Need advice in carrer in Java path

Question

Hi,
I am in and out Java Ptrogrammer.
I am in Software industry for round about 5 years.
I started with Web Desgining in HTML, Java Scripts and CSS.
After that I joined a Multinational Company and got into SAP ABAP Team.
I worked in 2 ABAP Projects and then moved to Production Support in Dec 06.
I cleared SCJP 5.0 in Sep 06. At that time my core Java Skills were very good.
But then in Production Support, I worked in HR Application Support. I supprted
4 applications, the main Application was based on Java Swing.
Even if the application were based in Java Swing, Servlets, JSP etc, we didnot need to do
any coding in Java Side. Our work was in the backend. We has to retrieve data from back-end tables
usually through Select queries (Joins) and sometimes we need to write Store Procedures involving
updation of data. Our work also involved writting Shell Scripting. The Database used was Oracle/Sybase.
My project tenure ended in Sep 2007. I then was assigned with Unit Testing (JUnit and Ant) for 6 months
and then QTP Automated Testing Project. After that, I was assigned to SAP NetWeaver Team in SAP Master Data Management. I worked in SAP MDM 5.5 for 6 months August 2008 to Jan 2009 and also appeared in SAP MDM 5.5 Certification in Nov 08. I got 53% and the pass percentage is 55%. Now, I am in Java Project involving
EJB 2.0, Java Web Dynpro and Oracle Database. It is an Event Management System. It also involves DAO Design Pattern.
Now, I am involved in Testing the full application. I need to switch back to Java based development.
What should be the approach? Should I clear SCBCB right now or go for SCJP 6.0?
Or I will again give SCJP 5.0?
I need to built a Java Skill set. It is told that you can't learn if you are not in projects. But it is not true with Java J2EE. You can learn it from Net as many free lancing sites are there. Please advice.
Regards
Taton

Answer 1

I suggest not taking any more certifications (for now). Your main concern should be extending your development skills in those areas you are lacking. I suggest reading a book on EJB 2.0, and reading up on event management and DAO on-line. Also, set up whatever development environment they have (example: Eclipse IDE) and get familiar with it.
For your own long-term career development, I suggest re-writing your resume and having many people review it. Revise it over and over as they point out problems. Have them quiz you on items in your resume (and that aren't in your resume) so you can gain experience on interviewing and answering questions verbally well. I think you have a lot more experience than you realize. Your post seems to me to indicate you don't have confidence to sell yourself in an interview and haven't organized your thoughts to present your argument well yet. Most people don't. Its a skill you have to develop.