After College, What Type of Jobs Should One Seek?

Sushant Bhatia asks: "I'm coming to the end of my Masters degree, and I'm on the prowl for jobs. However, there are so many types out there it's just overwhelming for someone who's never had to go through the job-hunting process before. So, what should I do? Should I go for a full-time, contract, half-time, or something else? Also, what kind of position should a person with a Master's in Computer Science be looking for (other than dish washer)? I've been looking at senior software developer positions, but is that too high up the ladder for someone 'fresh' to cope with? My current manager (research lab) says that 'You should always find a job that is above your skill level so that you can learn and be challenged.' I think he's right, but is that something Slashdot readers agree with? What was your job coming out of university?"

Comments

Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[Average_Joe_Sixpack]

I hear Wal-Mart is always looking for shelf stockers

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[UnknowingFool]

Also, it may be helpful to memorize this phrase:

"Do you want fries with that?"

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[PakProtector]

/me coughs

It's "Hi. I have a BS in Liberal Arts. Would you like Fries with that?"

Oh, and before you try it: Wrong kind of BS.

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[zapp]

Not to nitpick, but BS is Batchelor of Science

You mean a BA (Batchelor of Arts)..

unless of course, you mean bullshit degree ;)

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[RickPartin]

Actually Wal-Mart has a very advanced inventory management system. Headquarters knows within minutes when you buy a candy bar even. I'm sure they have tech jobs available.

Just doing my duty to apply logic to Slashdot comments that don't ask for it.

Start with CEO

[RajivSLK]

I think CEO is a nice place to start. If you can't get that then maybe settle for COO or Vice President. You've spent too long in school to settle for anything less. Remember always get a job that is above your skill level, it makes life more fun!

Something's Wrong Here

[Anonymous Coward]

You just got a Master's degree, and you come to slashdot for career advice?

Most people here are kids working at McDonald's or aging, overweight geeks living in their parents basement.

My advice, listen to all the +5 comments, and do the exact opposite.

Re:Something's Wrong Here

[grub]

My advice, listen to all the +5 comments, and do the exact opposite.

I really hope your comment gets to +5. The connundrum of doing the opposite of the opposite will make his head explode.

...probably the moderation system...

[abb3w]

My advice, listen to all the +5 comments, and do the exact opposite.

Of course, Slashdot moderation being what it is, the parent will probably end up with a +5 moderation, and then what do you do?

Re:...probably the moderation system...

[RickPartin]

Or what if two +5 comments have opposite advice?? Oh god, lets stop talking about this subject right now before we tear the universe apart.

Re:...probably the moderation system...

[Sentry21]

If you can't reconcile someone telling you to do something that is logically impossible, you aren't going to get very along very well with your managers... At least, you wouldn't get along well with mine.

Re:Learn people skills

[dabigpaybackski]

And don't forget that most people want extra ketchup packets. I hate it when I order fries and they put two dinky ketchup packets in the bag. It makes me wonder just what is going on in our colleges these days.

Re:Why enter the real world?

[b17bmbr]

so, how's the weather in Calcutta?

Re:Learn to spell and punctuate, for one thing

[mpupu]

If we weren't obsessive about details, our programs wouldn't compile, and we wouldn't be who we are.

Luckily, English isn't a compiled language. It's interpreted, and the intepreter's syntax is usually quite lax.