I’m a graduating college senior and I plan on doing software development as soon as I can find a decent job. Luckily the job market hasn’t been hit as badly in Texas as other states, and I’ve been interviewing with a handful of consulting companies.
I’m graduating mid-way through May, and after that I have to find a place to stay (I’m living in the dorms). If I can get a job offer, I can probably convince my parents to loan me some money to sign an apartment lease and get a car, but if time runs out I think they expect me to dump my stuff in storage and fly home. I was planning on going to grad school but then decided to work. I’ve been hunting seriously for about a month, and didn’t realize the process is so slow. The first application I submitted that has become a viable option was one I submitted more than a month ago, and I’m hoping to hear back with a yes or no by the end of this week, which may or may not happen. I’ve (very likely) got a final interview for another position in 2 weeks, just a few days before graduation, and a first interview about the same time somewhere else. There are still other companies I can apply to, but time’s running out.
Does anyone have suggestions for options I should consider that would give me more time to find something? My parents live overseas and I suspect that they really want me to live with them for a year before reapplying to grad school, either working with my Dad or somewhere nearby, although I’ve told them that’s really only something I’d consider as a last resort (I want to stay in the area and I wouldn’t be able to do the work I can here). I don’t know how feasible it would be to apply for jobs remotely, would companies generally consider having phone interviews only? Also, would it make sense to apply for a loan of some sort to live on for a month or two (for example I’m pre-approved for a $3k personal loan from my bank)? That seems a little risky just in case I can’t find anything. The other option I haven’t considered too seriously yet but might be my best bet is to find a lesser-quality job to support myself in the meantime. Are there any types of jobs in particular I should look for as a computer science/engineering graduate that would be easy (and quick) to get and might strengthen my resume for future software positions?
I’m trying my best to handle my situation as carefully as possible, but as a student I’m somewhat ignorant about the real world and, if you have any suggestions, they would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
You could also try freelancing for very small companies or entrepreneurs to increase your portfolio for interviews and to network (for getting your name around and to hear of other possible jobs).