Preparing to Work! Tips on what to do after you graduate Zeddy Iskandar Academic Developer Evangelist Microsoft Indonesia

Why you should know.Net! Diversify your skill ( tell audience the UI kid story ).Net is increasingly being used by big and small ISVs – Kontinum: big clients (Garuda Food, Aqua, Unilever, Multi Bintang, dll) – Intimedia, Intellisys, SDI/Netway, dll.

Networking Networking here is not the field that involves routers Get to know people who are already working (Senior Programmers, etc) Join mailing-list that include the people above

Portfolio When you graduate, employers see you with no experience! You have to show off to them – Build lots of programs, the more the better – If not more, at least one that stands out!

References What are references? – When you want to hire a driver, do you advertise on newspaper or do you take your friend’s recommendation? – As students, you need to be nice to your professors, so they can give you a good reference! ( tell audience about closed-envelope reference )

Interview The one thing we’re all scared of The key is HONESTY – Don’t read books about interview! Makes you look the same with others who’ve read the book – If they ask for your weakness, tell them, don’t hide it!

Case Study – Myself Plan before graduating! Diversifying my skill Networking Portfolio References Interview

Results – Why I say it works 5 ISVs contacted me: - 4 out of 5 reached salary negotiation - 2 out of 4 above accepted me without any test - What happened to the 5 th one? - They called me after I’m accepted at Microsoft Indonesia (tips: sometimes you have to wait 1 month for a reply, so be patient) - Since 5 out of 5 contacted me, I can say 100% success in getting interviews

Am I Superman? No – Details here (my GPA, class attendance, years of study)

Conclusion You don’t have to be very smart to get hired Build your portfolio from now Start joining.Net mailing lists – – Show off your skills! Get noticed so company will remember you.