suggestions for finding work as .net developer

[matzilla74]

Hi all,
I just got my BIT in information technology with a concentration in programming .Net. Anyways, I need some suggestions on how to find a job in that field. Currenty, I been in the software testing field for about 4yrs and always getting a lead tester title in all the testing projects I've had. Anyways, I learned how to use both vb.net, c#, asp.net, and sql and graduated with a 4.0 gpa. In my job search, all employers tell me the samething, since I have not used any of these new learned skills on the job, they would rather have someone with the work experience. I'm out in Kansas City area and we have a desent size IT market here. If anyone can please give me some suggestions, please respond.
Thanks

 

[eyeswideclosed]

The best way to get any job if you don't have a lot of experience, or even if you do, is through contacts, do you have any friends at any companies using the skills you posess?

 

[matzilla74]

No, all the people I know are software testers at my job and the place I work at only does java development.

 

[eyeswideclosed]

Well you could apply as an intern somewhere to get some exp, but it sounds like you're working full time already, so that may not pay enough. If you know C# then you pretty much know java then too, as far as the syntax goes anyway, but the environments are totally different, but you could try to wrangle a java position there by that route. Getting that first dev job can be difficult, but we've all been there so don't get discouraged, it'll happen.

 

[Loradan]

Look for a job as a tester at a .Net shop. That way you can let them get to know you and if a developer position opens up, then you'll have a foot in the door. It's not an immediate solution...but it'll get you there faster than testing Java.

 

[lespaul]

look for a non-profit organization that could use your knowledge and volunteer. Gets you experience and the non-profit valuable professional improvements at a GREAT cost to them!

Leslie

Anything worth doing is a lot more difficult than it's worth - Unknown Induhvidual

Essential reading for anyone working with databases: The Fundamentals of Relational Database Design

 

[Loradan]

Good addition Leslie. The non-profit secter is so often forgotten. Not only can you get a good reference, but you get a good feeling for helping the community.

 

[IT4EVR]

It sounds like you have mastered the rudiments of the .NET framework and I think it's just a matter of convincing someone to take you on.

The above posters provide some good suggestions. Here are a few others you might want to consider.

1. .NET User Groups - This is an excellent way to make some good connections. Invariably, someone there is hiring or knows someone who is hiring. You'd be surprised how many jobs are discovered via connections.

2. Create your own web site in the .NET framework, utilizing the tools you've learned. Create a few demo applications. While not replacing live experience on live applications, this can at least allow you to build a portfolio of work that may impress a future employer despite a lack of on-the-job experience. There are a lot of inexpensive web hosting companies around.

 

[matzilla74]

After reading up on the .net users group yesterday (just found out what a .net users group was), I found they had job postings for .net developers and QA engineers with .net experience for the same company in my area. I sent in my resume and when I got home I had an email back from the hiring manager with a series of technical questions he wanted answered. Replyed and got the interview tomorrow. I think its for the QA, but hey QA in a .net shop should definitly help me out. On top of that, I'm putting carpet in a church, and the preacher was telling me he has a website thats online, but only the home page works. He had told me that, I could do it for him in asp.net but he needs the ability to make updates himself, any ideas how to go about this?

 

[IT4EVR]

A QA job in a .NET shop would actually be an excellent place to start. The main thing is to get your foot in the door. Invariably an opportunity for you to become a developer will arise.

I'm not sure about what sort of updates this guy needs to make, but an idea is that you could provide some sort of visual interface for him to post changes in a web form. Let's say you have a page that contains church events. You could contain the events in a database table or xml file, which would be presented on the web page in a repeater control, etc.

 

[jshurst]

Don't forget about government work. I got my first job there, then went to private industry, and am now back working for the government. Can't beat it...great pay...super great benefits (not only health coverage, but great savings plans as well - 401K, 457, state savings)...Check out the local government website for Kansas City, I'm sure that they are hiring entry level positions (or will be soon).

Also, not many people think about this, but the government adopts technology pretty early because they don't have to have a business reason for adoption. Return on investment is a little bit different for the government, it's basically - use this money this year, or next year you won't have as big a budget ;-)

 

[IT4EVR]

I used to work in private industry and now I am working for the government. I agree with the above poster. There are entry-level tech jobs out there with the Feds. As long as you have a degree, you could probably find something.

Try

http://www.usajobs.com