I gave up...

[Peter Pol]

Are there any jobs for entry level IT professionals? I don't think so.
After over 3 years since I got my Bachelor degree in computer science I am tired of looking for a job as a programmer, developer, analyst etc.
I tried everything - learned new stuff like .Net, sent thousands of applications and resumes and nothing - just couple interviews and no job.
Lately I found a job... I will unload trailers in a warehouse. No it's not a joke, it's life... I will make less than $10 per hour... If I just could make $10 as a programmer, it would be great...
I like programming, math, solving problems, but unfortunately I will have to do something that I don't think I will like. Well, at least that job will pay my bills.
I was thinking about Masters in CS, some certifications (I am SCJP), but what for? There is no room for entry level IT professionals in todays job market (unless you have a degree from an Ivy League school).
Maybe in meantime I will look for something else and one day I might post a new topic in this forum informing that I found a job in IT industry. The problem is that I don't know if I am strong enough to look for a job in IT industry again - I have spent last three years doing it...
For now I am going to my warehouse - packages are waiting to be unloaded from a trailer.
Good luck everybody.
Peter

[ July 10, 2003: Message edited by: Peter Pol ]

[Billy Tsai]

are you in USA?
life sucks
I am feeling your pain and suffering all those jobs want experience and how the **** are we gonna get experience if we won't even given a chance, not to mention I also have found several entry level jobs like junior DBA and junior programmer also data entries .AND I got rejected for all of them some didn't even bother to call me back for god sake just write a email to me saying my application was unsuccessfully or a simple phone call.
I have a BSc in information systems specialisation and this really sucks.

[Paul McKenna]

Peter,
Show me what you can do! Agreed you are an eager, enthusiastic young developer. But I need proof that you are a self starter. Develop some software / game on your own and host it one of those free hosting sites. Post the link here and let everyone see what you are capable of. If you are worth it, someone WILL contact you!
YOU have to make things happen!
1. Volunteer at the local library to administer their systems.
2. Goto some of the mom and pop stores and offer to provide custom developed billing software etc.
3. Learn computer networking and take up maintenance contracts.
As a college student, I spent 4 years assembling and selling custom built PCs. Thats how I made a lot of contacts and a lot of $$$

[Andres Gonzalez]

Thats how I made a lot of contacts and a lot of $$$

Enough to give donations to javaranch...

[Billy Tsai]

after reading these posts I have a sad feeling inside and my heart feel bad, I have diffculty breathing normally and felt like to puke.

[Alexandre Ferras]

Peter,
monster.com are full of jobs advertises in Java and .NET language. You have consider to relocate to other city or country if necessary.
Where are you living now ? Are you talking about US ?

[Tim Holloway]

Oracle's got 3000 new job opportunities in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
However $10/hr is about 9 lakhs, and you'll need over 7 years experience to make that much over there.

[Tighe Fagan]

Hmmm, well I am one of the experienced ones now.
I came out in '98 and have had 5 jobs since then
all in the Denver area. I have not had to
even consider relocation. Maybe I'm just lucky
or can interview well, but it just seems to me
that if I can find 5 jobs in as many years
in one city things aren't that bad.
[ July 11, 2003: Message edited by: Tighe Fagan ]

[Bear Bibeault]

Ah, the "things aren't bad for me, so they mustn't be that bad, so stop whining" response. Let me guess... you're a republican...
bear
[ July 11, 2003: Message edited by: Bear Bibeault ]

[Matt Cao]

Hi Peter,
Improvise the solution! Do not see thing as it is. You claim good in math but you fail to see the solution right on front of you. Could you learn how the logistic operations worked in your current job? Ask around and befriend with every body. Recognize the loophole, come up with a prototype based on the company technologies or whatever you know best. Talk with your department manager for the solution and present your prototype. I am sure it matter of this manager talks to that manager, you will get the job as you wanted.
Good Lucks,
MCao
[ July 11, 2003: Message edited by: Matt Cao ]

[Peter Pol]

Thanks everybody for replying to my post. I live in New York and I am ready to relocate to any state. I applied for many jobs outside Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT). Well, I think I sent my resume to every state, maybe excepting Alaska. I received some responses saying they consider only local candidates, even if I would like to pay all expenses on my own.
About New York... I tried almost everything - local stores, small businesses, friends, etc. Unfortunately, it seems I came everywhere too late. Everybody already had a systems administrator, IT Consultant or web developer, or simply wasn't interested in my offer.
So finally I gave up...
Again, thanks everybody for advice and cheering me up.
Peter

[Tighe Fagan]

Let me ammend that, it's not bad for me and
the twenty-some odd folks I keep in contact with.
All of which are employed save one.
Being new is tough, those contacts and my reputation are what get me in the door most of
the time.
Good luck, the work is out there.

[Alexandre Ferras]

Peter, try to do a Master is CS. It will be a chance to improve your knowledge and build a personal network.

[Billy Tsai]

apply for a Master degree at Coloumbia university.

[Peter Pol]

Originally posted by Billy Tsai:
apply for a Master degree at Coloumbia university.

I do not think I can afford Columbia right now, especially after over one year without a job...

Peter

[Matt Cao]

Hi Peter,
I think probably you did not opened up to us earlier. We could spin you into the right direction. You never get it for free from anywhere.
Remember my earlier responded. If you act upon it, you will be more valuable than you were year ago.
Regards,
MCao

[Peter Pol]

First week of working as a warehouse associate has passed. This job sucks... This is a dead end job! I will have to look for a programming job again. No giving up this time!!!
Peter
[ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Peter Pol ]

[Billy Tsai]

never give up
get SCJD,SCWCD,SCBCD,SCEA
thats what i am planning to do but i am running low on money....

[Alexandre Ferras]

never give up
get SCJD,SCWCD,SCBCD,SCEA
thats what i am planning to do but i am running low on money....

Billy, are you all right now ? What about your heart feeling bad and diffcult to breathing ?
I agree with you: never give up