How I Launched My Career as a Software Engineer

Back in January 2014, my fellow classmates and I were faced with a daunting task. On top of our portfolio classes, senior projects, electives and an Advanced Multimedia class (where we had to teach ourselves a programming language we were never taught before), we had to find, interview and secure an internship before April.

Of course, we had the help of our career services department, but I didn’t rely on them. I like to reference the saying, “if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” But, I also like to advise, “know when to ask for help,” and “don’t be afraid of feedback.” I loved my career adviser. She helped me out so much by reviewing my resume, giving me internship leads, reviewing my cover letters and checking in on me. I was in her office at least 4 times a week during this time.

I am not the type of person to solely rely on one resource. While others waited and expected their career advisers to do everything for them, I was searching the internet looking for my own leads on internships. I wasn’t going to be the one without an internship. The one who didn’t graduate.

I looked through the internship postings and found a couple good ones in my area. I always jump on any opportunity I can find, so I signed up right away and applied to the listings I saw. I had signed up on other websites and applied on them as well, but no one ever responded to me. Even after I sent follow-up emails or calls: no response.

Within a few days, I got a response in my email from the Chief Technology Officer of an advertising company. He wanted to schedule a phone interview with me. I was excited! I finally had a breakthrough. After the phone interview, came the in-person interview. I went to the office and was amazed of how beautiful it was. Everything and everyone looked like they belonged in a magazine.

A half hour later, I secured the internship and was the future Digital Services Intern for Elias/Savion. I was also the first one in my class to secure an internship. I had a great time there, but that is another story for another post.

WayUp is filled with real, legitimate internship and job offers. There are real people posting them and real people responding to them. But, the thing is, you have to make use of it. No one is going to do it for you. But, ask for help when needed. If you don’t know how to word a cover letter, ask for help. If you’re not sure if your resume is in tip-top shape, ask for feedback. You’ll be glad you did!