Thread: In DIRE need of a job

So it boils down to this: I have experience with C++. That is to say I've had a couple classes in C++ programming, currently taking a class in C++ programming and I've wrote, from scratch, a rather complex application linking and optical system for a two photon microscope in a biophysics lab. I would accept ANY programming related job (paid internship, regular job, or otherwise). Whats the best way to go about doing this? Every job opening/internship seems to want people with all sorts of experience in things like SQL and Java and about everything else under the sun. I guess my question is this: Is it even possible to get something with my current experience (I learn VERY quickly) or should I go back to the soul-destroying world of customer-service jobs until I've actually got more classes under my belt? If it is possible, whats the best route to do so? Like I the headline says, DIRE need here so any help is appreciated.

I think it would help a bit if you gave a location of where you are looking for a job...

Have you tried putting your CV on any of the job-websites (such as monster.co.uk if you live in the UK).

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Mats

I just moved to Austin, TX. I've got my resume posted at every major job site that would let me post one for free. I've applied for what few positions I could find that seemed like something I could do, but as of yet, nothing.

Ok, so I don't personally know anyone in Austin that is looking to hire right now - I know pretty sure that AMD is NOT hiring right now, so even if you see jobs advertised, they probably won't actually hire you right this moment.

IBM have pretty large facilities in Austin... It's a case of knowing someone there tho'.

Sun is also in Austin.

I don't live anywhere near Austin, as you can see on my posts, but over the last 10 or so years, I've spent on average 3-4 weeks a year in Austin.

Getting that first job is always the hardest, because you haven't proven that you can actually do work (as opposed to studying or sitting at home doing things that you choose to do yourself).

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Mats

A lot of ads list a ton of experience that they want, but that doesn't always mean they can find anyone with ALL of those items. I got hired to a mostly mainframe oriented company when I never even saw a mainframe before (most of the people who do have mainframe experience are almost retired), so they just sent me for mainframe training at IBM...

You can't lose anything by applying. The least that can happen is you don't get any reply.

Yes, most companies have a dream-employee when they post the job-spec, someone who has ten years experience of a producat that has only been available for 4 years, is under 25, mature and has a university degree, etc, etc.

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Mats

Originally Posted by QuantumPete

I think Texas Instruments also has their HQ in Austin, not sure how much C++ they need, but it's always worth applying.
And like matsp said, you should apply to *all* jobs that are remotely in your area, companies look for dream employees, but will settle for a lot less :-P

QuantumPete

TI is in Dallas, which is about 3 hours drive from Austin:
Texas Instruments Inc.
Product Information Center
13532 N. Central Expressway
M/S 3807
Dallas, Texas
75243-1108 USA

But they may have offices in Austin too.

And of course, Dell is only a little bit up the road in Round Rock...

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Mats

This is the time where you decide to either drive down the bumpy road of life, or ride off the cliff.

Look for university Job Fairs. Companies are cool with people who lack experience when they go to Job Fairs.