Entry Level Grad needs Experience

[Ryan P. Kane]

Hello all,

I have my BS in Computer Science and I recently grabbed my MS in CS too. In my MS program, I did a lot of projects with Java/J2EE, and that is what I would like to do with my life. I really enjoy working with J2EE, and I've been searching for a position as a Java/J2EE developer. The problem is that despite the fact that I have a Masters and my SCJP, I still have trouble getting my foot in the door with companies. I attribute this trouble to the fact that I lack industry development experience. I'm looking for advice on ways to get some good experience as a recent graduate. I have considered trying to find some telecommuting jobs doing Java/J2EE development, but I'm not sure that will be any easier. Please offer me your suggestions.

Thanks,
Ryan Kane

[Fletcher Estes]

There are graduate-level programs with all the big firms Accenture,KPMG,Deloitte&Touch,Chase,BOA,PWC,Fidelity. The list is endless. If you're good enough, they'll hire you. You don't need industry experience.

[frank davis]

Originally posted by Fletcher Estes:
There are graduate-level programs with all the big firms Accenture,KPMG,Deloitte&Touch,Chase,BOA,PWC,Fidelity. The list is endless. If you're good enough, they'll hire you. You don't need industry experience.

They will hire such people over experienced people who are still unemployed?

[Jay Shin]

Originally posted by herb slocomb:

They will hire such people over experienced people who are still unemployed?

Nope.

Usually, those large corporations have separate recruitment processes for college grads and for experienced professionals.

You will be automatically rejected if you're not a recent grad.

I don't know about other countries, but here in the U.S., corporations like Oracle, Microsoft, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, etc. are recruiting college grads heavily in this year.

Those who're coming out of prestigious schools (such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, UPenn) will have significant advantage securing those positions.
[ October 06, 2004: Message edited by: Jay Shin ]

[Jason Cox]

Check your private messages Ryan.

I would advise against Accenture if you can help it. I have heard too many horror stories coming out of there.

I think CapGemini has been doing pretty well and BearingPoint seems to be going strong. Computer Science Corporation (CSC) has also struggled but seems to be on the rebound. That is, if you're interested in consulting.

Non-consulting, I've heard rumors that BEA is looking for talent and Oracle is a good bet. Also, a lot of my colleagues got their start at IBM. Not a place a lot of people I know have stayed at, but it's led to some good jumping off opportunities.

[Ryan P. Kane]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I actually got a break, and got hired with a consulting company in Columbus, OH. I'm quite anxious to start and get some actual work experience to support my qualifications. Thanks for the help!

Ryan

[Billy Tsai]

there is no hope

[Rishi Ugersain Chopra]

Originally posted by Billy Tsai:
there is no hope

I'd hate to agree with this, but it's very close to being true.

Take a look at my thread if you want to hear about my 13+ month job search as a fresh graduate.