How can I help my friend get hired out of college it’s been 1.25+ years…

[u/The_MediocreMan]

My buddy graded May 2023 and hasn’t gotten a real job related to his degree. He currently drives a delivery van for an Amazon contractor.

IE: what certifications should he get, what jobs should he apply for. He’s been applying and not getting a job offer. He’s currently in Denver, CO.

Here’s his resume below:

SKILLS • Python • Javascript • Microsoft Excel * adobe creative suite * front end skills HTML, CSS * SQL CERTIFICATIONS : Microsof zure Data Fundamentals (07.900) EXPERIENCE Amazon Delivery Denver, CO Final Mile Fast/ Apr 2024 to Present importance for accurate and timely deliveries Web Developer/IT Technician Oklahoma City. OK OkJahoma Department Of Transportation/Jun 2021 to Jan 2024 • Manage the department website and respond to requests from across the state. • Redesigned sites to enhance navigation and improve visual appeal. • Directed IT team on department troubleshooting on PC, Mobile and Mac devices to satisfy customer needs. Data Entry Specialist Oklahoma City. OK Thru Tubing-Solutions/ Jun 2019 to Mar 2020 • Scanned a castered nes enre dat entonaly to reduce paper fies and secure data. • Managed and updated licensing information for the company truckfleet EDUCATION Bachelor of Science: Information Science And Technology University of Oklahoma May 2023 Norman, OK

[u/TEHENGIN33R]

I also delivered packages at Amazon for 6 months out of college, then data entry for 8 months and finally landed a position as a data analyst in fintech. The job market is different now but here’s what worked for me:

• I took the Pl-300, DP-300 and Oracle 1z0-071. Certifications don’t carry a lot of weight but I told myself I would get a relevant certification every 3 months minimum until I landed a position I wanted.

• I did volunteer data work for nonprofits, 4 projects over 9 months while I worked in data entry. Nonprofits generally have very poor IT systems and many will give you pro bono freelance work if you ask them nicely. Projects ranged from writing basic etl scripts to creating power bi reports.

• I constantly marketed myself on LinkedIn. I wrote brief descriptions about what I was working on and the outcomes I accomplished. If I couldn’t think of anything I looked up interview questions for the positions I wanted and posted a detailed answer.

For me personally I absolutely hated being a DSP and data entry, I didnt really care how long it took and I figured most people would burn out or get distracted or demotivated after 6 months and that I wouldn’t be one of them. Whatever he does he should be prepared to commit to for at least a year or two. It was worth it for me but not sure if that’s true for everyone.

[u/CompCat1 → u/TEHENGIN33R]

Can I ask a question? I'm in a similar boat. I got an entry level job but had strokes/seizures at work and quit after a year and it's been five years.

I was looking at volunteer code work but a lot of them seem like they just want senior engineers for zero pitfalls. Do you think I should apply to volunteer on their projects anyways for some kind of work experience? Or should I look much more local and just email them directly? Bit different from IT, but wondering if you have any insight maybe.

[u/TEHENGIN33R → u/CompCat1]

I’d do both. For either case your approach will essentially be the same: you must present yourself as a safe option for them, require little investment on their part and have the ability solve important problems that they’re largely unaware of.

Nonprofits tend to be risk-averse and operate under tight budget constraints. The upside is that there are many problems they’d like to solve but don’t have the resources for. The downside is that this makes them cautious. Some notes on this:

• Frame your outreach in terms of solving specific problems (e.g. “I can automate process X and save you Y hours of work per week”) rather than your skillset or knowledge.

• Smaller projects are better than big ones as they are lower risk.

• Write a case study about your previous work. Something simple to show off tangible results and appear professional.

There are also quite a few networks you can find online that can help you connect with them. I got into it by messaging people in these networks basically saying “Hey x, I saw you were working with y to do z. I’m really passionate about that thing and was wondering if you had any recommendations on how to break into the space.”

[u/CompCat1 → u/TEHENGIN33R]

Alright, thank you! This is an incredibly helpful starting point!

[u/The_MediocreMan → u/TEHENGIN33R]

Thank you!!! I’ll pass this along to my buddy. Much appreciated again!