Sunday, August 1, 1999
Getting into Recruitment
I work for an outsourced human resources department in Seattle, WA. I have been a recruiter for one year now. How do you suggest I enter the High-tech recruiting arena? - Nishi
The recruiting community, especially in Silicon Valley, is rather a closed one. Most recruiting jobs are filled through word-of-mouth referrals. There are quite a few networks one has to belong to in order to hear about possible recruiting opportunities. One such organization that I know of is the Human Resource Consultants Association, which many recruiters belong to. They hold monthly mixers where they talk about opportunities they know of. I often receive e-mails from mailing lists I belong to where someone or other is posting a recruiting opening. The bottom line is that you have to seek out and become a member of key networks where opportunities will be brought to your attention.
Advanced IT Degree
I’ve been a mainframe programmer for three years, including one year working in the US. I’m seriously considering the option of pursuing higher studies in the field of management and IT. Where can I get consolidated information about the courses, prerequisites and degree programs in IT and the career opportunities for those with advanced IT degrees? - Ashish
Try searching for this information on the Web - it’s all there. Many public libraries and bookstores have reference books on US colleges and universities too. These books have detailed information on each school, the courses they offer, their degree programs, how to apply and much, much more. It just takes a little footwork.
Salary vs. Security
I have a consulting job in the US and am looking to move on. In the US, some software professionals want to be in consulting for the money but they must sacrifice security because they have to go to frequent interviews, move wherever they get placed and deal with moving problems. Others want to be in employee-based jobs for security, but those jobs have lower pay. I am really confused about the kind of job to give preference to. Any advice? - Reddy
This is a personal choice. If you would prefer a secure and stable lifestyle, I’m sure you can find a job that will allow you to settle down in one place and live happily on a regular paycheck. Here, though, you sacrifice variety, the joy of travel, different assignments and different environments. It’s true, consulting assignments do require travel as well as marketing and selling yourself and your skills, so what you need to do is go off to a quiet place for a weekend and spend some time contemplating which lifestyle appeals to you more. And then go for it! There are career aptitude tests, too, if you would like some additional input. Whatever you decide, do what you have a passion for and that will make you happy.
Career Change
I am a health care worker with very little background in computers. I am considering a career change to the computer industry. I have a BS in Biology. Should I consider getting an MSIS (master in information science)? My goal is to have an income of over 60K a year down the road. What is the cheapest and fastest way to accomplish that? - N. Bhandari
The cheapest and fastest thing to do would be to enroll in a computer school. These are software training companies that teach the latest skills and can help you with job placement. Many of these schools advertise in high-tech magazines like siliconindia. Getting an advanced degree is really the better route but that takes time and money. To secure your long term future, it would be best to pursue an MSIS if you have the time and means.
Looking for US Experience
I have an MBA in finance from Mercer University in Macon, Ga. I have sufficient work experience in India in finance, but for the last eight months I have not been able to find a job in the US. I have an F1 working visa. The Career Services department at my school is not very helpful, nor are placement agencies. But I really want to have some work experience in US before I go back to India. - Shyam
First, your geographic area may not have many opportunities - you should consider relocating to areas with lots of high-tech activity. Try Fortune 500 companies, big investment houses, or major banks. Many large financial institutions have many openings -- why not send them your resume? Look them up on Career Mosaic or contact them through their Web site. You just may be surprised.
