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How does one join a large IT company like Microsoft, IBM etc from college?

Can I apply directly to these companies ? How do I know where to go ?

Thank you comment icon Mark, Why not seize the opportunity and apply? Remember, you have unique qualities that set you apart from others. Before you take the leap, it could be beneficial to do some groundwork. Reach out to your network within those companies to understand what they look for in recent graduates. Success favors those who are ready and willing to put in the hard work! Seng Gan

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Subject: Career question for you

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NIRMALKUMAR’s Answer

It's just simple. I would say first list out the companies which you are interested in working for and the area which you would like.
Start looking into their careers site, LinkedIn portal, and Local career portals (for example jobs.ie, indeed, etc). There is another quick way is to start a search for some job recruitment agencies where they full list of companies and vacancy details. Prepare your cv according to the company job profile and try to add relevant skills, training, certifications, and some references. This strategy will help you to land the job quickly. Don't forget to give some mock interviews before you appear at your main interview sessions. If possible look into the Glassdoor website where people usually share their reviews about their recent jobs, interviews, salary details, etc.
I hope you like this strategy and techniques.

Listen during this process every action is an experience so don't take anything too complicated and don't fed up. Try to network with people in the area in which you would like to get a job. That will be the pretty easiest way to understand the job market and vacancy details.

Also the word FAIL is all about "First Attempt In Learning". So always be positive.

Best of luck for your job hunting!
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Bryan’s Answer

Hello!
I currently work at IBM so I can tell you what I did to get hired.
I first started getting in contact with IBM via my school's (Iowa State) career fair. I went to the IBM booth every fall. This allowed me to get in contact with a few managers that I would email them in the fall before the career fair. In these emails I would tell them what classes I took and some interests I had that were aligned with IBMs work. At the same time I applied to internships online (write down what ones you apply to so you can tell recruiters at the career fair). Admittedly I never got an internship, but doing everything above got me in contact with a manager for a full time position who heard about me from the managers I talked to at the career fairs.
I'll admit that my scenario is a little unique, but the TLDR of it is go to career fairs (if applicable) and apply online. Make sure you have your resume up to date and don't be afraid to make resumes specific to a certain job (where you highlight skills that are being asked for in the posting).
It also doesn't hurt to be flexible with the jobs you apply for. It's easier to move within a company (any company not just IBM) than to move between companies.
Location is very job dependent and it will say on the job listing where the job is.
I hope this helped!
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Sophie’s Answer

Hello,

Your question is excellent and one that I too pondered during my college years. If your university organizes career expos or similar events, seize this opportunity to network with representatives from top-tier companies such as IBM or Microsoft. These corporations often hold individual information sessions during the career fair. If you're unsure about the existence of such events, consider consulting an academic advisor or a professor.

My brother, an Accenture employee, always spoke highly of his workplace. Many of his colleagues started their careers there right after college. Unfortunately, Accenture didn't visit my campus for career fairs or information sessions, so I applied online without much prior knowledge. I wasn't entirely certain about the role I wanted due to my unfamiliarity with the company's structure. I selected a position somewhat randomly and submitted my resume and other essential details. After going through the interview process, the HR department found a role that was a better fit for me than the one I initially applied for.

Don't hesitate to apply directly online; you never know where it might lead. Another effective strategy is to connect with current employees on LinkedIn and start building your professional network. If you have acquaintances working at the company you're interested in, they might be able to refer you to an open position.

I hope this advice proves useful. Best wishes on your career journey!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Mark !

Yes, you can apply directly to a company that you seek employment with. Although application doesn't guarantee that you will obtain employment there, you should apply to many companies to increase your chances of an interview which is the first real step in applying and a chance for the employer to meet you and decide if they will hire you.

I have left some links below to some companies that you can apply to. Most job notices are online but you could also visit your local Department of Labor to look for jobs, too. You can attend job fairs which will give you the opportunity to talk with a lot of tech representatives and hand them your resume. A great deal of job search is done online so you will need to use a search engine to search for a company or job you want. Most companies have a Career or Employment Opportunity section directly on their main website, so you should visit the main company websites first and go through their employment section. You can find everything through a search engine which will provide results that you can access for the specifics about how to apply to any company.

