So
everyone is posting their version of "How I am Becoming a Better Developer".
This year has been big for me. I graduated with an MBA, which has definitely helped me understand the business side during those long hours in the beginning of the project when I am playing the business analyst role and getting and documenting requirements. And passing the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification has helped for the project management portions of the team leader job.
So what do I have to show for them? Money-wise, not a damn thing. My supervisor has stated that these things mean absolutely nothing to the organization, and, to quote, "All you did was punch some numbers into Microsoft Project." Wow, glad that he recognizes my project management skills.
Oops, someone (me) forgot to do his market research. In this market, team leaders do the business analysis, requirements, project management, design, coding, etc. The MBA and the PMP are not requirements, although they help. Unfortunately, as I am finding out, they may actually be intimidating to the present and future bosses.
Oh, I digress.
So "How I am Becoming a Better Developer"?
- Review design patterns and get more proficient at delegates and interfaces I could use Head First Design Patterns, but it is a little bit too right brained for my liking. I feel like I am not learning anything. So I am using Design Patterns in C# by Metsker.
- Learn XNA and do some game programming. Program for fun again! George's xnadevelopment.com is helping immensely. Very easy to get up and going quickly.
- Convert the Bloodletting to XNA I will convert my GWB game from last year to XNA. I would also like to do a side scroller game.
- Blog much more
- Get more involved in the local user group