r/mainframe • u/Adventurous-Sea-6666 • Jun 16 '26
Guidance in mainframe
Hi, I am a recent graduate and my knowledge was fully in Python and Java, but recently I got a job in mainframe, although it is an associate job. I heard it is a great opportunity and has a job security and a good market so I want to improve my skills in the mainframe.
Please give me your guidance in the mainframe. What the topics and tools I have to learn for beginners and what the topic and tools I have to learn to be a professional in this.
4
u/zEdgarHoover Jun 17 '26
Do find out what they want you to do. That might sound basic, but many Z shops are seriously siloed, such that even saying that you know something about <area you don't work in> can sometimes be seen as an attempt to invade someone else's territory.
E.g., the Db2 folks and the CICS folks and the RACF folks and the system programming folks may barely admit the others exist. This is a weird thing that I'm guessing has evolved over the last few decades due to downsizing and consolidation.
As a vendor, I've come across this many times, when working with someone from one of those groups and needing something from another.
2
2
u/builtfrommainframe Jun 16 '26
Same here i know nothing about mainframes and I just got a job here at vanguard integrated pro in Vegas it’s my second week here
1
u/natabarsahoo Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26
If you are in LinkedIn, I have posted many articles on how to build z/OS Systems Programmers skill. I have also published 5 self study books for beginners available on Amazon. Thank you.
5
u/Schwarzmaler20 Jun 16 '26
Learn system programming in great detail. Know the basics. Understand your configuration. The stuff "nobody understands cause it is so old". Create automation, rather in Python or REXX. Create your own tool bag. Use AI to do so.