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Finished college. Now what? Absolutely terrified.

  • 30-04-2015 03:03AM
    #1
    arleitiss
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,512 ✭✭✭


    Hello, so I've just graduated with BSc in Computer Science.
    And well I don't know what to do next, I am absolutely terrified, I would gladly add another year to a course if that would post-pone this moment right now, I feel so lost like I am in a middle of street not knowing what to do.

    I am 21, I have 18 months of IT related experience.
    My skills are (primary, won't list all): Java, Android, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, MySQL, SQLite, Node.js, Linux, Networking, 3D Modelling in 3ds Max, Photoshop.

    I have about 5 projects that I have in my portfolio (3 released android apps, and 2 side projects).

    But I am afraid I will get some job then be unable to do something on first day and get thrown out on first day. My previous jobs were mostly internships.

    So what should I do? Is there specific criteria to search for when looking for job where employers employ graduates and provide decent support/training at start?

    Anybody who had same situation, how did you deal with this case?


Comments

  • #2
    username2013
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 183 ✭✭username2013


    arleitiss wrote: »
    Hello, so I've just graduated with BSc in Computer Science.
    And well I don't know what to do next, I am absolutely terrified, I would gladly add another year to a course if that would post-pone this moment right now, I feel so lost like I am in a middle of street not knowing what to do.

    I am 21, I have 18 months of IT related experience.
    My skills are (primary, won't list all): Java, Android, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, MySQL, SQLite, Node.js, Linux, Networking, 3D Modelling in 3ds Max, Photoshop.

    I have about 5 projects that I have in my portfolio (3 released android apps, and 2 side projects).

    But I am afraid I will get some job then be unable to do something on first day and get thrown out on first day. My previous jobs were mostly internships.

    So what should I do? Is there specific criteria to search for when looking for job where employers employ graduates and provide decent support/training at start?

    Anybody who had same situation, how did you deal with this case?

    If you are competent in all of the technologies and languages you listed above you will have no problem. Companies that hire you, will not expect you to have the same skills as a senior dev. You will more than likely start off on some smaller projects or maybe doing simple bug fixes, until you get up to speed on the code bases, languages and architecture that the company is using. I don't think there is anything specific search criteria to look for other than graduate/junior roles.


  • #3
    punk_one82
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,148 ✭✭✭punk_one82


    arleitiss wrote: »
    Hello, so I've just graduated with BSc in Computer Science.
    And well I don't know what to do next, I am absolutely terrified, I would gladly add another year to a course if that would post-pone this moment right now, I feel so lost like I am in a middle of street not knowing what to do.

    I am 21, I have 18 months of IT related experience.
    My skills are (primary, won't list all): Java, Android, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, MySQL, SQLite, Node.js, Linux, Networking, 3D Modelling in 3ds Max, Photoshop.

    I have about 5 projects that I have in my portfolio (3 released android apps, and 2 side projects).

    But I am afraid I will get some job then be unable to do something on first day and get thrown out on first day. My previous jobs were mostly internships.

    So what should I do? Is there specific criteria to search for when looking for job where employers employ graduates and provide decent support/training at start?

    Anybody who had same situation, how did you deal with this case?

    I graduated from a computer science course a couple of years ago and I'm working currently. I understand where you're coming from with the fear of the unknown. However, a lot of companies have graduate software development roles to be filled. You're not expected to go in on your first day and know everything and make no mistakes ever. These roles usually include you having a mentor of some sort. Someone to keep an eye on what you're doing, help you when you're stuck and give you advice on how to improve. You're usually not involved in very difficult/critical work for the first while.

    While it's okay to be nervous about your first job, there really is no reason to be absolutely terrified. From the skills you've listed you seem to have quite a few avenues to explore. If you'd like to become an Android/Java developer then search the job sites for "graduate android/java developer". You'll be sure to find some jobs tailored specifically to people like you. College is great, but working can be equally as fun/rewarding (not to mention a lot better for you financially).

    Anyway, long story short - have a search for some open positions in areas you're interested in. You'll find that the job spec will list the skills you have and probably some ones you don't. You're not expected to know it all, you're expected to be open to learning what you don't know and improving what you do know. Good luck!


  • #4
    InTheTrees
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,900 ✭✭✭InTheTrees


    Well didn't the college prepare you in some way for job hunting?

    You'll need to write a CV. You may find the exercise of doing that helps.


  • #5
    Mrs OBumble
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,453 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    arleitiss wrote: »
    Is there specific criteria to search for when looking for job where employers employ graduates and provide decent support/training at start?

    Yes: "Graduate programme" or even just "graduate".

    Sometimes they are more suitable for generalist business grads, rather than IT specialists. But if you look specifically for technology companies, they will point you in the right direction.



    Everyone has those "they'll throw me out on day 1" worries. But it never happens - even the worse hiring decisions I've ever seen lasted for a week or two. (Exception: the temp receptionist with a bad lisp who simply couldn't say the name of the company she was sent to - she left of her own accord by morning tea time!).

    But for someone with your skills and background, companies know that you'll need on-boarding and mentoring to start with. They won't hire you unless they are convinced you can do the job. So just put those negative thoughts to the back of your mind, and fake it 'til you make it - because you CAN and WILL make it.


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