Summer jobs for noobs

[Illyusha]

He's probably allergic to flour.

 

[mesthead21]

Nobody would ever want an employee like you.

So my advice is: Keep getting money from your parents and/or loans

 

[TridenT]

Nobody would ever want an employee like you.

So my advice is: Keep getting money from your parents and/or loans

My parents don't give me money except for school books and my one time theft incident.

 

[AreaCode707]

Right. So further along than me by a year.

Like I said, most of these places in Seattle are looking for people who are already very experienced individuals. It's unlikely that I will find a single place that goes, "You don't know C/C++? WE'LL TEACH YOU WITH OUR EXPERIENCED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEAM. THE ECONOMY IS IN THE SHITTER AND WE'D LOVE TO WASTE OUR TIME/MONEY/RESOURCES ON YOU!"

When I was at Amazon we would bring on interns that were juniors in high school, zero experience, zero skills, but had persistently participated in a YWCA program for low-income, low-opportunity kids. Their persistence in the program indicated that they had the trait we were most looking for; the drive to succeed no matter what.

You totally fail to have that drive. If you had that and nothing else, you could get some damn good work in Seattle and build the foundation of your future life. Without that drive, you are as worthless as your excuses make you out to be.

I showed up in Seattle with $500, no parental backing, and no experience (though I did at that point have a university degree... in English). It only took me 3 years to get to a $65k job. I had the drive, and I was willing to commit to anything anyone asked of me as long as I had the time to go off and learn how to do it on my own. No excuses, just willingness to work my ass off.

So shut the hell up and work, you lazy moron.

 

[mesthead21]

My parents don't give me money except for school books and my one time theft incident.

Alright then your fucked. Good luck on any interview with your depressing, piece of shit attitude

 

[TridenT]

When I was at Amazon we would bring on interns that were juniors in high school, zero experience, zero skills, but had persistently participated in a YWCA program for low-income, low-opportunity kids. Their persistence in the program indicated that they had the trait we were most looking for; the drive to succeed no matter what.

You totally fail to have that drive. If you had that and nothing else, you could get some damn good work in Seattle and build the foundation of your future life. Without that drive, you are as worthless as your excuses make you out to be.

I showed up in Seattle with $500, no parental backing, and no experience (though I did at that point have a university degree... in English). It only took me 3 years to get to a $65k job. I had the drive, and I was willing to commit to anything anyone asked of me as long as I had the time to go off and learn how to do it on my own. No excuses, just willingness to work my ass off.

So shut the hell up and work, you lazy moron.

I think Amazon changed then. I looked into what Amazon wanted. They had some pretty strict requirements for internships. They weren't like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive, we'll totally take yah buddy!" It was more so like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive and these five hundred programming languages down."

Hell here is just a sample of it:

Software Development Engineer Intern/Co-Op – here’s what we’re looking for:

• Strong object-oriented design and coding skills (C/C++ and/or Java, preferably on a UNIX or Linux platform)
• Experience with distributed (multi-tiered) systems, algorithms, relational databases and optimization
• Ability to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions
• Adept at handling ambiguous or undefined challenges through abstract thinking
• Currently enrolled in a Computer Science/Computer Engineering program (or related technical discipline) with at least one term to finish after the completion of the Amazon internship

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

They don't actually expect all applicants to have those skills. They're just there to weed out weaklings like you who don't have the tenacity to apply because of the high requirements.

 

[TridenT]

They don't actually expect all applicants to have those skills. They're just there to weed out weaklings like you who don't have the tenacity to apply because of the high requirements.

I'm pretty skeptical of that.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

I'm pretty skeptical of that.

I'm shocked.

 

[DanDaManJC]

I think Amazon changed then. I looked into what Amazon wanted. They had some pretty strict requirements for internships. They weren't like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive, we'll totally take yah buddy!" It was more so like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive and these five hundred programming languages down."

Hell here is just a sample of it:

Software Development Engineer Intern/Co-Op – here’s what we’re looking for:

• Strong object-oriented design and coding skills (C/C++ and/or Java, preferably on a UNIX or Linux platform)
• Experience with distributed (multi-tiered) systems, algorithms, relational databases and optimization
• Ability to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions
• Adept at handling ambiguous or undefined challenges through abstract thinking
• Currently enrolled in a Computer Science/Computer Engineering program (or related technical discipline) with at least one term to finish after the completion of the Amazon internship

Doesn't hurt to try right? I just applied to a job that listed "5 years experience" as a pre-req... and I'm a recent grad. I ended up getting past the screener interview... now they're going to fly me down to HQ and give me the full on interview (im scurred).

It is tough to get the first internship... but you've just gotta apply everywhere. Honestly, yeah, you probably won't get into Amazon or Microsoft unless you're hot stuff or you know someone. So, just start applying to the smaller companies. The smaller companies don't have HR people screening applications, and you'll be much more likely to have a head engineer look at your resume, someone who can emphasize with your need for experience. Look up businesses in the WA state business directory. There's a website, and just start cold calling.

Also, why not get involved with the Seattle chapters of IEEE or ACM? Just goto some of the meetings and start networking with professionals there. While they can't promise students jobs -- the simple fact that you took initiative to start getting involved in a professional society that is directly relevant to your field of study will set you apart. Plus many of the professional officers there are more than willing to mentor you and give you guidance.

Edit:
Since you're by the UW, see if you can't get an unpaid research position at the UW. It doesn't matter what or where.. anything will count. There are plenty of undergrads who haven't taken a SINGLE engineering course who do undergrad research. Sure, they aren't "really" doing the "real" research --- but they're still learning and being exposed to the stuff. Plus, the fact that you did research with so-and-so prof will look good on your application when you try and get into UW.

