[nfbcs] How many of you got CS jobs through cold interviews?

[Jeanine Lineback]

Congratulations Amanda! I knew you were close to graduating but wasn't sure how close.
There are plenty of computer science meet up groups in Austin. That is one of the ways I made the connections for the job I currently have. I attended regularly to the Austin excess ability and inclusive design meet up group. It's a group for developers and designers and those of us who work in excess ability to do presentation so they can learn about the field. Also, we help them understand the importance of making their apps and websites accessible for people with disabilities.
If you're a little unsure of getting involved and meet up groups maybe you could go with me to one of these meetings in the near future. Also, there are plenty of other computer science related meet up groups in Austin. The meet up app is pretty accessible as well on the iPhone. If you use an iPhone, I really don't know. :-) Anyway, congratulations again.
It's definitely worth doing interviews even if they don't pan out. Sometimes, you can be surprised by what you learn. Also, you never know you might actually get another lead from an interview you do that has happened to me before. In addition, the Texas workforce commission will help you put together a portfolio and/or resume for free.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best. Stay in touch. Jeanine



> On May 25, 2016, at 7:56 PM, Amanda Lacy via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Tami, thanks for the congrats. It means a lot.
> 
>> On 5/25/16, Tami Jarvis via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Amanda,
>> 
>> Congratulations! And here's to a great start on your career! /imaginary
>> glass clink/
>> 
>> So... I don't know how applicable my career experience is to someone
>> starting out now with a shiny new degree, but I generally agree with
>> your assessment of the usefulness of cold interviews. It may depend on
>> the market in your area and vary by employer, all that jazz. Then again,
>> if you don't play the lottery, you won't win, so there's that.
>> 
>> Applying for jobs and going through the interviews that come your way
>> will increase your chances of getting into the job market more quickly.
>> Professional networking, picking up volunteer projects, being where you
>> can get to know prospective employers and they can get to know you --
>> these things are more likely ways into a good career.
>> 
>> Just my opinion, and it's really flavored by where I am geographically
>> and other stuff. Here, certainly, it's just who you know, but it's a
>> small town.
>> 
>> Mostly, I wanted to congratulate you and wish you the best.
>> 
>> Tami
>> 
>>> On 05/25/2016 01:33 PM, Amanda Lacy via nfbcs wrote:
>>> I just graduated and I'm wondering how many blind people with CS
>>> degrees actually get jobs this way. I never have. I know one blind
>>> computer scientist in person and he says that the only way he's ever
>>> gotten work is through people he already knows. My sighted friend
>>> seems to think I should be doing lots of interviews, but they seem
>>> pointless for the same reason playing the lottery is pointless.
>>> Thoughts?
>>> 
>>> Amanda
>>> 
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>> 
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> 
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