the right guy! I do the SCJP certification breakout session after each UJUG meeting.

Feel free to email me and I'll send you a sample from the book I recommend to study for the SCJP.

dbogardus1 [no spam please] at yahoo

Another thing that can help get a foot in the door is to look at contract or contract to hire positions. A lot of times companies are a bit more willing to give someone a try if they are hired as a contractor. You can also get experience with different technologies a bit faster if you did multiple contracts. A lot of employers like to see a wide range of experience with different environments.

I was thinking about doing something like that, but the fear of not being able to deliver, or of getting into to complex of a situation has me bound to not doing it.