Where should I be applying? (Computer Science Grad)

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ushare99

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#230779 12-Mar-2018 21:27

Hello Everyone,

I hope this is the correct place to ask such a question. My apologies if it is not.

I am currently in my final year of a double degree in Science (Computer Science) and Commerce (Accounting and Finance). It is now time for me to look for post-graduate jobs for next year, and as such, I would like to ask, where should I be applying, and for what kind roles?

I am lots of academic experience in Java, and have a little bit of experience in other languages too (Python, JavaScript etc.). I have a good grasp of programming concepts and algorithms, and really enjoy programming in Java but haven't really done anything outside of academic work. I have decent grades, and believe I am a decent programmer. I've worked with Git, Android Programming, Databases, and also done some front end and back end (Node.js, express.js, databases) development. I also have a research scholarship under my belt. I am based in Wellington, and would like to stay here in the foreseeable future.

While I have a keen interest in the Commerce side (and know where to apply for related roles), I am a little bit unsure when it comes to software development roles. There are lots of firms offering graduate opportunities for Accounting and Finance related roles. However, I have found little in terms of graduate programmes for software development (I am aware of Xero and Intergen). I really enjoy programming, and would really like to pursue a career in software development.

I appreciate any, and all advice. Thanks Everyone! :)

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#1973592 12-Mar-2018 21:32

Hey, with your commerce and IT skills have you ever thought about being a commercial analyst?

Mix of SQL, Python, R and then financial NPV. Many corporates seek these skills.

ushare99

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#1973944 13-Mar-2018 13:15

Thank you, I will look into it! :)

surfisup1000

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#1973947 13-Mar-2018 13:23

Banks?

ushare99

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#1976503 14-Mar-2018 14:07

Yup, I've been looking into Banks too.

evnafets

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#1976508 14-Mar-2018 14:18

If you're in Wellington, then the Government work is always an option :-)

MBIE for instance?

kryptonjohn

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#1976532 14-Mar-2018 15:23

I would be writing to HR (or using their website contact page) at all the consulting companies (Deloitte, KPMG etc), IT consulting companies (Datacom, DXC etc), banks and large corporates (Fonterra, AirNZ etc) with a CV/story about how highly skilled and enthusiastic you are.

Don't they have job fairs on campus?

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grimwulf

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#1976576 14-Mar-2018 16:13

Given your majors, Xero immediately springs to mind - they're always looking for dev folk, and dev folk that understand accounting too? Bonus. They do get a lof of applicants though so I'd suggest planning and preparing well should you apply.

You should also consider the local consulting companies - examples only :- Provoke, Datacom, Dimension Data, Intergen etc generally you'll get good training, good folks to work with and a variety of work/experience that you wouldn't get just working for a corporate entity or multinational.

Banks/Insurance/Utility/Telecoms companies also tend to have good graduate intakes and maintain in-house development teams and they're big enough that the work variety won't make you want to hang yourself after a few years.

Startups are exciting and you'll learn heaps, but you won't get much training and you tend to get paid in stock rather than cash so could be tough as a new grad.

Regardless of where you end up - plan to stick around at least for a few years - bouncing around early in your career will hurt more than help and you should set your focus on building a solid level of experience in whatever focus area you land in. Having mentored more than a few grads in my time - the ones that do best are those that stick it out for a solid 2-3 years to build experience, then pop out and OE or look for their next role - so plan for that ahead of time.

Not saying that you couldn't hit it out of the park and find an employer you want to stay with for your entire career, but it's a little like other relationships - the first girl you kiss isn't necessarily the girl you'll want to marry ;).

lokhor

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#1976654 14-Mar-2018 17:59

Come to Intergen

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

ushare99

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#1976770 14-Mar-2018 21:40

grimwulf:

Given your majors, Xero immediately springs to mind - they're always looking for dev folk, and dev folk that understand accounting too? Bonus. They do get a lof of applicants though so I'd suggest planning and preparing well should you apply.

You should also consider the local consulting companies - examples only :- Provoke, Datacom, Dimension Data, Intergen etc generally you'll get good training, good folks to work with and a variety of work/experience that you wouldn't get just working for a corporate entity or multinational.

Banks/Insurance/Utility/Telecoms companies also tend to have good graduate intakes and maintain in-house development teams and they're big enough that the work variety won't make you want to hang yourself after a few years.

