The document provides advice on how to break into mobile app development. It discusses the current job growth and opportunities in mobile development. It recommends acquiring the necessary competencies through self-training, formal courses, or on-the-job training. When seeking opportunities, it advises targeting strategic companies and creating value while customizing your approach and leaving no doubt about your skills.

1. How to Break Into Mobile App Development Before the window closes

2. 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

3. Agenda Current Landscape Required Competencies How to Get Training and Experience How to Score an Opportunity

4. 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

5. 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)

6. Talent Acquisition Strategies BUY BUILD BORROW

7. Buy Job Postings, Advertisements Mine Social Networking Sites Headhunters Referrals Passive Job Seekers Highest Cost/Greatest Risk

8. Build Cross-Training Educational Reimbursement Programs Corporate Universities Mentorships Lunch and Learn Interns Low Cost/Moderate Risk

9. Borrow Consulting Firms Independent Contractors IT Staffing Firms Boutique Development Shops Moderate Cost/Low Risk

10. Transferable Competencies Bachelor’s Degree Development and Programming Experience C++ Objective C C# Java Creativity, Ideas, Communication Skills Business Value/Impact

11. 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

12. How to Acquire Mobile Skills-DIY Developer Toolkits, Online Tutorials, Books, YouTube Create Apps Debug Request Critiques Partner with a Colleague, Coach or Trainer (hybrid or two heads are better than one approach)

13. Pluses and Minuses of DIY Shows Passion and Commitment Low Cost/Time Intensive Portfolio Material Lack of Coaching/Feedback Hard to Validate/Mitigate Risk Not for Everyone

14. Formal Learning Bootcamps Online Courses Certification Courses College and University Courses

15. Pluses and Minuses of Formal Learning Fast Expensive Structured Learning Authenticated/Standardized Development Methods Reduces Risk Limited Hands-On/No Portfolio Material

16. OTJ Come up with an Idea Write a Business Plan Develop an App for Your Company

17. Pluses and Minuses of OTJ Get Paid to Learn Utilize Educational Benefits Leadership Role/Job Security/Marketability Portfolio Material Demonstrate Creativity/Business Impact User Interface Competition/Other Priorities

18. How to Score an Opportunity What’s Out: Shot Gunning the Market What’s In: Strategic Targets

19. Target Strategic Opportunities Consider Employer’s Risk and Cost Objectives Culture and Environmental Fit Contacts Target 15 to 25 Companies Network Your Way In

20. Create Value What’s Out: Relying only on Your Tech Skills What’s In: Value Creation Who Benefitted from Your Work and How?

21. Tailored Approach What’s Out: Generic Resumes and Cover Letters What’s In: Customized Approach

22. Leave No Doubt What’s Out: Subtle Messages What’s In: Mapping Your Skills and Experience to the Requirements

23. Map Competencies to Requirements Error-Free Code, Mobile User-Interface, Miniaturize, APIs Business Impact Enthusiasm and Passion Reduce 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

24. Create and Market Your Brand What’s Out: Blending In What's In: PersonalBranding/MarketingCampaign that Includes Social Media

25. Now Go Get ‘Em Before the Window Closes Resource List