Finding a job once graduated

SpaceCowb0y

Hi

I will be finishing up my computer science degree in about 6 weeks or so. I went back to study as a mature student so am a fair bit older then most in the course and have more experience then most i would feel and also don't have the same time as many others finishing up to wait around for something to come there way. I have been working in the web design industry for the last two years now working part-time in my current job while studying but have been told now there isn't much chance of being taken on full time by my employer as the work isn't really there.

I have searched online on all the big jobs sites for any junior/graduate designer roles and have applied to at least 20+ in the last 2 weeks but haven't even received a reply from any of them. Really starting to get disheartened now as i was hoping to go straight into full time employment once the course ended but it's looking unlikely at the moment.

I have even tried emailing design agencies directly looking for work but most either don't reply or are looking for more experience then i can offer. This leaves me in a difficult position as how am I to gain more experience if nobody will give me an opportunity! I know there are unpaid intern roles out there in all areas but I have already been through two internships now and I just couldn't survive on social welfare alone again my bills are too high.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on how/where to find a source of work? Clearly these websites are useless if i'm not getting any response from them.

CSSE09

Do you have a portfolio of your past work? If your not already on LinkedIn you should sign up. Given how many digital media courses there are competition for graduate designer jobs will be big for the few jobs that are advertised. Are you set on doing web or would you consider other IT roles?

Mrs OBumble

LinkedIn. Work your network from previous jobs, people you know from sport, whatever. Figure out who you know who works in a place that might have a job for you, and ask them for help. Don't ask them for a job - just ask them to help you get your CV in front of the right people.

corcaigh1

SpaceCowb0y wrote: »

Hi

I will be finishing up my computer science degree in about 6 weeks or so. I went back to study as a mature student so am a fair bit older then most in the course and have more experience then most i would feel and also don't have the same time as many others finishing up to wait around for something to come there way. I have been working in the web design industry for the last two years now working part-time in my current job while studying but have been told now there isn't much chance of being taken on full time by my employer as the work isn't really there.

I have searched online on all the big jobs sites for any junior/graduate designer roles and have applied to at least 20+ in the last 2 weeks but haven't even received a reply from any of them. Really starting to get disheartened now as i was hoping to go straight into full time employment once the course ended but it's looking unlikely at the moment.

I have even tried emailing design agencies directly looking for work but most either don't reply or are looking for more experience then i can offer. This leaves me in a difficult position as how am I to gain more experience if nobody will give me an opportunity! I know there are unpaid intern roles out there in all areas but I have already been through two internships now and I just couldn't survive on social welfare alone again my bills are too high.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on how/where to find a source of work? Clearly these websites are useless if i'm not getting any response from them.

Did you get sorted for a job in the end "SpaceCowb0y" and did going back doing the CS degree as a mature student stand to you?

SpaceCowb0y

corcaigh1 wrote: »

Did you get sorted for a job in the end "SpaceCowb0y" and did going back doing the CS degree as a mature student stand to you?

Hey, this post is going back quite some time. I've had quite a few jobs since then and at the end of last year i setup my own business and i'm doing really well for myself at the moment at least

Going back as a mature student wasn't easy but yes it is definitely one of the best choices i've made in life. I've actually never been asked to show or prove my degree but it definitely got me a foot in the door. If i was to change one thing i'd say i would do a different course as CS wasn't really for me, I should have done visual communications/media studies but there weren't as many options for that back when i started in 2010.

If you're considering going back to college i'd say do it but just pick your course wisely.

corcaigh1

SpaceCowb0y wrote: »

Hey, this post is going back quite some time. I've had quite a few jobs since then and at the end of last year i setup my own business and i'm doing really well for myself at the moment at least

Going back as a mature student wasn't easy but yes it is definitely one of the best choices i've made in life. I've actually never been asked to show or prove my degree but it definitely got me a foot in the door. If i was to change one thing i'd say i would do a different course as CS wasn't really for me, I should have done visual communications/media studies but there weren't as many options for that back when i started in 2010.

If you're considering going back to college i'd say do it but just pick your course wisely.

Well done, onwards and upwards!