Tips for getting SE job with CS degree?

Question

I am a new Graduate with a CS degree and I have a big interest in Software Engineering(Not programming but Project Management). My CS curriculum only consisted of one SE class and I feel a bit unprepared compared to those who had pure SE degree's. I am asking for some tips on what I can do to even the playing field over the summer(before I start to look for a job)?. Should I focus my programming abilities, or SE principles and implementation?

Answer 1

Programming is a passion, you are either born with it or not. if you don't love it, don't go for it, you'll be come a 9-5 guy who looks at the clock from 9:30...

I'm an industrial Engineer (not a software engineer). No one has asked me what I am (maybe they did a couple of times), just be a bloody good programmer and no one will care about your background...

Answer 2

Should I focus my programming abilities, or SE principles and implementation?

You might do better to focus on people: or your 'network', possible employers, mentors, etc.

Answer 3

Two thoughts: Have you read joelonsoftware.com before? If not, try this article: www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2009/03/09.html for a really good intro on what it means to be a Program Manager (which you called out specifically above).

My other thought is this: What is it that you are hoping to do with this degree? Do you want to write code, or do you want to write specs? It's one thing to take a spec and turn it into code; it's quite another to devise new spec and see SEs turn it into a full program. However, not everyone has the ability to write spec (Again, ask Joel, he totally groks this concept) so it's largely a question of what do you intend on doing with the degree now that you have it?

Lastly: Congrats! I just pulled my B.S. CompSci (Minors AppliedMath, ElectricalEngineering - yes I am a glutton) and walked this Sunday past. Now I'm nervous to see what grades look like. ;-)