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How can i get a Entry level job?
"Hi, I'm Ragini. I have a degree in Computer Science, but I’ve been struggling to enter the IT field. Currently, I am working a part-time job while looking for a remote, entry-level opportunity. I often feel confused about where to start my career. Can anyone guide me on the best path forward?"
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6 answers
Updated
Leela’s Answer
I would start with networking. Get on linkedin.com, reach out to your classmates and be introduced to their contacts.
Ensure that your resume is written well. If you have worked on projects, internship or others, do capture the experiences in your resume.
Keep your references ready to provide. Reach out to your references for networking further
If you have companies that you are interested in working, do the research on these companies, reach out to folks in those companies ie leaders, HR folks and introduce yourself. Send your resume.
I hope you are open to jobs that are onsite.
While you are applying for jobs, I would also equip myself with some AI training. AI is the future! Learning tools and technologies like python, Rag, LLMs, AWS/Azure AI models, data science, java, cloud computing, databricks etc will be useful. There is a lot that is open source that you can use to train yourself. Cloud computing certifications may be useful
Good luck with your job search!
Ensure that your resume is written well. If you have worked on projects, internship or others, do capture the experiences in your resume.
Keep your references ready to provide. Reach out to your references for networking further
If you have companies that you are interested in working, do the research on these companies, reach out to folks in those companies ie leaders, HR folks and introduce yourself. Send your resume.
I hope you are open to jobs that are onsite.
While you are applying for jobs, I would also equip myself with some AI training. AI is the future! Learning tools and technologies like python, Rag, LLMs, AWS/Azure AI models, data science, java, cloud computing, databricks etc will be useful. There is a lot that is open source that you can use to train yourself. Cloud computing certifications may be useful
Good luck with your job search!
Thanks a lot Leela for giving me advice.
I definitely will follow the above approach.
Ragini
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Ragini, I also had trouble starting my career in IT, but in the US, because I hadn't done any internships during school. I started with a volunteer opportunity I found on volunteermatch.org. Find some more sites for your locale. I volunteered with libraryforall.org if you'd like to reach out to them!
From there I went into a coding bootcamp. Try finding one that has connections with employers, if you can afford it. Otherwise, try applying directly with some contracting companies, like Deloitte (a UK company!) and Infosys. That's where my bootcamp led me to start my career 7 years ago.
Be persistent applying to employers, and do something everyday to keep your skills up. It could be a code challenge every day, like Codewars or Leetcode. Start a project. Games are good because they have rules, and thus you need to program the logic. It can be a simple command line game.
There's no avoiding bug tickets in IT, so apply to adjacent roles, like technical support or QA/SDET. Finally, you may have to be in-person to start. I found my leverage to be remote leaving a remote-unfriendly employer and having 4 years of experience. I hope you can do it in 3!
From there I went into a coding bootcamp. Try finding one that has connections with employers, if you can afford it. Otherwise, try applying directly with some contracting companies, like Deloitte (a UK company!) and Infosys. That's where my bootcamp led me to start my career 7 years ago.
Be persistent applying to employers, and do something everyday to keep your skills up. It could be a code challenge every day, like Codewars or Leetcode. Start a project. Games are good because they have rules, and thus you need to program the logic. It can be a simple command line game.
There's no avoiding bug tickets in IT, so apply to adjacent roles, like technical support or QA/SDET. Finally, you may have to be in-person to start. I found my leverage to be remote leaving a remote-unfriendly employer and having 4 years of experience. I hope you can do it in 3!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Ragini
Updated
Syed Hammad’s Answer
- Talk to people, not just job boards. Professors, classmates, alumni, and guest speakers are all potential connections.
- Attend campus events and career fairs. Ask questions, show genuine interest, and follow up afterward.
-Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field of interest, and send brief, polite messages to ask for advice or an informational chat.
-Join bootcamps that offer structured learning and portfolio projects.
-Master a programming language. Use LeetCode, HackerRank and other websites to solve problems in Python or any other language relevant to AI or data science.
-Learn libraries like pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow if you are interested in AI.
-Build and share projects - anything from political data dashboards to AI-powered election prediction tools.
-Post your work on GitHub and share updates on LinkedIn or a personal website.
-Apply daily on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn with a tailored resume to each role. Use Keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of getting an interview.
Don't wait to feel ready - entry-level means you are learning. Companies don't expect perfection.
-Follow up with a thank you if they respond.
You don't have to do it all once. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on learning and connecting. Entry-level jobs often go to the people who show effort and enthusiasm, even more than those with the perfect resume.
- Attend campus events and career fairs. Ask questions, show genuine interest, and follow up afterward.
-Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field of interest, and send brief, polite messages to ask for advice or an informational chat.
-Join bootcamps that offer structured learning and portfolio projects.
-Master a programming language. Use LeetCode, HackerRank and other websites to solve problems in Python or any other language relevant to AI or data science.
-Learn libraries like pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow if you are interested in AI.
-Build and share projects - anything from political data dashboards to AI-powered election prediction tools.
-Post your work on GitHub and share updates on LinkedIn or a personal website.
-Apply daily on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn with a tailored resume to each role. Use Keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of getting an interview.
Don't wait to feel ready - entry-level means you are learning. Companies don't expect perfection.
-Follow up with a thank you if they respond.
You don't have to do it all once. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on learning and connecting. Entry-level jobs often go to the people who show effort and enthusiasm, even more than those with the perfect resume.
Updated
Donald’s Answer
Hi Ragini,
I started in IT without a degree or formal classes. I got a job at HP Inc. by making profiles on job sites and applying for entry-level positions with a resume highlighting my IT interests.
I highly recommend using LinkedIn. It's a great platform for professionals. LinkedIn also offers its own learning programs. While not entirely free, these classes can help you grow in any area you choose.
Additionally Linked in has job postings with direct contact to the company recruiter.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Donald Goucher
HP Inc.
I started in IT without a degree or formal classes. I got a job at HP Inc. by making profiles on job sites and applying for entry-level positions with a resume highlighting my IT interests.
I highly recommend using LinkedIn. It's a great platform for professionals. LinkedIn also offers its own learning programs. While not entirely free, these classes can help you grow in any area you choose.
Additionally Linked in has job postings with direct contact to the company recruiter.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Donald Goucher
HP Inc.
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Many jobs are found through referrals and informal networks. Use your university's alumni network, go to career fairs, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Each interaction could lead to an opportunity. Apply and interview for as many jobs as you can. Even if a job isn't the right fit, the hiring manager might remember you for future positions.
Keep improving your skills by taking free courses on topics like AI literacy, data analysis, or project management. This shows employers you are eager to learn, grow, and stay updated on trends in your field.
Keep improving your skills by taking free courses on topics like AI literacy, data analysis, or project management. This shows employers you are eager to learn, grow, and stay updated on trends in your field.
Updated
Gemma’s Answer
Hi Ragini,
I began my career in Marketing and Ecommerce through an Apprenticeship at an IT company. There are also graduate job opportunities within the company. I suggest looking into companies you're interested in to find early career opportunities or programs you can apply for.
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for networking and sharing your experiences. Additionally, attending career or technology events can be a wonderful way to connect with industry professionals.
I hope this advice inspires you!
I began my career in Marketing and Ecommerce through an Apprenticeship at an IT company. There are also graduate job opportunities within the company. I suggest looking into companies you're interested in to find early career opportunities or programs you can apply for.
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for networking and sharing your experiences. Additionally, attending career or technology events can be a wonderful way to connect with industry professionals.
I hope this advice inspires you!