“Before I started Industry Connect I wasn’t even sure whether software development necessarily the direction I wanted to go but I’ve really found that this is what I want to do now.”
Go to school, get good exam results, go to University, graduate, find a job.
Is this really the only way to do it?
Here at Industry Connect, we say no.
The traditional way to start a career is no longer the only way.
If you want a job as a software developer, then you don’t need a degree in computer science or something similar – you need experience.
Hands-on experience is more desired by companies rather than some letters after your name.
Especially in this industry, because the four years it takes to get your degree is a long, long time.
Things change; software changes, hardware changes, the entire IT industry changes – and all in less time than a University course takes to complete.
That’s why any potential employers will ask about experience before they ask about qualifications.
Ryan knows experience is more useful
Ryan came to us while still a student, and now he’s landed his first job as a software developer – before graduating!
We caught up with him to ask about his time with Industry Connect and if he had any advice for others looking for a job in IT.
“I would definitely say getting an internship and getting the opportunity to show off what sort of skills you have is important. I know getting an internship is often quite difficult, but it gets your foot in the door and then you get to know people who are already in the business and they can get to see what you do.
And if even if that doesn’t lead to some sort of position in the company, you’re part of their network then, and potentially, if you impress enough, they’ll probably remember you.
“That’s what happened with me. I did a bit of work on some projects with MVP Studio and got a contract with Aimy.”
So after working with us, would Ryan recommend Industry Connect to anyone looking for a job as a software developer?
“Oh absolutely. Before I started Industry Connect I wasn’t even sure whether software development necessarily the direction I wanted to go but I’ve really found that this is what I want to do now and I’ve already built such a network with other people.
“Take my LinkedIn for example, before it was practically empty; I didn’t really know anybody beyond a few people from my school. Now I’ve got at least 30 people just from my time with MVP, Industry Connect and Aimy.”
Let us help you land a job as a software developer!
If you think maybe four years of University isn’t for you and would like an alternative, then join us for our next online information session and let’s have a chat about how we can help you.
Juanita Strydom, the General Manager of Industry Connect, will be online on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 pm NZ time, 5.00pm Australia Eastern Standard time and 8:00am UK time.
Joining her will be the Industry Connect team members, as well as the owners of successful software companies, all of whom are ready to answer any questions you may have.
The gang will explain who we are, what our programmes are, and how you can join us.
To secure your seat in the info interview session, simply click here and fill out the form and we’ll be in touch to confirm your invitation!
But hurry! Our next intake is on the 29th October, so if you want to apply, then click here!
When it comes to software development, experience beats qualifications!
What is Industry Connect?
We have been helping career changers, recent IT graduates and people with career gap to start their IT/software careers.
Over the years, we have helped hundreds kick-start an IT/software career. (Verifiable evidences are available on this website)
OUR CORE
We are an innovative software training school backed by global/local software companies. Our ecosystem is an incubation process that supports our participants until they launch a tech career.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Our Job-Ready training programmes focus on,
- Software Development
- Business Intelligence (or Data Analyst)
- Test Analyst
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
- Six Weeks Training Classes (Practical Tech Skills)
- Three Months (or more) Structured Internship on Large Commercial-Scale Projects (Learning enhanced, flexible Hours)
- Employer Network (job analysis and internal referral if goals are met)
You can join us via Zoom (live face-to-face meeting) remotely from anywhere and "download" the valuable knowledge & experiences from our tech experts across different tech centres.
Watch 300+ Stories of Career Starters in IT/Software
Click the image to watch those who changed their careers to IT, had gap years and recent IT graduates.
