Would it be a bad look on your resume to have done an internship as a graduate? I graduated with a bachelor of computer science and did all the right things (HD avg, faang internships, coding bootcamp), but have not been able to get a job so am applying for internships (40k-50k). Are there any other graduates in the same boat? Was it difficult to convince a company to take you on as intern after you had already graduated? I seriously hope not, as I have an interview for an 12-month internship this week.
Worth Doing an Internship as a Graduate?
jking11 on 15/11/2021 - 19:51
Comments
It's a 12-month software engineering internship at big 4, I applied through my uni. It's mostly designed for penultimate students, but they were fine with me applying (I have already done 2 engineering internships). Obviously I would have preferred a graduate role, but they are extremely difficult to get.
I have a portfolio from doing a three-month coding bootcamp, but I'm sure there is more I can do to make it better. Thanks.
Oh that sounds great then - especially if they give you a few rotations in different teams. Sounds similar to a graduate program. I would take it if you get it. Anything in the big 4 should help you on your next job if you don't want to stay with them after the program.
I actually just finished a engineering internship at a another big 4, so kind of know what to expect. Only thing I don't like is that interns get paid 15-20k less than the grads, but I guess experience is more important at this stage. Thanks
@jking11: Even if you do get it, and decide to take it, it could be worth getting professional help for your resume and coaching for interview skills before you go to apply for your next one after the program. Sounds like you're very skilled so there's no reason you shouldn't be getting any entry level position you apply for
You don't have to answer, but was there a reason your internships didn't translate into a grad position?
I got an offer (faang), and chose not to take it because I didn't want the what they were offering (and I thought I would get something else). I don't want to go into detail, but I made a bad decision and regret it a lot now. Point is, my performance is not an issue.
Fair enough. The fact that they offered you a position means that they wanted to continue working with you as you showed capability/promise, so keep your head high I'm sure you'll find something as your background is very sought after these days.
I think being in your 30s and trying to make a career change into tech is never highly sought after. But I appreciate the vote of confidence.
@jking11: Untrue, its more a matter of finding a role that values your unique mix of skills.
I graduated from a CS degree at the end of 2019 and turned 40 last year, currently working as an analyst for a well known automotive brand.
Don't lose heart…
Apply for that company again, you will get the job
Can you send me a private message. I know a company that will be having a grad position available soon.
I don't have much in terms of advice, but good to see you looking at doing things outside the box to try get a foot in somewhere! Hope it all works out well!
I graduated with a bachelor of computer science and did all the right things (HD avg, faang internships, coding bootcamp), but have not been able to get a job
You must be doing something wrong. If you can really code then you should have no trouble getting a job. Did you get any interview feedback?
Also, you're wasting your skills if you take an internship for a year, grads at FAANG get 100-150k total package (incl. base/super/bonus/equity)
Last time I suggested adding some things to your very sparse LinkedIn profile.
It truly is the first thing tech employers look at, and it is definitely letting you down that you don’t mention much of your experience or any technologies you are competent in.So? I've made mistakes. Does that mean I should never get a job for the rest of my life?
All I'm pointing out is that you weren't entirely truthful in your OP.
I turned down the internship at least 6 months ago or so. I don't think it is relevant to the current situation (especially as I don't have the power to change the past).
Last two months I have been unable to find a job and that's all I'm concerned with.
Was it difficult to convince a company to take you on as intern after you had already graduated?
I wouldn't say difficult, its more the fact that many of them are specifically looking for non-graduates, so much so that they may reject your application for being a graduate (usually the bigger companies). IMO you might be able to do a masters which makes you a student again and you're good to go for an internship (something like a masters thats still covered under centrelink if that's the way you want to go, and you want to fill up time before you land a job) though that might not be for everyone.
Are there any other graduates in the same boat? Was it difficult to convince a company to take you on as intern after you had already graduated?
I know different to what you're asking, but it took me about a year to get into a grad program after graduating for me (engineering not IT), so it can be difficult. IMO its not just the process, but mentally it sucks, I haven't felt so bad so much in my life and others comment didn't exactly help. Just an FYI to look after your own mental health also, you've done well mate, you've studied lots. Please remember to be proud of yourself too!
have not been able to get a job so am applying for internships
Are you looking for junior roles and higher as well? Weirdly enough I had trouble getting internships/technical roles, but ended up easier getting higher end engineering roles. Once you're in, its usually a bit easier to move around when you're in current job both up and sideways. Unfortunately it means keeping at it until you get one. IMO best to ask for feedback if you get rejected, sometimes you'll find you have a glaring issue thats stopping you that you could easily change (like your CV layout or missing skills not discussed) its what helped me land my job.
Best of luck.
What sort of job is the internship? Entry level jobs that don't require a degree are usually more practical jobs like networking or service desk jobs. If you are intending to do software development or systems analysis or something along those lines then that job is not going to help you and will probably hold you back. I see plenty of graduate /entry level roles advertised so if I were you I'd hold off until I see one of those. And maybe get some professional help on your resume and coaching for interview skills. Most likely you would be able to do the job fine but there's something holding you back from landing the right job.
Oh and another thing. If you don't have a portfolio, start one. If you don't need a job right away maybe spend the next couple of months intensively helping on open source projects and making your own projects in a variety of languages / platforms. Adding this to your application will help you, so that even if you don't come across well in your interview they can see for themselves what sort of skills you are bringing to the table, and also that you're capable of seeing a project through that's not just a university assignment or something. As well as coding you can help improve documentation on an open source project if you want to prove your communication and language skills as well.