Currently I am experiencing a difficult time. I almost finish my diploma of Software Dev in a Tafe. I am trying to find jobs on SEEK. However, most jobs require work experience. But you cannot get relevant experience if you cannot work. So how do you guys start your career at first?
BTW I know internship is a good way. I am happy to do unpaid jobs but where could I find them?
Try writing to companies that advertise for experienced staff and ask if they would be interested in giving you a term of unpaid internship? Enquire in writing to every company you can find that uses staff in your profession.
Not only will you gain experience you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your value as an employee to that co….
Just walk into a company and start doing small things like making coffee, organising and cleaning up and then slowly move to bigger and bigger jobs.
This reminded me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer just shows up to a workplace and pretends he works there
Software dev is the easiest career in the world to get experience in. There are literally thousands of open software projects begging for help. Choose one that interests you and contribute. If you get in touch with the maintainers they will likely have some small bugs or things that they haven't had time to squash and will be glad of the help.
Indeed. Previously interviewers will ask "what's your StackOverflow account and reputation?" and these days they'll ask "what's your github account and what have you been contributing?"
get on airtasker and start finding relevant projects which can become part of your portfolio
Have you built up a portfolio yet? Even if you don't have any relevant work experience, showcasing the work you've done at TAFE and linking it to relevant parts of the role shows employers that you possess an adequate understanding of software dev and you're willing to demonstrate your skills to them.
Just apply for everything. Remember to use the STAR technique when addressing the selection criteria and at interviews. Good luck!