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?"

Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[Average_Joe_Sixpack]

I hear Wal-Mart is always looking for shelf stockers

Learn people skills

[halcyon1234]

Or learn "would you like fries with that?"

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.

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[UnknowingFool]

Also, it may be helpful to memorize this phrase:

"Do you want fries with that?"

...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: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: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.

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:Learn people skills

[Rosco P. Coltrane]

Or learn "would you like fries with that?"

Here's the instructional video:

clickey [americanangst.com]...

Re:Why enter the real world?

[b17bmbr]

so, how's the weather in Calcutta?

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: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.

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

[justforaday]

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

That's an easy one. You take his advice and ignore what he told you to do...

Re:Learn to spell and punctuate, for one thing

[m85476585]

You can post your resume as some kind of story on /. and see how many people find mistakes!

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.

senior?

[Seumas]

I've been looking at senior software developer positions, but is that too high up the ladder for someone 'fresh' to cope with?

You have how many tens of thousands of dollars in education over how many years and you don't understand the meaning of the word "senior"?

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:Cupstacker

[sickofthisshit]

Cupstacking is for real. You can become famous

Where by "famous" I assume you mean "as famous as Emily Fox."

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[rs79]

"'You should always find a job that is above your skill level so that you can learn and be challenged.'"

So do the computer thing as a hobby and become a plumber. From a lot of the code I've seen out there, plumbing would be a good step up and challenging.

As a plumber you'll be the richest guy in your city. And you'll know how to fix your own toilet. Never hire a programmer than can't fix a toilet (ref: US Army study in the 70s).

Either way you'll be putting up with the same shit from different assholes. So what's the difference?

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[Tassach]

But I hear the company is one of those very religious, stick-up-their-ass type. You don't want to work for them, that's for sure.

Unless you happen to be a very religious, stick-up-your-ass type, in which case you'll fit right in.

Re:Learn to spell and punctuate, for one thing

[VirtuaKnight]

Obviously you've never worked with the "English teacher" version of the interpreter.

Re:Learn people skills

[AhBeeDoi]

True, but you can make up for the ketchup shortfall by taking four times as many napkins as you really need.

Re:Learn people skills

[AhBeeDoi]

I ask for the chili, but request that they hold the finger.

Re:Master's in Computer Science, eh?

[Anonymous Coward]

Nonono... BA = Bachelor of Attendance