Dear CareerBabe:

My boyfriend used to work as a mainframe programmer. He also has experience with tech support, network support, and desktop support with PCs and Macs, and knows UNIX. But in his heart of hearts, he wants to do programming again, but not for mainframes. How can he "make the jump" into a new field? Should he learn something like C++ or Javascript, and then try to get a temporary job programming? It seems like no one will hire you without several years of experience. Should he see a career counselor? How can he find a "good" one?

Dear Queens:

Let's begin with the last part first: To find a good career counselor. Go to your local college or university's career center. Usually this staff can refer you to excellent, low-cost people. If not, call an organization called IACMP, the International Association of Career Professionals, and ask for the Director or for the Administrator. You can also contact The Outplacement Institute, 415-459-2659/ph or fax: 415-459-6298.

For part 2 of your question, pick up the phone and call some of the high tech recruiting firms in your area that specialize in "Contract Programming Jobs." (If you don't know any, visit www.dice.com, http://www.job-hunt.org/recruit.shtml - or the newsgroup area and especially misc.jobs.offered) You might also visit the NACCB site for the National Association of Computer Consulting Businesses. Ask to speak to the best recruiter within each agency and ask this question: "I'm want to go from mainframe to more exciting programming. What courses should I take and who will want to hire me?" Tell your boyfriend that in contract programming, you generally have to have the skills under your belt. It is not a "learn while you earn" situation. You are correct: Java and C++ are very hot skills and will make your boyfriend quite marketable in this market!

Best of Luck!