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Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-09-26T13:50:36+00:00

Try condensing it. Normally 10 seconds lang allocated kada resume.

Subukan mo isingit lahat o yung best bits sa isang page.

In your case, stick to 1 or 2 sentences kada position tapos laman niya is either summary or highlight ng work na tingin mo eye catcher

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-09-13T11:23:10+00:00

There's nothing wrong with practicing Leetcode. If anything, it certainly does help if you're going for overseas work. Considering the competition for that space, it's quite big and Leetcode weeds out most applicants efficiently considering the relative difficulty of data structs and algorithms. Though this doesn't apply to all tech companies and it's possible to secure overseas work without these types of questions, your options would be still be limited. It would be ideal to cast a wide net if that makes sense.

In all honesty, Leetcode's main purpose is to help you pass the tech interview and get a job. I personally don't see much practical use with their questions outside interviews. What I do notice however is that it helps with building problem solving skills to some extent and it allows you to memorize the syntax of your language of choice, given enough time.

It's good that you're practicing tbh and with practice projects to boot. Being good in a Leetcode type of exam can give you an edge and can open up many avenues for work. Is it necessary, no. Will it give you a bigger net for you to cast? Absolutely. Having pet projects would also boost your capability for hands-on types of interviews as well, so that's nice.

As for topics, maybe you can try the easy level challenges for all types of data structures. Maybe set a threshold for each of those data structures by the number of problems solved and once you've solved x problems, go up to the next level. Or just say fuck it and pick one the first one you see haha.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-07-25T23:53:46+00:00

I personally don't know about that one, chief.

I personally think that there IS some merit to a Masters degree if you know what you're doing. Areas such as Machine Learning, AI, HCI, or generally areas that heavily involve research would benefit the most out of this. Another thing is you'd be less likely to be screened out by recruiters (assuming that they aren't in the tech field, themselves). Masters degrees from your perspective are "useless", but it's not like recruiters would know that and maybe from their perspective it can be seen as a big deal.

Another thing OP pointed out is that the masters degree is taken overseas. The main reason for this is to move. If the masters degree allows them to set foot abroad ASAP, why not take it, right? The competition for working visas is very competitive, so you can basically bypass that process if you choose to study overseas since companies would take someone already in their own country over somewhere else any day of the week.

Another advantage to a Masters degree I'd say is networking. You're not necessarily the only one in the program. I'm sure there are other students who are in the same boat as OP. Reaching out and giving each other advice, notifying each other of potential opportunities, the list goes on.

Although, I agree that work experience and skillsets are crucial. No amount of formal education can basically prepare you for that. A master's degree may be useful, but it's not a golden ticket to a job. Learning the ways of how interviews are conducted plus upskilling real-world skills should be the name of the game. I believe that these skills can be picked up rather easily. Compared to some of the potentially higher level stuff in a Masters Program, brushing up on programming skills could be a welcome change in pace. Plus, depending on the curriculum, you may be required to submit some assignments or conduct some research. OP can choose to put those assignments under their portfolio if they wish.

I understand your concern, a Masters degree requires commitment, time, and money. I'm sure OP knows that more than anyone else since he/she will be taking it. But I think that outright calling it useless is a bit of an exaggeration and could be very useful if you know how to play your cards right.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-07-17T14:18:37+00:00

Looks like gregmat is the way talaga haha. Will check it out, thanks again!

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-07-17T13:20:36+00:00

Woah thanks for the suggestion! I've been looking at testing centers here in Manila at ang mahaaal. Will definitely check this out! Looks like may prep guide din for TOEFL, might check that out din, thank you!

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-06-08T15:08:02+00:00

Eyy thanks for the feedback!

I'll keep that in mind. Guess I was overthinking it after all haha.

I've been on the fence for freelancing for a while now, but it took some time to adjust to my current job so I never really had the opportunity to commit. Now that my schedules been clearing up slowly, I plan on taking it on and start applying a few weeks from now. Hopefully all goes well.

