Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Hi -

I am a recent graduate with a degree in Management Information Systems and Business Management. I have turned down two job offers that entails programming 100 percent of the time. I want to get a job that involves business analyst or systems analysts at the junior level. My friends and family tell me that I am being unrealistic, and I should consider the recent job offers as a stepping stone to where I want to get. I believe that the opportunity is out there! Should I compromise and just "get in", or should I wait and try to get the job that I want? Should I relocate to a city that offers more opportunities in IT to increase my chances of getting the job I want?

Confused and afraid that i am being unrealistic...

From: Anh Huynh, Recent Graduate, Florida International University


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Anh-

It's important to know the entry point for any career you have an interest in pursuing. In your case, programming is typically (although not always) the entry point for the information technology field. The positions you are seeking (Business Analyst or Systems Analyst) are usually higher-level positions requiring work experience. But again, not always. There are some firms (most notably EDS and Accenture) that offer entry level opportunities to get into analysis work straight out of college (but after further education in their training programs). Even in these programs, it is important to learn the technical (programming) side of the field. Usually, individuals with a combination of programming and analysis experience will go further, faster.

It's OK to turn down an offer if you are certain that you will be able to get a better job somewhere else or if you have the luxury of time to continue your job search. However, the positions you are being offered are the standard entry point to put you on the track for where you want to be. It's OK to initially reach for your highest goals--within reason. You should set a definitive plan for yourself in attempting to reach these goals. If you are unable to attain within that timeframe, you will need to review and adjust your plan. Whatever you do, don't wait so long to adjust that the best entry level jobs are already taken. If you do, you may not have the opportunity to backtrack to your second-level (backup) position(s). And you may find yourself begging for any job. That is never a good position to be in.

The key is planning ahead and working on a definitive time schedule. If you don't get the first-level position you're seeking, at least you know that you made a solid effort. You can then take the second-level position that is the best to help you reach your eventual goal of becoming a Business Analyst or Systems Analyst.

Regarding relocation, if you are able to pick up and move easily, it is always better to be nearby to potential employers. It will allow you to use a local address, local phone number and travel easily to interviews. So if you have that flexibility, by all means you should move to where the jobs are. Just make sure you check out the area well in advance so that you are not disappointed upon arrival.

Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.

All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.