October 1, 2024
After graduation, pursuing a career path can be daunting. From the search for a job to starting your new position, having guidance and mentorship from a fellow alum can make a meaningful difference in success after graduation. Jonathan Hanobik (SCI ’18, ’23 G), a member of the SCI Alumni Board with degrees in computer science, is passionate about making that difference for graduates by sharing his advice for success.
“I know this is a hot topic right now - we've all seen the posts on Reddit and LinkedIn about the difficulties of finding a job after graduation,” said Hanobik. “Even in my own journey of switching roles, I spent months searching, preparing, and interviewing for jobs.” Hanobik’s ways to find success after graduation are to:
Stay Current
"Computer science is an evolving field, so much so that many of the classes I took in grad school weren't offered when I graduated the first time! Read articles discussing new tech or try your hand at an unfamiliar algorithm in a personal project,” said Hanobik. “No employer will expect you to be a master in every domain, but knowing of an emerging tool or recent breakthrough in academia might give you the edge over the competition.”
Start Early
“With nearly any position, there are a limited number of spots available. Maximize your chances of getting selected by putting your name in front of recruiters early and often,” Hanobik advised. Though it can seem tough to find time for this when you're prepping for finals or enjoying some much-needed time off in the summer, your future self will thank you! “Engaging with prospective employers or schools early shows initiative and interest - they will know you're genuinely hopeful for the role rather than applying last minute in a panic. This will differentiate you and keep you at the top of their minds.”
Keep in Contact
“Perhaps you got a rejection letter from your dream job or haven't heard back from that recruiter you spoke with - reach out again! Even if you weren't fit for the position for which you applied, you might be on their shortlist for something else,” Hanobik said.
He noted that this is especially true if you went far in the interview process but weren't selected for a given role. Companies who have a deeper understanding of your abilities might be interested in placing you in a different job function that better suits your skills. However, recruiters and interviewers hear from many people over the phone and email.
“To keep yourself in consideration, send a check-in email every few weeks to refresh the minds of those filling roles - they may just respond with a new job posting that fits your criteria,” Hanobik suggested. “Obviously, it's important to be considerate of their time and communication preferences - don’t overload them with correspondence or you might just jeopardize your chances.”
Students can learn more about networking and connecting with SCI alumni through the SCI Mentorship Program.
Learn more about Jonathan Hanobik here!