Will I ever get a job?

I'm kind of worried that when I leave college I won't be "adept" enough to be in a work environment. I mean I've spent so much time in school and working on trying to finish that, I haven't been able to do any of these big projects other students ususally do. Then I search job listings and they area lal 5+ years experience or non-entry level jobs with skills that despite me learning most on my own, are far above me at the moment. Is there ususally an "extra step" after college to get into the working world, or is it just, "you had to do the best while you were there" kind of thing. I'm here wishing you could get paid to go to college, then I would have plenty of experience.

Work experience?

Yeah, but none in programming field, five years part-time.

But it's not just that, but really I'm most worried that I'll go to a job and not know what the F to do despite having education in the area. I mean even when I was doing the interviews at the career fair employers are so vague, they don't tell you what they want.

There are a lot of jobs available for programmers with experience. Those jobs generally aren't for you.

You want the jobs that target graduates. There are a lot of those, too, you just have to find them. Companies are more likely to post a job listing for a position that requires experience and save the graduate hiring listings for Job Fairs and stuff. If your school has a Career Center and/or holds Career Fairs, then take advantage of those resources.

For many students, they jump into their first job based on how well they did in college and any extra projects or internships they've completed. So if you have time, try to do some big projects or apply for internships. If you haven't done that and don't have time, then don't worry too much. Companies are looking for programmers who show they can successfully navigate their way through the university and have potential to be good workers. You don't have to have experience in the field directly to show that.

Just do well in your classes, especially in your major. Show that you take an interest in the work and that you aren't a slacker, and you'll be fine.

Most people don't accomplish 'big projects' in college while also doing well in college. Your worries place you in essentially the same boat as every other graduate looking to make it into the work force.

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Originally Posted by BobMcGee123

Most people don't accomplish 'big projects' in college while also doing well in college. Your worries place you in essentially the same boat as every other graduate looking to make it into the work force.

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That's why it is good to finish some big projects before going to college. :D

What kind of "big projects"?

Just writing something that is "yours" of more than a few thousand lines would do, I should think.

It's not SO important that it does anything directly related to what you want to work on, but of course, it's slightly better.

Also, consider larger employers that take on students after college/university.

I think I asked on a previous situation where you live [or was that someone else?]. If you don't want to share with everyone, maybe you can PM me. I've got at least one company in mind that I know take on students straight out of school.

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Mats

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Originally Posted by indigo0086

I'm kind of worried that when I leave college I won't be "adept" enough to be in a work environment. I mean I've spent so much time in school and working on trying to finish that, I haven't been able to do any of these big projects other students ususally do. Then I search job listings and they area lal 5+ years experience or non-entry level jobs with skills that despite me learning most on my own, are far above me at the moment. Is there ususally an "extra step" after college to get into the working world, or is it just, "you had to do the best while you were there" kind of thing. I'm here wishing you could get paid to go to college, then I would have plenty of experience.

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If you are any good at programming, you'll find SOMEBODY who will hire you. Then your resume begins to accumulate... Just keep your eyes open to spot the right time to move on to the next thing. A lot of people started with no experience. The key is to actually be GOOD at what you're doing and know when to abandon a losing game. Everything else falls out of that.

You never start at the top (unless you are friends with Bill Gates)

Look at me, I studied Computer science, and didnt get a progeamming job for 2 years, but I kept my head high, doing some freelancing and building my skills, and eventually, bam, got some pretty descent programming jobs, and now I'm a senior analytical programmer.

What i'm trying to say is....have patience...it will happen.

I don't see it happening anytime soon. Sorry man.

There's the option of being self employed or the similar idea of doing freelance work, as someone already mentioned.

i was able to get in to a good spot where i work by having entered an internship while i was going to school, so i was making about $13/hr while going to school and was able to be hired in to a good position afterwards. now continuing education, learning, working...

i've told everyone i know that internships are the way to go, even if you can't get one which pays, so far everyone i know that's done so has been able to find one that pays them while they go to school and even get money for school as an added benefit of the college internship (if not completely than mostly paid for).

so go and get an internship before you graduate, if it's too late... then fyi for anyone else.

consider moving to new places, where there are better opportunities. some cities are exploding with tech jobs in all areas so don't be afraid to explore. and take an IT position if you can, you can work your way in to a programming spot, i've seen people do that as well.

I just had some useless college "certificates" and got hired doing tech support. After about a year I moved up to QA. Now I'm a developer. I still don't have a Comp Science degree! :D

Part of finding a good job is luck.
Also, if you're willing to start at something a little "lower" like QA, you can get some experience and have a chance to wow your boss at the same time. When a developer position opens, apply for it.