Computer Science Student, Job Seeking Tips

Hi guys, I'm a computer science student and looking for part-time/casual work in entry level dev or anything related to IT to get my foot in the door.

I don't have extensive programming skills, only small assignments in subjects such as intro to programming (c++), basic data science subject that touched on python, basic sql databases and I've just purchased a javascript course on udemy to learn some web dev and to begin to make some projects and learn to use github. Thats about it, but very eager to learn and improve my skills.

I have prev work exp in a completely dif industry, logistics/supply chain in corporate environment, retail exp and have a bach of business before this career change. Thinking of leaving out my previous education and dumbing down my resume abit cos, I feel like I'm gonna get overlooked for intern positions. I'm in my late 20s, but look like early 20s haha.

Anyone within the industry or knowledge have any pointers to get some experience? My ultimate goal is to become a developer working on cloud based apps/websites etc. I don't mind working something IT based like help desk whilst studying if I cant find a intern dev role tho…I just dono where to start lol.

Thank you for your time 😊!

Comments

  • +2

    If you don't mind moving to Canberra look into the IT Cadetship program. You work in a government department 2-4 days a week (up to you) and continue studying part time. You get moved around on rotations (depending on the department, at DHS I had to organise my own rotation if I wanted one) so you can experience different roles and decide where you want to stay. You start as an APS 2 (~55-60k pro rata) and then get to be an APS 4 when you're finished your degree (~70k). This is how I started my career.

    If you're going to graduate soon look for graduate jobs, but if not, there's not much you can do while still studying. I would advise trying to make a portfolio with the skills you do have (try and think of some interesting projects that people might use). I was part of a video game hacking community and I made a couple of tools while I was a student (though I would be embarrassed to show them to a potential employer now heh). You could also look at some open source stuff and try to contribute but that can be hard (if there's an easy feature to add someone might have done it already). If you're not going to do a grad program, when you're nearly finished your degree look for jobs labelled Junior and that don't require any experience and say something like enthusiastic quick learner required etc and use your portfolio. These are few and far between but do exist. Good luck!

    • Or just come to Canberra, grab any roles that can land you a security clearance and you're sorted for a while. When you're ready to head back to Melbourne, your clearance will look favourably by Leidos and Datacom for a start.

      • It is hard to grab a random role with no professional experience though. You don't want to get stuck on help desk and never progress to the career you actually want

        • +1

          It's a lovely safety net nonetheless. Or just move to Canberra and be done with it, find your niche and develop it.

  • +2

    A few of the things I did to break into the industry.

    I was volunteering for a small charity and they kept complaining that they could never update the website. Some guy had set it up for them using an obscure cms that no one knew how to use. I offered to port it across to WordPress. Took a few days of my time but they were a solid reference for my first jobs.

    Put it out to family and friends that I'd do any website work that anyone needed for a low fee. Got a number of jobs for smaller businesses who wanted something simple. I got offered a few larger projects that I had to turn down because they were too big or complex.

    Through uni I worked part time at a small retail chain. I got to know the owners well and after a couple of years they offer me a job managing their website instead of working on the retail floor. Nothing fancy but easier work and a another good reference.

    I put a few tools I created online for free at github. No idea if it ever helped but plenty of downloads and good practice/experience.

  • You won't need tips mate, plenty of demand for Comp Sci grads.

    Just find something you like, and LOOK AT WHAT JOBS ARE AROUND AGAIN ONCE YOU HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE. I got a job for DOUBLE the pay after I'd been working full time for just 6 months.

  • +1

    Look for an entry-level job within an area that you want. I had always done Web Developer as a bit of a hobby, did web hosting support for 2 years and got some more hosting experience. Moved from there into a "Website Administrator" role for a Digital Marketing agency. It was essentially technical support and website fixes with some SEO stuff. Been with that business for 4 years and now the Technical Director overseeing all of the business IT, a member of the business management team, main developer for our clients with a junior who does DEV + Tech support. He has been with the business for 2 years.

  • Look for desktop/laptop rollout grunt roles:
    https://www.seek.com.au/rollout-jobs-in-information-communic…

    These roles shouldn't be too difficult to find, businesses and govco shops refresh their hardware once every couple of years. Even if they don't turnover the actual computer itself, keyboard/mouse/monitors/docking stations get turned over.

  • +2
    • Networking
    • Create portfolio
    • Networking

    Go to meetups, conferences, linkedin, etc.

  • Work in your WEB 3.0 devs. It will slowly take over how users interact with online data.

  • Friendlydude

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    MMmmmhmmmmm….

    • Whats up community vigilante?? hahaha just kidding :P

      • Oh you came back?! You're suppose to not reply at all……and then my post would have more weight….

        • I too enjoy occupying my time randomly replying to every post 😊…friends?? …

  • Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses

    I don't think going to Canberra for a bit to gain work experience is out of the question but probably after I graduate. Would pref find something here, as all my family and friends are here.

    In my 2nd year so would like to find something part-time/casual related whilst I study, making it easier to look for full time work when I'm done with studies and also have some exp under my belt.

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