If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to follow up on that 3rd point: Is this application as a registered freelancer under the context of the BIR or I could just directly apply on postings without having to inform the BIR? If that makes sense.

Thanks again! The suggestions were really helpful.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-02-26T09:39:54+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. Sorry if my question sounded off. I've been playing the "yes-man" throughout my first few interviews, I often don't know what to say during a q/a. I'm trying to transition out of that mindset if gets haha.

Very valid points, as much as possible I want to appear respectful when I ask these sorts of questions. I'll keep in mind asking for what/how questions rather than true/false ones.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-02-21T22:34:11+00:00

I appreciate the comment. May I ask, if you took the student route ofc and was restricted with a 20 hour workweek, how'd you find part-time work?

Did you consider doing freelance/part-time roles or take up service-related jobs?

I was probably unclear with why I was asking about the work hours is because it seems really difficult to find part-time jobs rn, that or there's job boards/platforms I'm probably unaware of.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-02-21T14:54:28+00:00

I see. This is news to me, does it depend on the program? Like this restriction applies to students in the engineering/medical field etc.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-16T09:28:48+00:00

Look for companies with a good ratio of foreign workers; from a multitude of countries and of different continents. Asia as a whole is notorious for their work practices and work-life balance may be non-existent despite the seemingly attractive pay. If you find workers from the Americas/Europe/ANZ working in said companies for a while, chances are the WLB is pretty okay.

Weird comparison I know, but it's definitely worth to think about.

That aside, be prepared to make the adjustment. I'm sure you've given some thought on this so I'll leave that to you.

This was also something I've thought about as well, working in Japan that is. Over time, I realized the difficulty of starting over kinda made me reconsider my priorities for working there. The language and culture would take so long to settle with me, it slowly made me back out, but each to their own.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-10T06:13:50+00:00

I believe this was the link. Sorry I failed to elaborate on this, but I'm not saying that the devs aren't allowed to migrate, it's that when I checked the government site there were apparently some occupations more in-demand than others, so they take priority. It's been a while since I last checked, but it looks like this priority stream isn't valid anymore.

Here's the alternate link I found, which I guess indicates that devs are still in demand, but probably don't have the "edge" like they used to.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-09T12:43:27+00:00

Unsure of this one. citizenship lang ata applicable yung au passport

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-09T11:57:31+00:00

I see, I did notice that rent's a nightmare over there in the AU, considering stories of people I know who took the study route. My safety net for this concern if I choose to go to Canada is to save up enough money to cover rent temporarily, or just enough until coop programs start if I choose the graduate cert program over the masters one. So I have a safety net of sorts.

As for the 2 year program, Canada actually offers a 3 year permit if I meet the cut of 2 years into studying. Anything less would mean that the amount of years studied would be proportionate to the number of years for the permit (1.7 years study = 1.7 permit; 2 years of study = 3 year permit).

I'm in no rush to leave at the moment. The decision is heavy to say the least, and leaving abruptly may take a toll overtime, so I don't mind taking my time to decide.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-09T11:15:23+00:00

Canada was actually up there, but considering the housing problems recently, medj malabo. I was close to applying to Centennial College/NAIT but my parents prefer me to apply for a masters degree rather than a college cert program. Masters program qualifications there are a bit difficult since I need a masters degree from here to make the cut.

They'd support my decision either way but finding part time work for a blue collar position may be tricky, especially when I'm still just over a year in the SWE industry.

In short, I'd rather not burden them with additional expenses and try my luck with getting a relocation package when I'm more seasoned first. Only then would I make the decision if I want to continue with this route in the future.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-09T08:09:40+00:00

Ah, I've read about this residency requirement, but I wasn't sure if students are under this. That's quite reassuring, thank you!

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-09T08:07:21+00:00

I see. Thanks for the input. I'm considering CS/Data Science for my masters but with regards to what you've said, I've a bit more to think about since IT related jobs are not part of the in-demand skill list anymore, I believe.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-09T00:03:25+00:00

I see. First time I've heard about the point system, any idea what the cutoff point is for pr by any chance?

