tmsmalley, Steve, RetiredEEHello folks, it's been well over eight/nine months since the last time I came to these forums, and you guessed right: someone finally felt sorry for me and gave me a job. I am doing low level programming. I am one of a handful of low level programmers who solve minor problems and do tedious work. It's a boring job, and it pays well below average. But, you know my story. I graduated from college, about a year and a half ago, with a "decent" GPA, with honors, from what passes as a 'good' school, but with no work experience or extracurriculars. As a result, I spent several agonizing months searching for a job until I got my lucky break. Tess, Steve, RetireEE - assuming you still lurk around these areas - how are you doing? Now that my ego is broken, I wonder if one day I will find a job where I won't be miserable. Let's suppose I complete a year of experience at my current job - I can't stay at my current job any longer, what's the next step for me? What are the jobs I should be shooting for? Tess, does it seem like the numbers (experience level/academics) finally coalesced? Or is my GPA irrelevant at this point in the game? I look forward to hearing from you and receiving sincere answers. Thanks for reading. David, I'm glad to hear that you got a job. I know it's not the job of your dreams, but you're working and that's what's important. You need to do your best at this job, learn as much as you can, and be the best worker your boss has. You're building for your future right now. In a year or so, when you go to look for another job, you want to be able to show potential employers what a GREAT employee you are. If you get any "atta boy" emails or notes, save them to show at your interviews (or your next evaluation). Take on any additional responsibilites that you can, to show that you want to grow and learn. Make sure you get to work on time, don't go over your breaks, and don't leave early. Show up every day and do your work without complaint. Don't talk badly about anyone (that always comes back to bit you in the butt). Keep reminding yourself that working is GOOD, bringing home a paycheck is GOOD, and building a solid work ethic and experience to show your next employer is GOOD. Take one day at a time, and enjoy whatever you can find good on that job. Best of luck to you! WB
Does anyone know if the members mentioned in the title of this thread still participate in this forum?
Hi David, Tess participates here and on the other boards. Steve may post on Industry Insights and RetiredEE I also don't know actually. David, it is good to hear from you. It sounds like you are doing ok. Well, if not ok in your estimation, at least you are making progress. As Tess says, do your best. And what is this about the ego thing? Life is always something of a comprimise. It doesn't mean that you rorally give up on your goals and desires. Sometimes good things happen when you least expect them. Your next step? Ummm, honestly I'd say become active in a couple of organizations, maybe a church group, perhaps a film group of some sort, whatever. Just to get to know people, socialize a bit. Anyway, best wishes. | |
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Career Tips
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