3 answers
Stephen
Student
Apple Valley, California
1
Question
Asked
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Whats the best way to prove that you have experience when applying for a job?
I realize that there are some jobs that require that you have experience and a way to show that. However, if you are straight out of college and the only real experience you have is what you did in college, is this enough?
#computer-science
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3 answers
Hagen Finley
Technical Sales DELL Alliances
52
Answers
Fort Collins, CO
Updated
Hagen’s Answer
Hello Stephen,
The first job is often the hardest to get because typically companies want 2 years experience when they hire. However, if that was a hard and fast rule there would be no employed software engineers ;-),
I agree with Jeff. You should put together a portfolio of projects you've done inside and outside of college as a way of demonstrating you know what you're doing and will be able to contribute to the team.
Many System Integrator companies such as Accenture & Deloitte hire students directly out of college without expectations around experience. For example, Accenture (with 411,000 employees) hires thousands of fresh out of college students per year - it's a machine. They don't pay that well initially and they are very demanding, but you do get to travel and gain a lot of experience working with Fortune 500 companies.
Humorous story that 's salient. When I was working with (not for) Accenture a few years back, I went to one of their Senior Managers and said "I am starting to get embarrassed I only work 10 hours a day." to which he replied "Yeah, you half timer" which is only a little funny to the people that work at Accenture. The SIs are very demanding but they also play hard and do develop a esprit de corp.
Many people in your position are too picky in the beginning thinking their first job needs to satisfy some sort of success criteria - proof to yourself you're on your way (and going to have a good career and life). It's more practical to take whatever opportunity comes your way and get some experience under your belt. If that means moving somewhere else it could well be worth it. That experience will provide the latitude to be more selective the second time around.
Best,
Hagen
The first job is often the hardest to get because typically companies want 2 years experience when they hire. However, if that was a hard and fast rule there would be no employed software engineers ;-),
I agree with Jeff. You should put together a portfolio of projects you've done inside and outside of college as a way of demonstrating you know what you're doing and will be able to contribute to the team.
Many System Integrator companies such as Accenture & Deloitte hire students directly out of college without expectations around experience. For example, Accenture (with 411,000 employees) hires thousands of fresh out of college students per year - it's a machine. They don't pay that well initially and they are very demanding, but you do get to travel and gain a lot of experience working with Fortune 500 companies.
Humorous story that 's salient. When I was working with (not for) Accenture a few years back, I went to one of their Senior Managers and said "I am starting to get embarrassed I only work 10 hours a day." to which he replied "Yeah, you half timer" which is only a little funny to the people that work at Accenture. The SIs are very demanding but they also play hard and do develop a esprit de corp.
Many people in your position are too picky in the beginning thinking their first job needs to satisfy some sort of success criteria - proof to yourself you're on your way (and going to have a good career and life). It's more practical to take whatever opportunity comes your way and get some experience under your belt. If that means moving somewhere else it could well be worth it. That experience will provide the latitude to be more selective the second time around.
Best,
Hagen
Hanish Salindra Parthasarathy
Software Engineer Volunteer
83
Answers
United States
Updated
Hanish’s Answer
Best way to prove that you have experience when straight out of college is through academic projects and internships. I would suggest looking for internships and student jobs. Companies like google, amazon, microsoft, etc hire a ton of people straight out of college. Look up amazon student jobs, and do the same for other big tech companies. I think the best way to gain any experience and what the job market is by interviewing, so start applying for jobs and apply for a ton of them. You never know what job might work out or who decides to hire you. Just apply to as many jobs as possible.
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
106
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Stephen.
Good question. The short answer is that it completely depends on the job. If it is an entry level position, college experience will probably be enough. If it's a more senior position, they are looking for someone with industry experience.
I would recommend putting together a portfolio of your projects from school so you can show a potential employer examples of your work. I would also suggest exploring open source. If you contribute to an open source project, it beefs up your resume and industry exposure. Another option while looking for a job is to volunteer for a non-profit. Many need websites, database, visual basic and other support.
Best of luck!
Jeff
Good question. The short answer is that it completely depends on the job. If it is an entry level position, college experience will probably be enough. If it's a more senior position, they are looking for someone with industry experience.
I would recommend putting together a portfolio of your projects from school so you can show a potential employer examples of your work. I would also suggest exploring open source. If you contribute to an open source project, it beefs up your resume and industry exposure. Another option while looking for a job is to volunteer for a non-profit. Many need websites, database, visual basic and other support.
Best of luck!
Jeff