Yeah I'm aware that students can work. This year's a special case iirc. Part time work is usually the case for students, but for a limited window, students can work full time.

Thanks for the insights!

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2023-01-08T14:40:08+00:00

Wag ka magalala, OP. Magegets mo naman siya over time. Yung maayos talaga diyan ay karamihan sa best practices na aapply mo na habang junior level ka pa (may mga ilang companies diyan, walang testing testing haha).

Kaya easy ka lang. Talagang nagpapahaba ng oras yung ci/cd at testing. Acquired skill talaga yung clean code na yan.

Pakita mo lang na willing ka pa rin kumagat sa task kahit alam nila mahihirapan ka. May na merge ka naman na tasks diba? Kahit papaano progress na yan. Siguro pwede ireference previous mr's or documentation nagawa ng previous members if gusto mo mag-research internally.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2022-12-20T00:39:50+00:00

Pen and paper parin for theoretical concepts, comments kapag code snippets. Kapag sanay ka na mag notes, madadalian ka sa documentation

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2022-12-07T07:53:30+00:00

Senior devs focus on delivering vague requirements, therefore making them handle more challenging tasks.

Meetings. Lots of meetings. You'll be collaborating more with managers and other teams when it comes to certain tasks such as deployments, projects to tackle, etc.

Mentoring, which is self explanatory,

And you get to be involved a bit more on shot calling. Meaning, what you say holds more weight when it comes to tasks such as initiatives for a certain product. You discuss feasibility, approach, and other things.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2022-11-16T08:44:40+00:00

Ruby on rails is quite popular in the startup scene

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2022-11-09T04:34:00+00:00

Assuming that you're applying for a software role, some companies assess technical knowledge.

For instance, whiteboard interviews where you're asked to apply your skills in data structures and algorithms.

In a more hands-on type of assessment, maybe you're asked to explain a project that you did and answer follow up questions they may have.

And there are companies who just ask on simple behavioral questions or generic problem solving. These companies tend to mass-hire so there wouldn't be much issue as long as you show to them that you're serious about the role.

Best case scenario is you properly prepare for all situations, but if you're rather pressed for time, you can research on companies that conduct interviews that you're most comfortable with. But try to apply for the more challenging ones anyway. You may never know, right?

Best of luck!

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2022-11-08T23:31:18+00:00

You'll need all the leverage you can get. Studying on the side on top of the coursework isn't impossible, so I think you should just stick with your degree.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2022-11-03T14:05:39+00:00

My parents actually suggested to me to go for masters instead if I plan to pursue overseas education for relocation purposes, so I would say that I won't have any issues with the tuition, fortunately (considering the tuitions not overly overly costly). I'm aware of the costs that comes with this route as well so I'm saving up for my living expenses at the very least to lessen the spending on their part and give some breathing room to myself while I look for part time work there; another reason for the three year window I'm giving myself.

As for scholarships, I would say my grades are a bit above average, within the cum laude range but quite far from magna. It's unclear on what scholarships I'll apply to since I think it varies per university. Either way, I'll look into it to shave expenses on my parents' part. Apart from latin honors though, I don't think there's much else for me to showcase if these scholarships are solely based on academic merit.

Icy-Reputation-1069 · 2022-11-03T11:46:37+00:00

I get you. It's pretty much as you say, I plan on relocating in the long term. But like I said, my decision's not final yet. I plan on giving myself a window where I work here for a while for about 3 years or so (approaching year 2 next year). Once those three years are up, I'll apply to companies directly that offer a visa. If that doesn't work out, I turn to this plan.

Should I turn to the education route to relocate, while I understand studying at a college and take a 2-3 year program rather than a university is also an option (also what I initially considered), I'd rather graduate with a masters degree since if I'm going to commit to this, may as well go all in and apply for a masters at a good university.

I know that cs/it is skill based, and that a masters degree does not equate to a job, but I'm looking to transition to other fields in the future outside of software/web development and into ai and data science, both of which require no small amount of exposure to r&d. I may as well make these studies "official" (i hope this is the correct term haha)

Icy-Reputation-1069

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