5 answers
Kathryn
Student
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
2
Questions
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Is "return offer" the major way of getting a job offer after graduation?
Hi! I am planning to apply to a graduate program in UX/HCI, and work as a UX designer after graduation. There are 1-year programs in some graduate schools, but my concern is that if they do not help much in job seeking. My friends told me if I join a 1-year program, I would not have the chance to do an intern before graduation, so I won't have a "return offer" from the IT/Internet companies.
Do the graduate Master students mainly get jobs in the IT/Internet industry through "return offers"? Thanks.
#technology #IT #internet #user-experience #return-offer #user-interface-design #user-experience-design
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5 answers
Dhairya Dalal
AI Research Scientist @ Posh Technologies
104
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Dhairya’s Answer
Hi Kathryn,
Good question. Each masters program is different. Usually good programs will have some sort of program to connect students to potential employers. Some have job fairs and recruiting days. More innovative programs will actually have classes partnered with companies. In these classes student will work on real world problems for a company and get unique networking opportunities.
Internships are a great way to get a potential offer at a company. Interns do have better offer rates vs the general pool at most companies.
That being said, each program will do things differently. For 1 year masters programs, you may able to intern during the semester or in the summer. Also schools like Northeastern actually have the internship/co-op as part of their curriculum.
There is no general method of employment for masters students. However, if you can find internship/co-op opportunities, I do highly recommend doing them.
Good question. Each masters program is different. Usually good programs will have some sort of program to connect students to potential employers. Some have job fairs and recruiting days. More innovative programs will actually have classes partnered with companies. In these classes student will work on real world problems for a company and get unique networking opportunities.
Internships are a great way to get a potential offer at a company. Interns do have better offer rates vs the general pool at most companies.
That being said, each program will do things differently. For 1 year masters programs, you may able to intern during the semester or in the summer. Also schools like Northeastern actually have the internship/co-op as part of their curriculum.
There is no general method of employment for masters students. However, if you can find internship/co-op opportunities, I do highly recommend doing them.
Hi Dhairya, thank you so much for your insights! They help me a lot. I am going to research more about the co-op universities.
Kathryn
Jessica Krucina
UX Designer
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hello Kathryn,
You have some sound advice here. I considered going into a program right out of university. I ended up securing a UX job and went straight into the industry. I have considered multiple times to further my education. I would suggest you consider trying to secure a job/internship to get real industry experience. There is a massive power in going from theory to execution. Many companies will support further education as well that you could consider.
If you choose the route of a 1 year program. Find design communities in your area. Find various avenues to network. The job will hopefully follow. Never stop applying regardless if you are in a program or not. You never know when the right opportunity will find you.
You have some sound advice here. I considered going into a program right out of university. I ended up securing a UX job and went straight into the industry. I have considered multiple times to further my education. I would suggest you consider trying to secure a job/internship to get real industry experience. There is a massive power in going from theory to execution. Many companies will support further education as well that you could consider.
If you choose the route of a 1 year program. Find design communities in your area. Find various avenues to network. The job will hopefully follow. Never stop applying regardless if you are in a program or not. You never know when the right opportunity will find you.
Lanie Anton
Survey Scientist at Airbnb
6
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Lanie’s Answer
Hi Kathryn,
Just to add one more thing to these great answers: a lot of companies have 'job postings' for interns or recent grads. This approach of companies posting to the public, rather than partnering directly with the schools, allows them to cast a wider net for potential new hires. If you go to a program that only does one year, this would allow you to do some searching on your own, and apply to those programs that I mentioned above.
On a personal note, I did not get a job through a 'return offer' but rather just applying to a lot of job listings. So it is possible!
Just to add one more thing to these great answers: a lot of companies have 'job postings' for interns or recent grads. This approach of companies posting to the public, rather than partnering directly with the schools, allows them to cast a wider net for potential new hires. If you go to a program that only does one year, this would allow you to do some searching on your own, and apply to those programs that I mentioned above.
On a personal note, I did not get a job through a 'return offer' but rather just applying to a lot of job listings. So it is possible!
Stephanie Wilkerson
Program Manager and UX Designer
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
I think you could definitely go to graduate school and still do an internship. It might be possible to do one in the summer, or even during the semester if there is time. I also don't think you will necessarily need it.
I was in UX for several years and involved in hiring. Most of the time we hired grad students out of grad school that were not ever interns. We tend to hire several people from the same grad schools (because we recruit at those schools). Building a good portfolio and being able to present it was more important than having been an intern. Many interns are hired with return offers, but more people total are hired from grad schools without having that experience.
I was in UX for several years and involved in hiring. Most of the time we hired grad students out of grad school that were not ever interns. We tend to hire several people from the same grad schools (because we recruit at those schools). Building a good portfolio and being able to present it was more important than having been an intern. Many interns are hired with return offers, but more people total are hired from grad schools without having that experience.
Andrea Wilmoth
IT Security Compliance
3
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Hi Kathryn! Choosing a program or school that offers internship opportunities is a great step in the right direction. If you have a choice on where you intern, gravitate towards companies that give their interns real work. This experience will also help you reflect on where you may want to do more or less of when you are ready to fully enter the marketplace.
While interning, focus on really showing what you can do and seeking out meaningful work to increase the odds of a return offer. Not everyone will get one, and sometimes that has nothing to do with your own capabilities. But, at least having that real-world experience on your resume will set you apparent during the hiring process at other companies, compared to new graduates that have no experience.
While interning, focus on really showing what you can do and seeking out meaningful work to increase the odds of a return offer. Not everyone will get one, and sometimes that has nothing to do with your own capabilities. But, at least having that real-world experience on your resume will set you apparent during the hiring process at other companies, compared to new graduates that have no experience.