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Big Tech’s Hot New Talent Incubator: Community College

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Re: Big Tech’s Hot New Talent Incubator: Community College

#171

Post by netphobe »

okaram wrote: post #142
netphobe wrote: post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How old are you, if you don't mind breaking some OPSEC? Making it quick, I'm a 20 year old native who's having a troubling time keeping optimistic and feeling 'locked out' from the job market around here. I've only been doing front-end engineering for a non profit for a few years now since High School, but everything still feels so far away and impossible to me, especially because I didn't go straight to college, so…

A few questions ... are you applying to places ? or just feeling locked out ? Are you in the USA ? In a techie area ? sometimes moving might help I'm assuming the front-end engineering is paid ? Think portfolio, not resume; why don't you have a nice portfolio ?

"are you applying to places ?"

Lately, no, last I've actually tried was all last year, but I've been wanting to get back on it with everything I've learned this year.

"Are you in the USA ? In a techie area ?"

Yes, Oakland, quite near San Fransisco.

I've been thinking I might have to end up moving one day, I wouldn't hate it but even then I must imagine that other 'tech areas' around America have that same kind of competition where people are moving out for work. My work is indeed paid.

"Think portfolio, not resume; why don't you have a nice portfolio ?"

Good question, I'm not actually sure but you've managed to get me on it. I've been relying on Github for a portfolio because people've always told me that it's about having a Github accessible and a decent resume...

Thank you for the help

Re: Big Tech’s Hot New Talent Incubator: Community College

#172

Post by ha99 »

drawnwren wrote: post #134
kaycebasques wrote: post #42

Community college was one of the smartest moves of my life. The IGETC program ensured that my education was equivalent to what I would have gotten at a UC as a freshmen and sophomore. My teachers were mostly Stanford and Berkeley PHDs. They were dedicated to teaching. Not trying to balance research and teaching. 30 people per class, maximum. Arguably, I got a better education than UC students. And obviously, cost. My…

I have the same story. Except, I'm attending Harvard instead of Berkeley in the fall. Guess what, the credits still transfer. It's pretty jaw-dropping that the credits that cost me about $2k a semester will be used as a replacement for credits that cost $38k a semester.

Would you mind sharing some insight on what elite schools are looking for in transfer students? I'll be starting community college this fall and it's hard to picture what the criteria are for these schools with 1-2% transfer rates.

Re: Big Tech’s Hot New Talent Incubator: Community College

#173

Post by drawnwren »

ha99 wrote: post #172
drawnwren wrote: post #134

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have the same story. Except, I'm attending Harvard instead of Berkeley in the fall. Guess what, the credits still transfer. It's pretty jaw-dropping that the credits that cost me about $2k a semester will be used as a replacement for credits that cost $38k a semester.

Would you mind sharing some insight on what elite schools are looking for in transfer students? I'll be starting community college this fall and it's hard to picture what the criteria are for these schools with 1-2% transfer rates.

To be honest, I'm a vet and got lucky on that. The best way to think about transfer to an elite school is that you can only disqualify yourself with academic work. You should have a compelling essay about what you bring to their community, and apply to at least 4-5 schools. If you took time between high school and now, what did you do? If nothing, do you have a compelling reason to be back in school? If so, can you support this with evidence. Keep in mind that these schools see lots of essays about dreams. They prefer to see evidence of you having already moved the needle in that direction. I got denied from 4 schools, wait listed at 2, and into 2.

TLDR; Academic performance is necessary but not sufficient. Figure out why you're unique, what you can bring to their student body that they might not have, and kill the essay.

Re: Big Tech’s Hot New Talent Incubator: Community College

#174

Post by drawnwren »

drawnwren wrote: post #173
ha99 wrote: post #172

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Would you mind sharing some insight on what elite schools are looking for in transfer students? I'll be starting community college this fall and it's hard to picture what the criteria are for these schools with 1-2% transfer rates.

To be honest, I'm a vet and got lucky on that. The best way to think about transfer to an elite school is that you can only disqualify yourself with academic work. You should have a compelling essay about what you bring to their community, and apply to at least 4-5 schools. If you took time between high school and now, what did you do? If nothing, do you have a compelling reason to be back in school? If so, can you s…

I'm not the best person to talk to about this, but if you have more questions -- feel free to email me. Username at Gmail.
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