GIS - Infrastructure/Systems Architect Specialized - 25

Code is the language of the 21st Century. It’s a great value-add in any field of work, and its applications continue to grow every day. This means that programming, as a field, is seeing tremendous growth.

.NET is a framework that was developed by Microsoft. It’s used to develop both desktop applications and web services, and has seen a surge in use since its inception. If you use a Windows OS, many of your programs probably use .NET.

It’s called a framework because programmers can use it to simplify complex tasks. Instead of writing a hundred lines of code to perform a certain function, you can just write a few and get the same result.
In this article, we take a look at .NET development jobs and what they entail.

So, what does being a .NET developer involve?

When you’re working as a .NET developer, your job will involve designing, developing, writing, testing, and modifying software programs. Whether the programs are web-based services or desktop applications depends on the kind of work that the company deals with.

What Qualifications And Skillset Will I Need?

Most .NET jobs require at least a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in information technology, computer science, or related fields. Having a lot of experience in .NET development might make up for not having official qualifications.

Since web development is growing so rapidly, it would be advisable to learn other web application frameworks like ASP.NET. This technology will enable you to develop powerful web applications when combined with your .NET knowledge.

It would also help if you bulked up your resume with related skills.

What Related Skills would help a .NET Developer?

Knowledge of web development, both client-side and server-side will add value to your resume. So PHP, SQL, JavaScript, jQuery, and AngluarJS are all useful additions to your skillset. They give you an understanding of both the back and front ends of web development, making you more versatile and effective as a .NET developer.

Other skills that have proved to be assets in the .NET developer’s arsenal include understanding of Model-View-Controller (MVC) and Internet Information Services (ISS)

Are Certifications Useful In This Field?

Certification is the key to unlocking career opportunities with ease for a .NET developer. Since .NET is the brainchild of Microsoft, the company has certification programs that can boost your pay grade when you complete them. Getting certified early in your career will give you a significant edge over the competition.

The recommended certification roadmap is usually Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), followed by Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCSD). Earning these certifications aren’t easy, and you’ll need to retake the exams every two years to show that you’re staying relevant.

That being said, these certifications will bump up your worth to a company by a significant amount since they come directly from Microsoft.

Another thing that you can aim for is the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). There’s no cut-and-dry way to earn this title. It takes dedication towards developing in the .NET framework and a demonstrable drive to help people who are learning.

What Is the Scope Of .NET Careers?

The .NET framework is in high demand because of tremendously useful features like the Entity Framework, LINQ, and ASP.NET MVC. These features have been introduced only recently by Microsoft. These add-ons increase the effectiveness of .NET, making it a more powerful developmental framework.

As a result of this, companies investing heavily in .NET developer jobs. The median salary for .NET developers is $63,792 per year as of 2015, according to Payscale.com. If you once you’re certified and have a good understanding of relevant fields, this figure can grow up to $90,000 per year.

Many companies also throw in bonuses and incentives that further increase your take-home salary. You can expect good career growth as a .NET developer.

The key deciding factor, as with most jobs, is whether you’re an efficient worker, work well with people, and are knowledgeable in related fields.