Congratulations on your graduation! What’s next?
Tired of hearing this question? You’re not alone! Every professional you’ll ever meet has been at this crossroads. Fresh out of college, with so much change on the horizon, with so many paths, options, and unknown elements ahead. This transition from campus life to the corporate world can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Here’s a short guide to help you hit the ground running and excel in your rookie year.
Is your dream to be a quality engineer? Landing that dream role fresh out of college is possible but it requires planning, persistence, and a proactive approach. When I was fresh out of college, I was fortunate to receive support through the transition. However, there’s a lot that no one told me about.
One thing I wish I knew before entering the workplace is that many crucial skills that’ll help on the job aren’t taught in classrooms. While academic knowledge is vital, there are additional software testing, quality assurance, and quality engineering skills that can significantly enhance your appeal as a candidate.
Take the initiative to acquire these unique skills. Engage with professionals in online forums and study the LinkedIn profiles of employees in your desired companies. Enroll in online classes, get certified, read books, and listen to podcasts. We’ve got one called the Testing Show! It covers a range of topics from the ROI of testing to AI in testing.
You could also attend conferences and sign up for webinars. We conduct webinars every other month. From testing devices to DevOps TDM! We cover a range of testing hot topics. Remember, be participative. Be proactive.
Find a mentor by asking around and utilizing your personal connections. If you have professors you trust, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. Additionally, consider reaching out to alumni from your school/college who may be willing to assist recent graduates. Get in touch with them.
Another great way to network is at conferences. In this year itself, Qualitest participated in The National Software Testing Conference held in the UK, and the Games for Change Festival in NYC, and is scheduled to sponsor and participate in several others.
Attending networking events and conferences is a great way to build connections.
Look up and research your potential employer. Almost every interviewer will ask you what you know about the company, and it isn’t a good look to have no idea! If you’re looking to work with Qualitest, our website offers several case studies, white papers, and guest blogs. From Retail, and Media to Automation and Cybersecurity, we have partnered with clients across industries. Going through these case studies will not only give you a glimpse into what we do and the kind of clients we work with but will also show your keen interest in working with us.
When you send your resume, remember that it should reflect what makes you the right fit for the job and what you will bring to the table. Your resume mustn’t seem like a formalistic template but rather a good first glance into who you are.
There’s lots of downtime during a job search and unfortunately, you might experience a bit of rejection too. While it’s true that you’ll spend some time looking up job postings or submitting applications, you’ll also do a good deal of waiting. The lack of a schedule and the waiting game can be disorienting and demotivating. So, utilize your downtime by giving yourself something to do while you wait.
It’s good to be proud of your professional degree! You’ve put in years of hard work to graduate. But it’s also good to remember that you are more than just your degree and so much more than a job title. You are the sum of all your experiences, you are all your talents and all the stories you hold within you. You might be a gamer, a pet lover, or a weekend surfer! Don’t hide behind jargon and technicalities, especially during interviews. Remember to talk about your interests and be confident! Your dream job wants you just as much as you want it!
At Qualitest, we encourage you to be more. We don’t just hire job titles, we hire people with passion, people with versatility, and people who’re confident to be more and achieve more. Come, work with us! Let’s make your rookie year the year you land your dream job.
