Should an Android Developer with 5 Years of Experience Consider Learning ServiceNow or Other Technologies?

If you are currently considering a career shift into pure mobile Android, iOS, or hybrid development, integrating ServiceNow or any other technology into your skill set can offer valuable insights and added advantages. However, if your entire experience is solely focused on mobile app development, gaining exposure to other areas such as enterprise or business process management (BPM) solutions can provide greater diversity and potential career growth.

Why Do You Want to Switch?

The first question to ask yourself is, 'Why do I want to switch?' If your primary motivation is to explore other technologies or domains, this shift can indeed be beneficial.

Exploration for Knowledge and Skill Diversification

Working in other areas will not only broaden your horizons and improve your technical skills but will also give you a deeper understanding of how mobile solutions fit into larger enterprise ecosystems. For example, ServiceNow is a platform that manages enterprise operations efficiently, integrating workflows and automating tasks, which is a crucial part of enterprise solutions and BPM.

Job Offer Factors

Another common reason for switching could be a job offer that comes with onsite opportunities or additional perks. While this is a strong reason to consider a change, it's important to evaluate the long-term benefits. If your current experience is predominantly in mobile app development, spending some time in another domain, such as ServiceNow, could provide additional insights and skills that enhance your overall profile.

Compulsion and Lack of Opportunities

If you are compelled to switch due to a lack of career opportunities in your current domain, learning ServiceNow or other technologies can be a strategic move. However, if the new technology or product you are likely to work on is not directly related to mobile apps, it might not significantly bolster your mobile experience profile.

Impact on Career Path

For developers with 5 years or more of experience in the Android domain, opportunities can become scarce, especially if they lack expertise in native coding. To stay competitive and open up more career opportunities, learning iOS frameworks and hybrid development tools is essential. This type of learning can be a fear factor, but it is likely unavoidable if you are serious about career growth in the tech industry.

Comfort Zone vs. Growth Mindset

If you are more comfortable and thrive in a product-based company, dedicating efforts to gaining domain knowledge can be beneficial. This will allow you to perform better and reduce stress associated with quick delivery expectations in mobile app development versus enterprise product release cycles.

Conclusion

Based on the above considerations, an Android developer with 5 years of experience should carefully evaluate their career goals and decide whether learning ServiceNow or other relevant technologies is the right move. While this shift can provide valuable insights and new opportunities, it is important to ensure that the new skills will indeed enhance your technical abilities and career prospects.

Understanding the reasons for the switch, whether it's personal growth, job security, or career advancement, will help guide your decision. Taking the step to explore other technologies is a strategic decision that can pay off in the long run.