[TriLUG] Looking for jobs... any ideas?

[Jeremy Portzer]

Michael Ham wrote:
> Hey guys,
> 
> I am a TriLUG lurker, and I am about to finish up my degree in CIS
> (Programming focus) in a few weeks.  I am trying to get a development job,
> but all the ones I see out there want experienced developers.  The problem
> is that I can't get any experience unless someone hires me.
> 
> I am sure many of you have been in my shoes before, and I would really like
> your opinion(s).
> 

Hi Michael,

There is indeed a chicken-or-egg problem with programming for new 
graduates.  Mainstream recruiters and HR departments probably won't 
really look too seriously at your resume without at least some relevant 
experience.  What university are you getting your degree at?  You might 
want to look for work at the college - often various university 
departments need programmers and are very willing to take on students. 
Depending on the situation, you can possibly get hired with very little 
experience.  The pay will be very little but the experience is worth it. 
  Speak to your college's job placement department as they will be in a 
great position to know about such opportunities.  Talk to your 
professors and advisers as well.

Perhaps you could give us some more background on what types of 
experience you do have?  What projects have you worked on?  What things 
have you programmed just for the fun of it?  Etc.  With this info people 
on this list might get some understanding of your skill level and 
perhaps point you towards specific opportunities.

Even if you can't get a job doing exactly what you want right away, 
continue to work on those side projects.  I've seen quite a few people 
on this list get into the IT world with little previous work experience, 
buoyed by their personal interests, contributions to open source, and 
recommendations from professionals that they've convinced of their 
intelligence and work ethic.  TriLUG is a great place to get involved 
and make important contacts.

Good luck!

Jeremy Portzer
(systems engineer, not a programmer per se)