Networking or Software Development. Which has worldwide career prospects?

I’ve got a BE degree in Electronics with around 10 years’ experience as a free-lance computer consultant for charitable organizations. I have adequate knowledge in hardware as well as programming (VB, ASP, C) but have not worked in the IT sector as an employee. I now wish to take up a career that would take me to different parts of the world. Which route should I take? A MCSE/CISCO certification to get into networking or a .Net certification to get into the software industry. Which has wider career prospects, especially in the US and Europe? Thanks for your valuable suggestions and your time.

Networking or Software Development. Which has worldwide career prospects?
This is a tough question becuase it is general, however, I think that I have an answer for you.





All companies need Networking people, however, most of these people are usually confined to one location. Sure they may go out to a new location to do a setup, but then they are back to their "base location" from which they work. Most of these people are direct-hires and work for a company as a career move.





On the other hand, applicaiton developers are both hired as direct-hires (employees) and also contract workers. Since you have some experience in working as a contract (free-lance) person, you might want to go this route. Since you want to travel, you could look for contract work that is 1. in a new location or a place you want to go, but 2. of a higher level of importance (more responsiblity, higher pay, etc).





Say a company wants to take their account software and put it on the web. This project is expected to take 8 months and is in Boston. Next you find a "lead" position on a team that is working in Spain, etc.





I would check out http://www.roberthalftechnology.com/port...


and look what people are seeking in canidates. See how your credentials stack up and what you need to improve on (new skills you need to learn). I have never really looked for such a position as you (where travel is high on the list) so you may find differently. But a free-lance person is a great opportunity if you are into it, becuase you can make a lot as a short-term freelancer.





Also - if you have any interest in management, you might also want to check out PMI (www.pmi.org) and look into trying to earn the PMP. You will need experience in this area (which I am sure you can get in the next few years). PMP's are in demand (high demand) and they generally work mid and long-term projects, which could be temporary, allowing you to travel from one job to the next.





Search job sites for PMP and SDLC (software development life cycle) as you could one day (say 5 years from now) lead a team of programmers on a 6-12 month project in one location, then find yourself another job for 6-18 months in another place. Once you get into that world, people will come find you to run their projects, because they want someone that has experience and can not only get the scope of the project done, but get it done on time and within budget, the three keys of project management.





Anyways. Hope this helps!!!