Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Brian,

I have a 4-year degree in English, a Law degree and will complete my B.Math degree in May in Computer Science. I have been programming as a hobby for about 15 years. In all of my degrees, my academic performance has been at the top of my class. I will be looking for a career as a computer programmer. What obstacles, if any, can I expect due to the amount of time I've spent in university and the variety of degrees I have obtained? P.S. Thanks for your excellent site; I'm finding it very useful, although I haven't seen your book for sale in Canada yet.

From: Sean McDowell, Senior, University of Waterloo


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Sean -

The one question which I would ask (and would be asked in some form by most others) is: "Why did you keep switching degree programs?"

Whether the question is asked or not, the interviewer will be wondering whether you are finally done switching and committed to your final degree as being your final degree. You stated your grades are top of class, so there shouldn't be any question of artificial grade inflation. But you still need to show your commitment.

We recently hired a graduate who had switched into three different degree programs over the course of six years. Granted, he had not completed the other two degree programs (as you have), but he still had to answer the above question to my satisfaction. His answer was: "I initially went into accounting because it's the field my father works in. Then I went into Engineering because I like math and felt it would be a good match for my math interest. However, I finally did some real career planning and found that my aptitude and interest in the computer field was the strongest. This is the field which I have decide on, since I know it will be the most interesting and fulfilling for me."

...or something to that effect. Bottom line is that he was willing to admit his mistake, yet also show that he is finally committed to his chosen field.

And, maybe in the end, you will be able to put that law degree and math degree to good use. Poosibly as a computer programmer for the law department of a major publishing company :)

P.S. Thanks for the compliments on our site. You can order the book through any bookstore-- they will simply order in a copy for you to review from Ingram. Or you can order a copy through our 800#. And remember, the book is fully guaranteed for up to one full year--you will find a great job or your money back.

Brian Krueger
Author of College Grad Job Hunter

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