In an era of double-digit unemployment numbers across much of the nation, there are a few areas in which employers are having a hard time finding qualified personnel to fulfill their requirements. Today we’ll take a brief look at one such area; software development, and more specifically, .NET Framework development. Join us as we explore the reasoning behind this disconcerting void in our workforce.
What is the .NET Framework?
The .NET Framework, now on its 4th major version, is a Windows-based programming platform comprised of two main components that work in unison, the Common Language Runtime (CLR) and the .NET Framework Class Library. The CLR manages memory, thread execution, code execution, and code safety verification, amongst other functions, while the Class Library is an object-oriented collection from which managed code can derive functionality. Microsoft summarizes the .NET Framework as “an integral Windows component that supports building and running the next generation of applications and XML Web services.” A more complete conceptual overview is available here.
Why is .NET Development so hot right now?
According to a CareerBuilder Talent Compensation Report provided to Kavaliro in June 2011, a survey of 1000 .NET Developers and employers across the country revealed an average annual salary of $85,863, with top salaries reaching well into the six-figure range. Yet despite the lofty compensation that is on the table, employers continue to report of difficulties in hiring and retaining top .NET Developer talent in the midst of unprecedented demand for their services. Much of that demand is driven by the explosion of web-based services and applications, as more and more business is conducted via computer systems.
We all know that much has changed about the way we do business over the past decade. Increasingly, we find ourselves becoming more dependent on computer systems as a means of exchanging data, as older, more cumbersome technologies continue to be phased out. One area that has seen explosive growth in recent years is web-based services, generally defined as the collective technology for transmitting and accessing data over the Internet.
Enhancing existing systems or implementing new web-based services (both internal and external) can lead to greater efficiency, simplification of use, and ultimately, increased revenue. As companies rush to integrate these web services through new applications, the role of the .NET Developer has never been more important. As the builders of the Framework upon which a majority of these web services and applications are based, their services have never been in greater demand. This demand is reflected in the glut of open developer positions on job boards throughout the country, and the increasing wage rates for seasoned developers.
Where do we go from here?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics notes in its 2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook that the Computer Software Engineer employment category is “among the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the 2008-18 decade, resulting in excellent job prospects.” A recent article in SD Times corroborates this assertion, noting that computer science grads are currently experiencing the highest employment offer rate of any major, and that they are often in a position to field multiple offers.
With the demand for .NET Developers expected to continue its meteoric rise, it only makes sense for potential employers to avail themselves of every possible advantage in the quest to hire and retain top talent.
How can Kavaliro help?
The employment specialists at Kavaliro are plugged in to the .NET Developer marketplace. Our experienced personnel are well versed in the requirements specific to the field, and our track record of successful contract and permanent placements serves as a testament to that fact. Whether it is an outsourced project solution or a traditional staff augmentation, we have the expertise to meet your specific needs.
Are you an experienced .NET Developer looking to explore an exciting new career opportunity? Perhaps you are an employer looking to hire top talent for the development of your web-based services and applications? Check out our job portal to search for opportunities that might suit you, or contact us to speak directly with an employment specialist.