Before you complete an online application, have a resume ready to upload. Companies have different information that they will want from you so this will take a bit of searching and then reading on their website about how to exactly apply. You can also register at Indeed and Linked in. Create a profile and set alerts for all the companies that you want to apply to. Indeed will send you e-mails with lists of companies that you can apply to. It's just a matter of applying for positions and waiting to hear back for an interview.

Visit Workforce Management at 150 N. Michigan Avenue as they could probably assist you with no fee with a resume or leads for IT jobs. The City of Chicago has a very useful employment services program. I have left the link for you below for their Workforce Services.

I hope that this has been helpful to get you started and I wish you all the best !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

APPLY TO MICROSOFT https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/home.html
APPLY TO IBM https://www.ibm.com/careers/locations
APPLY TO GOOGLE https://www.google.com/about/careers/applications/
APPLY TO YAHOO https://www.yahooinc.com/careers/
TOP TECH COMPANIES IN CHICAGO TO APPLY TO https://www.builtinchicago.org/companies CITY OF CHICAGO GUIDE TO WORKFORCE SERVICES - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/workforce_development/svcs/a_guide_to_worknetchicagoprogramsandlocations.html
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Terry’s Answer

Mark many of these companies have internship programs you can apply to while you are in college and that will help you get your foot in the door upon graduation assuming you performed well during the internship. An internship works both ways allowing you to see if you actually like the company and work environment.
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Deborah’s Answer

Diving into the professional world through an internship program is a fantastic stepping stone. Don't be disheartened if you need to explore numerous opportunities - the competition can be intense, but your determination will shine through. Networking can be your secret weapon. Reach out to your connections, you never know who might already be working in your dream company and can vouch for you as an intern. Volunteering is another brilliant path to gather experience and pave the way for your future role. Remember, knowledge is power, so do your homework on the companies you're interested in. Start applying and be patient, good things take time. Keep going, your breakthrough is just around the corner!
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bo’s Answer

Hello Mark,

I'm thrilled to extend an invitation for you to delve into the Career Exploration opportunity at PWC.

Venture into Access Your Potential's site and uncover a wealth of career prospects such as internships and rewarding paid consulting externships for nonprofits. To discover more, simply click on this link: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.

May your journey be filled with success and growth!
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Rory’s Answer

Embarking on a career with a major IT corporation like Microsoft, IBM, or others can be a thrilling adventure. Here's a friendly guide to help you kick-start your journey:

Nurture Your Technical Abilities:
Prioritize the enhancement of your technical prowess. Dive into programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and other pertinent subjects.
Engage in personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, and join coding contests.
Internships and Practical Experience:
Internships are key. Make the most of your college years by applying for internships. They offer practical experience and a glimpse into real-world projects.
Consider gaining valuable experience by working for smaller tech firms or startups.
Building Connections:
Take part in tech conferences, workshops, and meetups. Form connections with industry professionals.
Use platforms like LinkedIn to link up with individuals employed at your dream companies.
Study the Companies:
Get to know the company’s mission, culture, and the technologies they utilize.
Investigate their job listings and requirements.
Craft Your Resume:
Showcase your technical abilities, projects, and internships.
Customize your resume for each company you're applying to.
Online Applications:
Check out the company’s career page and apply for suitable roles.
Keep an eye out for campus recruitment events hosted by these companies at your college.
Informational Interviews:
Initiate contact with employees for informational interviews. Gain insights from their experiences.
Inquire about the company’s recruitment process and expectations.
Stay Informed:
Stay abreast of new technologies and trends.
Tune into tech blogs, podcasts, and industry news.
Remember, determination and ongoing learning are the secrets to success. Best of luck on your journey towards becoming a part of a major IT company!
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Kyana’s Answer

Hi Mark,

To join a large IT company like IBM or Microsoft, focus on building a strong foundation through internships, coursework, and projects. Participate in tech-related extracurricular activities and seek out networking opportunities such as career fairs and industry events. Leverage internship programs offered by these companies to gain valuable experience and make connections within the organization. Also, consider obtaining certifications or specialized training to demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of interest. With dedication, persistence, and a proactive approach to career development, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for entry-level positions at top IT companies
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Swaroop’s Answer

Many companies have programs specifically designed to recruit fresh graduates. Take advantage of these opportunities by applying.