Check this out too, it would be hard as hell:
http://www.southwestern.com/

 

[AreaCode707]

I think Amazon changed then. I looked into what Amazon wanted. They had some pretty strict requirements for internships. They weren't like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive, we'll totally take yah buddy!" It was more so like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive and these five hundred programming languages down."

Hell here is just a sample of it:

Software Development Engineer Intern/Co-Op – here’s what we’re looking for:

• Strong object-oriented design and coding skills (C/C++ and/or Java, preferably on a UNIX or Linux platform)
• Experience with distributed (multi-tiered) systems, algorithms, relational databases and optimization
• Ability to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions
• Adept at handling ambiguous or undefined challenges through abstract thinking
• Currently enrolled in a Computer Science/Computer Engineering program (or related technical discipline) with at least one term to finish after the completion of the Amazon internship

I quit in July; there has not been a significant culture change since then, and the YWCA program continues. Your problem is that you have no drive now and you definitely have no drive from your past, and if you HAD drive you would be looking for jobs that are outside of the standard SDE internships and give you a glimpse at the SDE world from other departments with less stringent requirements.

 

[Dr. Zaus]

^this^

 

[Locut0s]

I think Amazon changed then. I looked into what Amazon wanted. They had some pretty strict requirements for internships. They weren't like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive, we'll totally take yah buddy!" It was more so like, "Hey, as long as you have the drive and these five hundred programming languages down."

Hell here is just a sample of it:

Software Development Engineer Intern/Co-Op – here’s what we’re looking for:

• Strong object-oriented design and coding skills (C/C++ and/or Java, preferably on a UNIX or Linux platform)
• Experience with distributed (multi-tiered) systems, algorithms, relational databases and optimization
• Ability to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions
• Adept at handling ambiguous or undefined challenges through abstract thinking
• Currently enrolled in a Computer Science/Computer Engineering program (or related technical discipline) with at least one term to finish after the completion of the Amazon internship

You do realize that many people apply for these types of jobs who have like 1/4 or less of the skills they list and get the job right? Or they list these exact skills on their resume but are basically bull shitting about most of them. A hell of a lot of jobs list all kinds of skills that you either will never need or are easy to pick up on the job.

 

[jupiter57]

I don't see why people in this thread are trying to help him. He's only motivated to work at some place like Wal-Mart.

It's hard as fuck in this economy to get job none the less a fucking internship.

On the contrary.
He is not interested in any job that requires he NOT be surfing the net & playing video games all day.

TridenT, we all know you are only attending school for the Gubment money, not to learn anything that may lead to a career.
When you graduate, I am willing to bet you apply for Government assistance, SSI Disability, perhaps. AMIRITE?

I have never bashed you before, as I had much of the same feelings of hopelessness and teen angst when I was in High School as you do.
I joined the military straight out of school and gained A LOT of confidence and maturity in a hurry.

 

[TridenT]

On the contrary.
He is not interested in any job that requires he NOT be surfing the net & playing video games all day.

TridenT, we all know you are only attending school for the Gubment money, not to learn anything that may lead to a career.
When you graduate, I am willing to bet you apply for Government assistance, SSI Disability, perhaps. AMIRITE?

I have never bashed you before, as I had much of the same feelings of hopelessness and teen angst when I was in High School as you do.
I joined the military straight out of school and gained A LOT of confidence and maturity in a hurry.

Yeah. I have no reason to join the military since I like to do my own thing.

And how would I get SSI Disability if I have no disability... at all?

 

[Locut0s]

Yeah. I have no reason to join the military since I like to do my own thing.

And how would I get SSI Disability if I have no disability... at all?

Does this mean if there was a way to get it without having a disability that you would take it?

 

[RichUK]

--

 

[TridenT]

Does this mean if there was a way to get it without having a disability that you would take it?

Depends if I was in school or not.

 

[Maximilian]

Sell sperm, i tried doing that but apparently you cant in the UK :thumbsdown: BS!

 

[Locut0s]

Depends if I was in school or not.

If you were not in school but couldn't find a job. If there was some loophole that you found that allowed you to collect without being disabled. Would you do it?

 

[TridenT]

If you were not in school but couldn't find a job. If there was some loophole that you found that allowed you to collect without being disabled. Would you do it?

Obviously it depends on many circumstances. Of course I'd do it if I cannot find a job... I kinda need food to live while I do find a job. Me not finding a job though would never happen (after school). It's a matter of whether or not I want certain ones at that point...

 

[guyver01]

Yeah. I have no reason to join the military since I like to do nothing.

ftfy

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Me not finding a job though would never happen (after school). It's a matter of whether or not I want certain ones at that point...

Haha. I know people much smarter and much more able than you who had trouble finding work straight out of uni. What makes you think it will be so easy for you?

 

[Hacp]

People are being a bit too harsh on Trident. This isn't 2007. Back then, I remember almost every junior in college was able to get an internship. Now in 2011, its impossible to get an internship. I know someone with 3.8 gpas(in engineering), president of the professional organization chapter, full scholarship through school and he still can't get an internship. Yes, its a state school but still, at least some company has to look at him right?

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

People are being a bit too harsh on Trident. This isn't 2007. Back then, I remember almost every junior in college was able to get an internship. Now in 2011, its impossible to get an internship. I know someone with 3.8 gpas(in engineering), president of the professional organization chapter, full scholarship through school and he still can't get an internship. Yes, its a state school but still, at least some company has to look at him right?

It's even harder if you don't apply because you have a defeatist attitude.