HavaTheJut
Programmer
First of all, I was debating whether or not to actually write this post, as I am but a young'n in the industry and haven't even finished college. But since I'm interested to see what feedback I get, here it goes
its a long one)
I do not claim to know everything and do not have that much real world experience, but I like to imagine that my insight into the workings of IT job hiring is at least somewhat accurate. I realize that I am very lucky to be able to attend a great college, but I believe that there is more to my relative success than my schooling. I do consider myself a highly intelligent person, but I am also convinced that most people who post in this forum are well above average, as well.
As of two years ago, I had no job experience whatsoever(not even burgerking or the like) and today I'm an intern in the IT department of a major company for the second summer in a row, making over twice minimum wage, working 40 hour weeks. At this point you might dismiss me as a wet-behind-the-ears lucky shmuck, and I would not argue that point. However, I realized that there the essence of this good fortune is pertinent. I got my job through connections.
In order to make my point more concrete, I need to disclose some information about myself. I was shy and could be quite lazy at times, not the typical go-getter type (although I have improved since then). I did not even have a resume when my brother's friend's mom told me of an intern opening in the company that she worked for. In light of this information, I threw together the best resume I could (it was very difficult to make this first one look good), submitted it, and was given an interview. The interview went well and I took notice of one question in particular. 'Are you in a fraternity?'. Before I tell you that my answer was yes (oops), I ask you not to stereotype me. Almost one third of my school is greek, and if these stereotypes were accurate, the school would surely not be as reputable as it is. Anyway, I am sure my interviewer considered this a good thing, as it displays social capabilities, which go hand in hand with having connections. Back to the main point: I got the job, and I have no doubt that my connection pulled for me. I guess they were pleased with my work, since I'm back again this summer with a higher wage.
To sum up everything I've said: Education and experience are essential, but connections can really kick things off.
Now I relinquish the role of adviser for that of an advisee:
1. Has anyone else had any similar experiences?
2. I was originally planning on a Masters after my BS. I've heard it would increase my salary. Any advice?
3. Should I be looking into varying my job experience, or should I remain with this one in subsequent summers (pending a rehire of course)?
-HavaTheJut (Too much Java and Lucas these days)
its a long one)I do not claim to know everything and do not have that much real world experience, but I like to imagine that my insight into the workings of IT job hiring is at least somewhat accurate. I realize that I am very lucky to be able to attend a great college, but I believe that there is more to my relative success than my schooling. I do consider myself a highly intelligent person, but I am also convinced that most people who post in this forum are well above average, as well.
As of two years ago, I had no job experience whatsoever(not even burgerking or the like) and today I'm an intern in the IT department of a major company for the second summer in a row, making over twice minimum wage, working 40 hour weeks. At this point you might dismiss me as a wet-behind-the-ears lucky shmuck, and I would not argue that point. However, I realized that there the essence of this good fortune is pertinent. I got my job through connections.
In order to make my point more concrete, I need to disclose some information about myself. I was shy and could be quite lazy at times, not the typical go-getter type (although I have improved since then). I did not even have a resume when my brother's friend's mom told me of an intern opening in the company that she worked for. In light of this information, I threw together the best resume I could (it was very difficult to make this first one look good), submitted it, and was given an interview. The interview went well and I took notice of one question in particular. 'Are you in a fraternity?'. Before I tell you that my answer was yes (oops), I ask you not to stereotype me. Almost one third of my school is greek, and if these stereotypes were accurate, the school would surely not be as reputable as it is. Anyway, I am sure my interviewer considered this a good thing, as it displays social capabilities, which go hand in hand with having connections. Back to the main point: I got the job, and I have no doubt that my connection pulled for me. I guess they were pleased with my work, since I'm back again this summer with a higher wage.
To sum up everything I've said: Education and experience are essential, but connections can really kick things off.
Now I relinquish the role of adviser for that of an advisee:
1. Has anyone else had any similar experiences?
2. I was originally planning on a Masters after my BS. I've heard it would increase my salary. Any advice?
3. Should I be looking into varying my job experience, or should I remain with this one in subsequent summers (pending a rehire of course)?
-HavaTheJut (Too much Java and Lucas these days)