Startups are exciting and you'll learn heaps, but you won't get much training and you tend to get paid in stock rather than cash so could be tough as a new grad.

Regardless of where you end up - plan to stick around at least for a few years - bouncing around early in your career will hurt more than help and you should set your focus on building a solid level of experience in whatever focus area you land in. Having mentored more than a few grads in my time - the ones that do best are those that stick it out for a solid 2-3 years to build experience, then pop out and OE or look for their next role - so plan for that ahead of time.

Not saying that you couldn't hit it out of the park and find an employer you want to stay with for your entire career, but it's a little like other relationships - the first girl you kiss isn't necessarily the girl you'll want to marry ;).

I'll be looking into applying at Xero when they begin accepting graduate applications this year. I wasn't aware of Provoke and Dimension Data, I'll be sure to look into them too. I am keeping an eye out for Banks, Utility and Telecom firms too.

Thank you for the advice, I will keep it in mind :)

ushare99

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#1976773 14-Mar-2018 21:42

lokhor: Come to Intergen

Would love to! I'll be applying with a video interview soon, hopefully it goes well. :)

BigMal

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#1976819 14-Mar-2018 22:52

ANZ has a grad program and a large Java dev shop in Wellington.

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lokhor

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#1977326 15-Mar-2018 20:22

ushare99:

grimwulf:

Given your majors, Xero immediately springs to mind - they're always looking for dev folk, and dev folk that understand accounting too? Bonus. They do get a lof of applicants though so I'd suggest planning and preparing well should you apply.

You should also consider the local consulting companies - examples only :- Provoke, Datacom, Dimension Data, Intergen etc generally you'll get good training, good folks to work with and a variety of work/experience that you wouldn't get just working for a corporate entity or multinational.

Banks/Insurance/Utility/Telecoms companies also tend to have good graduate intakes and maintain in-house development teams and they're big enough that the work variety won't make you want to hang yourself after a few years.

Startups are exciting and you'll learn heaps, but you won't get much training and you tend to get paid in stock rather than cash so could be tough as a new grad.

Regardless of where you end up - plan to stick around at least for a few years - bouncing around early in your career will hurt more than help and you should set your focus on building a solid level of experience in whatever focus area you land in. Having mentored more than a few grads in my time - the ones that do best are those that stick it out for a solid 2-3 years to build experience, then pop out and OE or look for their next role - so plan for that ahead of time.

Not saying that you couldn't hit it out of the park and find an employer you want to stay with for your entire career, but it's a little like other relationships - the first girl you kiss isn't necessarily the girl you'll want to marry ;).

I'll be looking into applying at Xero when they begin accepting graduate applications this year. I wasn't aware of Provoke and Dimension Data, I'll be sure to look into them too. I am keeping an eye out for Banks, Utility and Telecom firms too.

Thank you for the advice, I will keep it in mind :)

I worked at Provoke previously and they pay pretty poorly for Grads and do not give raises.

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

ushare99

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#1977327 15-Mar-2018 20:29

I see. I am not too concerned about pay at this stage, and would rather work somewhere where I can get some good experience under my belt first.

Andib

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#1978379 16-Mar-2018 07:44

ushare99:

I see. I am not too concerned about pay at this stage, and would rather work somewhere where I can get some good experience under my belt first.

If pay isn't a major concern then I would be looking at applying at the likes of Datacom. The pay isn't as great as you could potentially get elsewhere off the bat but you get A LOT of enterprise experience with the ability to move around different parts of the company and they have a pretty good culture of internal promotions so you have the opportunity of moving up pretty quickly.

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smalltrader

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#1978380 16-Mar-2018 07:48

ushare99:

I see. I am not too concerned about pay at this stage, and would rather work somewhere where I can get some good experience under my belt first.

Computer Science, Commerce and Accounting are a good combination in terms of laying a foundation for future career paths. There are multiple career paths available with your background:

Software Developer -> Lead Developer -> Solution Architects -> Enterprise Architects -> CIO type of roles
Software Developer -> Development Lead -> Project Lead -> Enterprise Programme Lead -> General Management
Consulting Intern with KPMG/Deloitte/Accenture ..etc -> Management Consultants -> General Management
Software Developer ->Entrepreneur

A MBA degree at some stage would work well with all the options above.

All the best and never stop learning ...

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