While still in school, consider participating in the internship programs offered by these companies. This can increase your chances of securing a job upon graduation.

For instance, IBM offers career opportunities and internships which you can explore at the following links:
https://www.ibm.com/in-en/careers/career-opportunities
https://www.ibm.com/careers/internships

Make an effort to network actively and identify individuals working in your target companies. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with them and seek their guidance and support. When reaching out, be direct and concise in your communication.

Don't hesitate to ask for help or opportunities. Remember, if you don't ask, the answer will always be 'No'.
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Daria’s Answer

Joining large IT companies like Microsoft and IBM straight out of college is an exciting opportunity. Let's explore how you can make that happen:

1. Internships:
- Microsoft: Every year, thousands of university students from around the world join Microsoft as interns. Internships provide a chance to work on cutting-edge technology, collaborate globally, and make a real impact. You can apply for internships in various job families and solution areas while pursuing your Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, or PhD programs.
- IBM: IBM offers entry-level career opportunities for recent graduates. These positions recognize your hard work and values, and they empower you to create real change. Explore the available entry-level jobs on the IBM Careers website.

2. Microsoft Aspire Experience:
- If you've graduated from undergraduate school or an MBA program, consider the Microsoft Aspire Experience. It's an onboarding program designed to equip, develop, and empower new hires. Microsoft believes in exploration, creativity, innovation, and professional growth.

3. Global Programs:
- Imagine Cup: Participate in the Imagine Cup, where you can make an impact through coding, collaboration, and competition. Innovate with passion to tackle global issues and bring your tech solutions to life. It's a great way to showcase your skills and connect with like-minded peers.
- Student Ambassadors Program: If you're a student leader passionate about making a difference and sharing technology, consider becoming a Microsoft Student Ambassador. Learn more about this program and contribute to the tech community.

4. Eligibility for Internships:
- To be considered for an internship at Microsoft, you need to be enrolled full-time as a student majoring in an applicable field. You must also plan to return to university/college for at least one term, semester, or quarter following your internship period.

5. Application Process:
- Visit the careers pages of Microsoft and IBM to explore available positions.
- Look for campus recruitment events, job fairs, and career expos where these companies actively recruit college graduates.
- Network: Attend industry conferences, connect with professionals, and build relationships. Networking can lead to referrals and insights into job openings.

6. Resume and Cover Letter:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, projects, internships, and skills.
- Emphasize your passion for technology, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.

Remember, both Microsoft and IBM value fresh talent and are committed to helping you succeed in your career journey. Good luck on your path to joining these exciting companies! 😊
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Megan’s Answer

Hello Mark,

The most effective strategy to gain an entry point is through networking. Don't hesitate to connect with recruiters or utilize your circle of friends and family to discover a potential opportunity within a company. Additionally, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and ask numerous questions to ensure that not only are you a suitable candidate for the company, but also that the company aligns with your aspirations. Other effective methods to gauge your interest in the company include applying for their internship programs or requesting to shadow an employee for a day.

Best of luck!
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Gavin’s Answer

Seek out internships actively. Securing an internship not only simplifies your entry into those specific companies, but it also enhances your chances with other firms. If you've not yet had an internship, don't worry. Explore leadership development opportunities after college. These programs are akin to internships, but they are full-time. Many companies may not openly promote these opportunities, but they typically offer them at specific times throughout the year. So, keep an eye out and grab these chances to boost your career.
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