IT Graduate, feeling insecure about applying for first job.

Downlinz

Wonder if folks have any advice or words of wisdom for my situation.

I've done a Computer Science Bsc and Software Engineering Msc and despite all my time in education I dont really feel that I've gained any of the highly specific skills employers are looking for. I've a strong background in the IT field and have a basic knowledge of an awful lot of things, but looking at typical job advertisements I don't feel I have the required level of skill or experience to apply for these, in say Java, VB.NET, PHP, Javascript, SQL etc. When employers list these as required skills I presume they mean commercial experience and in depth knowledge rather than the results of a 15 week module.

I'm not really sure where someone in my position should be going but I'm certainly feeling intimidated and under qualified by the typical job descriptions out there. Ideally I'd like to spend some time specialising in an area/language but that'd require a lot of reading up, training courses and practice. Until then I'd obviously like to be working, and am quite happy for a low paid job in the field.

Any tips for where to start?

D

Well first just start applying and asking for feed back.

Also maybe start up a small project or app that uses these skills so that you can bring it up and show it off in interviews.

omahaid

A grad program if you can get it. Although, tbh, if a company hires a recent college grad then I doubt their expectations are too high (no offense ) so I wouldnt worry too much about not having the required level of experience.

Just keep applying for jobs, I applied for a job that had 4+ years experience required, got the interview, I didnt get that job but they gave me another job, entry level.

Mr. Loverman

If you're not working you could study at home for a PHP or Java cert, or something like that. It shouldn't take you too long, a few weeks to solid study.

folan

grad program or contract work. best way to get experience, but hard to not have a permanent position

dvpower

Downlinz wrote: »

I'm not really sure where someone in my position should be going but I'm certainly feeling intimidated and under qualified by the typical job descriptions out there. Ideally I'd like to spend some time specialising in an area/language but that'd require a lot of reading up, training courses and practice. Until then I'd obviously like to be working, and am quite happy for a low paid job in the field.

Any tips for where to start?

Job descriptions for dev jobs are often much broader than the actual requirements - a bit like IT specs.

In my experience, for junior roles, once you can tick a few of the important boxes (like knowledge in the major languages they use), it comes down to demonstrating understanding of software engineering principles and softer skills like problem solving skills, the ability to communicate an idea, a logical approach to work and fit.

The main things I'd be looking for in hiring a graduate are:
has he/she got a solid base knowledge?
is he enthusiastic?
will he be able to get up to speed quickly?
will he ask (intelligent) questions and question the answers?
will he fit in with the team?