Oracle is a well-known name in the IT world. Oracle is who businesses often look to for integrated software and hardware systems. But what they do for technology isn't really important in the context of this blog. Oracle hosts a program called Oracle Academy, which is purposed to exposing our younger generations to database and Java technologies.
Why is this important? Well, they also reach out to college-level students who are on their way into the industry. To do that, Oracle is running all over the country doing lectures for college students meant to prepare them for the industry. And while the lectures are directed to those of us in the computer industry, the same information can be useful to students moving into other industries.
A representative from Oracle Academy, by the name of Mallika, stopped by OIT today to do such a lecture. Mallika manages Oracle's ThinkQuest Application Development Competition (more on that later). The topics covered were brief, and sometimes could be left to common sense, but they are things that could be and should be said. Not only are they all important, but because they make sense, sometimes they're overlooked in favor of more complex issues with preparing yourself for your job-search.
The first thing Mallika covered is the importance of putting together some sort of "technology portfolio". Having been a college student for around four and a half years, I have the resources to put together quite a portfolio. You don't need four and a half years of school under your belt to make a good portfolio, though. All of those finished assignments that you should have saved throughout the years are perfect candidates to show both you experience in software design/development, and your problem-solving skills. These are, of course, two (not all) of the most important qualities found in good software engineers.
A proper portfolio will find its use in the interview. Chances are that you won't be able to simply "attach" it to your resume or your cover-letter. Additionally, you'll find that a portfolio isn't always a requirement in the interview. But it sure is a great thing to carry along. Think of it this way... you can use it to supplement your answers. One of the hardest questions to answer is "why do you think you are qualified for this job?" or something to that end. How classy would you be if you could pass a portfolio across the table and explain how that portfolio shows specific skills that would assist you in performing the job well? Real classy, if you ask me. Talk about having some real solid support for your words at the ready. Maybe I'll write a blog about putting the actual portfolio together in the coming weeks. Look for it!
Mallika also covered skills that employers find particularly useful, and how to develop those skills. To do this, she brought into the equation something that a lot of us overlook when we think about our work environments. The world is gradually moving toward a more globalized economy every day. With advancements in IT come changes in how we are able to interact with people. It's not uncommon to enter into a workplace where your team is scattered across the country, or even the world. Mallika mentioned that she has not met her team in person for nearly two years.
With that knowledge on the table, she expressed the need for each of us to be able to solve complex issues on our own. It's not always going to be possible to find someone on your team who can help you right when an issue arises, so being competent in solving your own issues is key.
So since that isn't something you can demonstrate in a short interview, Mallika added the top three traits that employers look for in their candidates. They're kind of self-explanatory but they are oh, so important: technological, communication, and critical thinking skills. Your proficiency in each of these will show through in the interview process whether you like it or not, and so it's a good idea to make sure you are on top of your game.
Mallika suggests a few resources for developing your skills in these areas. Of course, the first place you should look is Google. Searching for online application/software development competitions will bring up a load of ways to outlet your software development energy and build your skills at the same time! You can also look into the Microsoft Imagine Cup, Oracle's ThinkQuest Application Development Competition, and IBM's The Great Mind Challenge. It doesn't have to be about winning, naturally, it's about learning!
So this is turning into a huge wall of text. I'm going to continue with this in another blog!
No comments:
Post a Comment