subject: Your First Software Development Job After College [print this page] Your First Software Development Job After College
I know it seems daunting when trying to find your first software development job after college. You do not feel ready and you start doubting yourself. Am I smart enough? Can I do this? Assignments, papers or projects that you had problems with or perhaps did not grade well on keep popping in your head. Well, I am hear to tell you that it is really not that bad. In fact, your life is going to be great.
Companies are always looking for fresh new perspectives and that is what you have. You are passionate and eager and if you sell that to whomever you interview with then you will do great.
Finding that first job can be made easier by seeking out an employment agency or "head hunter". I have used "head hunters" from the moment that I graduated college and my experience with them has been great. They have an "in" to all the companies and software jobs in their area. "Head hunters" are the recruitment agents that specialize and focus on open positions on behalf of their company clients. Typically such companies don't put their job posting in the public domain as they use the head hunter's services as a method of screening candidates. Hence "head hunters" use a mix of relationship and contacts to mix the opportunities with offers. Very often job seekers lodge their interests with such "head hunter" along with their specific demands and expectations. You can find these employment agencies and "head hunters" in your area by checking in your local telephone book. However, before you seek out them out, get you resume drawn up. Allison Doyle of About.com has a great page with tips and links. You can find it at Finding Your First Job
One major attribute that all software developers need to possess is a passion for learning. Technology changes so fast regardless of where your interests lie... Microsoft or Apple or Linux. Whether you like open source or not, it doesn't matter. You cannot be expected to know everything at all times. There will be many times, where you can be assigned a project and know very little about the technology that that project will employ. Luckily, you have been training to learn over the last 4 years. College has given you the ability to learn. Remember that and you will be great!!!
The point I am trying to get across when looking for your first software development job is to be confident and prepared. Do your homework (pun intended). Get your resume all set and make it pop. Stress your passion and eagerness. At this point you do not have a lot of real world experience but companies look for people who will be a good fit...people who will enjoy themselves, are hard workers, collaborators and easy to work with. Research the companies that you think you would like to work for but most of all smile. Have fun and enjoy yourself. You are embarking on a wickedly cool industry. If you need any advice, feel free to email me. I will be happy to help.
