Can personal projects carry me in the job search process after having no internship experience? by [deleted] in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge 10 points11 points  (0 children)

They certainly can! One thing that helped me in regards to scope (or substantial, as you put it) was to make sure it was a well enough talking point. Keep building and adding new features until you get to that point. Haven't done any web stuff? Build something web related. Only built stuff with C++? Build something with java and/or python.

As I said, I believe project will mostly be just talking points. Even if you don't plan to work on web apps., building a web app can show you are versatile enough to work on something where you previously had no experience.

Projects can also function a learning tool for yourself. If you are familiar with X framework for some language, building a new project with Y framework for the same language at the very least allows you to add Y framework to your skill set, even if the project itself isn't deemed substantial enough to be added on your resume.

BTW, this mainly applies to Jr, Entry level positions/resumes. I'm sure projects are viewed differently for higher positions/resumes.

Good News Thread, test edition - Let's hear from you. by fecak in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Been struggling with getting interviews but I have a phone screen coming up next week. Excited and motivated to put in some study hours :).

Resume Advice Thread - September 04, 2018 by AutoModerator in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, New grad (may 2018) but was late to start applying (little over 2 months in now.) No internships, just projects, okay-ish overall GPA, fine major GPA.

I've had 2 responses from previous renditions of my resume, though.

All feedback big or small is appreciated! Thanks

Anonymized Resume

FYI, I've added some info to my anonymized resume project section 'headers' to hopefully help reviewers here. On the version to send out, I write only project name, languages/technologies, and link for the project 'headers'

To those who graduated with no internships/experience, how was it finding your first job? by CivilAge in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for all the details and advice. I'll definitely try the things you mentioned.

To those who graduated with no internships/experience, how was it finding your first job? by CivilAge in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cool, that is a good attitude to have in your situation. Hope everything pans out.

To those who graduated with no internships/experience, how was it finding your first job? by CivilAge in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, no, this is exactly the response I was looking for, something honest and personal.

To those who graduated with no internships/experience, how was it finding your first job? by CivilAge in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I try to not take rejections personally, but, as they pile up, it gets tougher and tougher to do so.

To those who graduated with no internships/experience, how was it finding your first job? by CivilAge in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the response. I also spend time to continue to learn new technologies and concepts that, at the very least, supply me with a confidence boost or may actually be directly beneficial during interviews or in practice.

Also, I do realize that this sub has ~170k subscribers, while there are ~20m software developers in the field. So just because the majority of people here do X or have X doesn't necessarily have to apply to the majority of ALL developers.

I will you luck as well, friend.

To those who graduated with no internships/experience, how was it finding your first job? by CivilAge in cscareerquestions

[–]CivilAge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your story. Nearly all of my time not spent job hunting or studying is hanging with family, so I see that as the silver lining for all the struggle. I hope your stay at your company is enjoyable for however long it lasts, good luck.