What are the paths to becoming a Java programmer?

Question

Java

Currently I am changing my profession from a layout designer (printing), a color corrector (Photoshop), a web builder (small things in php, css and others like them) to a Java programmer or Android. I receive the second higher 231000.62 (the first humanitarian), I study according to the correspondence system of education. Age 37, faced with the problem of employment.
1. Few Junior vacancies
2. Requirements include knowledge of Java Core, use of jdbc, hibernate, understanding of multithreading in java, experience in Intellij IDEA, having a couple of applications on Google Play and so on.
3. A lot of highly specialized knowledge with a great depth of knowledge, but how much they will be in demand in the future is unknown.
3. Experience from 1 year
I tried to look for startup projects - the conditions there are even tougher, apparently a specialist is required to quickly implement the plan.
I saw the training at DeutscheBank, I sent an application, there is no answer yet.
In connection with the above question: what are the ways to enter the profession? As far as I understand, a beginner must go through team work, the question is how to get there?
Or go the other way - do a deep study of the Android-theme and go on an independent voyage?
Thank you!

Answer 1

Startups recruit the most experienced, every person is valuable there and they try not to inflate the staff. Actually you yourself listed the paths. With the first one, there will be slight difficulties of age juniors who do not like to hire. Independent small projects, open source, a couple of published applications, conferences, meetings and discussions in three to four months will allow you to be above the junior level.