Ask EDN Question:
I graduated with a degree in Computer Science last December from the University of Maryland. I have some work experience and graduated with a 3.6 GPA. I’ve been looking for a job for over 7 months now in IT. I haven’t been able to find anything. I had the career center at my school look at my resume to fix it but it amounted to nothing. I now drive Uber and work as a server to make some money. I am extremely anxious and nervous and it doesn’t help that my parents feel the same way. Are there suggestions you can offer to help me be more successful? Are there sites that I should be looking at that I’m not? I am lost. I’m based in the DMV and any help you can offer would be great, even just some encouragement. It crushes me every time someone asks me why I don’t have a job yet.
Response:
Dear Reader:
Finding a job as a recent graduate can be very frustrating and you are not alone. Many recent grads are in the same position as you, so thank you for asking this very important question. We shared your question on our social media platforms and received some excellent feedback, practical tips, and words of encouragement that we have incorporated in our response. Having a great GPA and work experience may seem like the gateway to employment after graduation, but IT is an extremely competitive field that will require additional effort as you navigate the job search process. In terms of seeking out employment opportunities, never underestimate the power of LinkedIn as a search tool for different jobs and networking. Just be sure that your profile is kept up to date. Other recommended websites for job searching people shared on our social media include: AngelList, Indeed, The Muse, Jobspring, Workbridge, and Upwork.
Informational interviews are also great opportunities to learn more about a specific job, company, or industry. An informational interview can also inform your job search. Once you identify companies of interest, consider reaching out to individuals that work in roles you are interested in learning more about to set up informational interviews. Additionally, networking can be extremely valuable in the job search process. Check out July’s ASK EDN response for some of our thoughts on the value of networking. As it relates to your specific situation, consider attending tech events, job fairs, and searching EventBrite for events in the DMV geared toward your specific interests to connect with other professionals in your field. Also, consider doing contracting or freelance work while you are on the job hunt. This is a great opportunity to further develop your skills, make connections, and build your resume. For your first job as a recent graduate, applying for positions beyond computer science can be a great opportunity for you to get your foot in the door at a company you are interested in working for. While you are based in the DMV area, if you are open to it, expand your job search beyond the DMV area. As pointed out by a number of people on our social media platforms, there may be greater demand for your field in areas other than the DMV.
Finding jobs to apply to is just one step in the process. It is important to have a strong resume that is tailored to the positions you are applying for and highlights your skills and experience. While it is great that you went to your career center at your school to get feedback on your resume, it is also important to have professionals in your specific field review your resume and offer feedback. After sharing your question on our social media platforms, a number of IT and HR professionals have graciously offered to review your resume and provide advice. Further, having an active GitHub repository is recommended to send along for people to review your work as you seek out different positions.
It is easy to get discouraged during the process of looking for a job, but do not give up hope! Try to talk to your family and friends about how they can be more supportive to you during this time. You may want to ask that they hold off on discussions about the job hunt until you are willing to share. Throughout this process, be sure to keep an open mind, stay positive and persistent!