Everywhere you look these days, all of the discussion is about machine learning and artificial intelligence. If you’re graduating with a computer science degree, the assumption is that you only want to work with “cool” developer tools and languages like Python.

Well, there is another alternative that is nearly 30 years old and still going strong. I am of course talking about Java and one person who wants to argue the case for considering a career in Java-based programming is Simon Ritter, deputy CTO, Azul.

Simon thinks if graduates remove their “AI blinkers” the more entrepreneurial will see huge opportunity to build a long-lasting career. Ronan recently had a chat with Simon.

Simon talks about his background, why he thinks IT graduates should consider a degree in Java-based programming, Azul’s State of Java Report and more.

About Simon Ritter:

Simon Ritter is the Deputy CTO of Azul. Simon joined Sun Microsystems in 1996 and spent time working in both Java development and consultancy. He has been presenting Java technologies to developers since 1999, focusing on the core Java platform as well as client and embedded applications.

At Azul, he continues to help people understand Java and Azul’s JVM products. Simon is a Java Champion and two-time recipient of the JavaOne Rockstar award. In addition, he represents Azul on the JCP Executive Committee, the OpenJDK Vulnerability Group, and the JSR Expert Group since Java SE 9.