CS Grad: Explore Military, Temp Jobs, Relocation, or Teaching Abroad Amidst Joblessness.
Okay, based on the Reddit discussion for post "1kyrhrp" ("I don't stand a CHANCE at getting any job anymore, so what now?"), here's an analysis:
Analysis of Reddit Discussion (Post ID: 1kyrhrp)
The individual (21m, recent Computer Science graduate) is in a really tough spot: no income, no home, no family support, and no money, after two years of job searching since a temporary job ended. The discussion offers several paths, many echoing the previous analysis provided.
Hot Skills, Tools, and Qualifications Identified from the Discussion:
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Skills:
- Cybersecurity (mentioned in the context of military service).
- IT Support / Help Desk skills.
- Teaching (specifically English as a Foreign Language, or potentially adjunct college level).
- General technical aptitude (transferable from CS degree to various fields like energy trades).
- Problem-solving and adaptability (general life skills, valuable for any role).
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Tools/Platforms:
- USAJobs.gov (for federal IT jobs).
- LinkedIn (for professional networking and job searching).
- Temp Agencies (for securing immediate, potentially non-major related work).
- American Job Centers (for local job search assistance and resources).
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Qualifications:
- Computer Science degree (primary qualification).
- Bachelor's degree (general qualification for roles like insurance or teaching).
- Willingness to relocate.
- Openness to military service.
- Certifications (implied as beneficial for some federal IT roles).
Potential Job Opportunities & Resume Tailoring Directions:
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Military Service (especially tech-focused roles):
- Opportunity: Air Force (cybersecurity), Army, Navy IT roles. Offers immediate housing, income, benefits, and structured training. Potential for officer roles with a degree.
- Resume/Application Direction: Highlight CS degree, technical aptitude, fitness (if applicable), and willingness to commit.
- Expected Benefit: Stability, income, housing, healthcare, skill development, career path.
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Immediate Employment via Temp Agency or Direct Application (Non-Major Specific):
- Opportunity: Warehouse jobs, Help Desk, online sales, general labor. The goal is immediate income and recent work history.
- Resume Direction: Emphasize reliability, quick learning, problem-solving (transferable from CS), and any customer service experience.
- Expected Benefit: Immediate income to cover basic needs, recent employment on resume, potential networking. Pay likely at or slightly above minimum wage.
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Teaching English Abroad:
- Opportunity: Teaching English in countries like Japan. Often includes housing and a living wage.
- Resume Direction: Highlight Bachelor's degree, any tutoring/teaching experience, adaptability, and cultural interest.
- Expected Benefit: Income, housing, new cultural experience, break from current environment.
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Relocation to Higher Demand Tech Areas:
- Opportunity: Moving to cities with stronger tech markets (e.g., Houston, TX was suggested).
- Resume Direction: Standard CS resume, possibly indicating openness to relocation.
- Expected Benefit: Increased chances of finding a CS-related role, potentially higher starting salary once a job is secured.
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Federal Government IT Jobs:
- Opportunity: IT positions via USAJobs.gov (e.g., with the Navy, as one commenter experienced).
- Resume Direction: Use the USAJobs.gov resume builder; meticulously tailor applications to match keywords in job descriptions. Highlight CS degree and any relevant certifications.
- Expected Benefit: Good salary, strong benefits, job security.
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Local Support Systems:
- Opportunity: Contacting a local American Job Center for personalized job search assistance, resume help, and access to local resources or training programs.
- Resume Direction: Bring current resume for review and guidance.
- Expected Benefit: Professional guidance, connections to local employers or programs.
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Alternative Industries Leveraging Degree/Aptitude:
- Opportunity:
- Energy Trades (positions requiring technical aptitude).
- Insurance (often seeks Bachelor's degree holders).
- Entry-level corporate IT support (e.g., Geek Squad or similar).
- Adjunct college teaching (CS or IT courses).
- Resume Direction: For trades, highlight technical understanding and problem-solving. For insurance/corporate, emphasize degree and soft skills. For teaching, academic record and communication skills.
- Expected Benefit: Stable employment, potentially good benefits, alternative career paths if CS roles remain elusive.
- Opportunity:
Overall Summary for the Job Seeker: The CS degree remains a valuable asset. The immediate priority is securing income and stability. This might mean taking a non-CS job temporarily. Concurrently, leveraging the degree through avenues like military tech roles, federal jobs, or relocating for tech opportunities should be pursued. Resources like American Job Centers can provide crucial support. The "blank canvas" of having no ties can be framed as an advantage for relocation or pursuing opportunities like teaching abroad or military service.