[heinbau]

Hey guys,

I'm not sure where this should go, but I guess it'd be a good general question.

I am a very junior .NET developer and am about to put together a portfolio because I don't have a computer science degree or very much industry experience.

What would you suggest I should include in this portfolio I will create? My ideas are:

-Something demonstrating MVVM or other design patterns
- SQL databound application
- Simple card game
- A basic algorithim or two....

Any ideas? I would love to hear what you have all used or what you think would look really good.

Thank you all for your help!

Nick

[tlhIn`toq]

I would include:

"I'm willing to start in any position: Support call desk, Quality Control... anything just to get in and prove I can do more"

Otherwise you're just listing homework and on-line tutorials you've read.

Basically, list anything you actually wrote. If you haven't written something, then write something. Go build a dashboard for a USB Weather station kit. Build a really slick looking movie file library that goes on-line to get descriptions/actors/movie poster art. Take the time to build an application that *IS* your resume: Showing you have design skills, coding skills, planning skills.

[Sergio Tapia]

^

It's what I did and it works. Anybody can write a CV, few can actually say, "I wrote this, this, this and this."

Do you have a Github/BitBucket account? Make one, start publishing code. There is no API library for DIC written in PHP, write one and share it. Written code is better than a diploma.

[darek9576]

Amen to that! That's what i am actually doing right now - building a portfolio!.

This post has been edited by darek9576: 12 November 2012 - 10:12 AM

[heinbau]

Thanks guys! I just created those accounts, and will spend the next few days perfecting things I already wrote, and writing new things.

Next step: How to find a freaking entry level job?!?!?! Everybody wants 3+ years experience. URGH!

Thanks,
Nick

[wordswords]

I would do some voluntary projects for local companies, organisation or charities, and use those real world project to build up a portfolio. This way you can also get references for the work that you do, and experience a more realistic working environment.

[AthenaDX]

I know over here the State positions prefer experience. So, check for state positions.

Also, you can submit and be an analyst for a certain amount of time to prove yourself. Or QA, or anything really.

Oooor, you can just apply everywhere possible and pray to the all mighty spaghetti monster!

This post has been edited by AthenaDX: 16 November 2012 - 09:41 AM

[DarenR]

get a head hunter--- within 2 weeks of graduating i had a job because a head hunter foudn it for me.

[AnalyticLunatic]

AthenaDX, on 16 November 2012 - 08:19 AM, said:

I know over here the State positions require no experience.

The State positions strongly prefer experience. Getting near graduation with even an Associates degree though can be enough to get you an interview.

As mentioned, look for positions that are entry-level in I.T. Even if they are not coding positions, they will build in experience on your resume and allow you to gain access to better positions.

[AthenaDX]

Wha, you saw nothing. *edits*

[AnalyticLunatic]

AthenaDX, on 16 November 2012 - 09:41 AM, said:

Wha, you saw nothing. *edits*

I have it quoted. Edits cannot hide the truth!

[heinbau]

DarenR, on 16 November 2012 - 08:31 AM, said:

get a head hunter--- within 2 weeks of graduating i had a job because a head hunter foudn it for me.

Haha, I've had a couple recruiters get in touch, but always for waaaaay senior positions! Yes I would love to be a Senior .NET developer.... but you wouldn't want me to yet!

Got any suggestions for Seattle area headhunters that actually do good work? ;-)

AthenaDX, on 16 November 2012 - 08:19 AM, said:

Oooor, you can just apply everywhere possible and pray to the all mighty spaghetti monster!

Right now the spaghetti monster is testing my faith and making me wait. So I continue to work retail and code by night!

[AnalyticLunatic]

heinbau, on 16 November 2012 - 11:24 AM, said:

So I continue to work retail and code by night!

We've all been there!