Ideas to get an IT job???

Spindle

Hello all

I have a BSc in Computer Information Systems and have been looking around for work in Cork for a while now with no luck, I really dont want to go to Dublin for work, and I have heard that there is a lot of work in Cork, I have tired a lot of the big compaines but most say I dont have enough experience.

So what I am going to do now is to do my own project in VB.NET as this is a skill which I dont have on my CV from college. I am thinking of doing some sort of client/server app which will monitor usage on network PCs. I dont know if this type of app would be a good one to do or not.

So I suppose my question is, would it be a good idea to do a project like this and would it be counted as experience? Also does anyone know of any jobs going in Cork at the moment in IT? (Software/Web development) My main skills would be in programming (C++, Java, PHP, ASP VB6) and also with databases and in the web. I am working on my own website as well.

Any help would be great!
GLUCK

Bluetonic

Your pissing against the wind if your trying to get straight into a software development job straight from college.

Get yourself some sort of support job and take it from there, the level of development you most likely have at the moment isn't attractive to companies.

seamus

As Bluetonic suggests, your only bet into development straight from college is usually graduate programmes, tailored specifically for people with only college programming experience.

If you're more inclined towards web programming, then build up a portfolio (keep your code neat & commented!), and become familiar with LAMP, WAMP, WIMP, and all those other buzz acronyms.

Sposs

trying bidding for jobs on www.scriptlance.com you can simply state on your CV that you were working freelance and list the jobs you have done.

As the lads have said your best bet is to apply for a graduate programme.

finlma

You have to get yourself into a grad program to get on the ladder really. I did it and it gives you a good footing. There aren't any in Cork so it would mean Dublin or London.

There's more to the world than Cork - I know you Corkonians don't like to hear that but its true.

Laguna

I'd suggest doing I.T support for a while to prop up your the work aspect of your C.V, if you can get a job as a junior systems administrator; even better. The pay isn't great to start with in the I.T industry, but as someone else said, companies are not attracted to the skills a fresh BSc. graduate has to offer. Have you considered doing a masters degree?, it'd open a lot more doors than you have available to you now, as well as increasing your knowledge, that's what my plan is anyway!;).

IronMan

I totally agree with Laguna, regarding tech support work. I have just completed one year of Tech Support, dealing with Business to Business Tech support. The work stinked, the pay pretty poor, and the staff turnover very high. However it does give you some practical experience on the CV, less thumbs as they say. I got the tech job, and placed my CV on Monster, and for a number of months there was very little views, and almost no responses. Applications for jobs also turned up blank. but gradually the agencies started to get in touch with me. I then applied for a graduate program with a very large semi-state and got accepted there. It was the work experience that clenched the position for me, even though it was a graduate program!

I would recommend applying for as many grad programs as possible, but also consider some tech support, should none of these programs be successful for you. Be wary of most recruitment agencies, all they want is to get their commission, they do not care for your wellbeing. Also be very wary of doing contract work for CPL, they can be shocking to deal with.