So I’m a hobbyist game developer for years whose day job is writing reports/troubleshooting database issues with MSSQL.
I’m a bit over half way through a CS bachelors degree!
I’m aware of three ways to get experience to help me find a job once I graduate, and wondering if one is superior to the others, or if there is another way!
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Personal projects. There is a very large programming project I’ve been working on off and on for 2ish years and I feel like after my recent programming classes I can probably start it off right and trash all my previous prototypes.
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Work on open source projects. This one is a bit scarier at this point, as I’d have to find one I like, one that is active, one that my skills fit with, one I can get accepted with, etc.
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Find entry level freelance things. I’m aware I could maybe do cheap tasks on Fiverr, or sign up for things like Data annotation, to earn a bit of money and have “something” directly related to programming on my resume.
3.5 Could do coding challenges, but most of the ones I’ve seen don’t seem super relevant to making large programs, but solving convoluted puzzles. But would love to hear if there is a site that has more real world challenges.
My personal experience for previous projects (and favorite programming class so far) has been python (shocking I know). Hoping I’ll fall in love with C# programming once I get into the advanced classes with it, as I know that pairs much nicer with my MSSQL experience. Oh my game dev has also been in Game Maker, which uses GML, so not superrr helpful experience.
So any thoughts/opinions?
Getting a job is a multi stage battle. Options 1, 2, and 3.5 won’t get you past the first stage, the inept HR screener. Doesn’t matter if it’s an entry level job, your resume looks worse to them than anyone with any professional experience. Option 3 kinda works for it, but even better would be an internship or two. That looks like real experience to the HR monkeys. Once you slay them, now you’re to the manager resume screen. This is where options 1 and 2, and maybe 3.5 can help. Score an interview with them, then it’s up to your shining personality to get you the rest of the way.
Every job in the industry has hundreds of applicants these days. It’s no longer enough that your resume meets the requirements, it’s got to actually compete. Since most jobs allow remote these days, it’s got to compete on a national or even international scale. Apply to on-site or hybrid roles to limit the market of competition. Make sure your resume screams that you’re better than the rest.
Good luck!