Brian

I'm a recent graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science from the U.S.

I'd like to work in Canada under NAFTA, so I've been applying to almost
forty jobs on workopolis.com as a systems analyst.

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten a single interview.

I would really appreciate some advice from people in this field.
Is this because I just graduated from college? Somebody told me that
systems analyst is one level above programmer, so people usually
become a programmer before becoming a systems analyst.

Do you think there is any chance that I would find a job as an analyst?

also, are there any head hunting companies in this field?
What are good ways to find a job as a systems analyst besides
workopolis?

Please let me know. Thank you.

Andy B

"Brian" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > I'm a recent graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science from the U.S.
    > I'd like to work in Canada under NAFTA, so I've been applying to almost
    > forty jobs on workopolis.com as a systems analyst.
    > Unfortunately, I haven't gotten a single interview.
Forty?! You'd have to send like 4,000 (yes, four thou) applications to get a
chance for some
attention! Welcome to the IT world nowdays.
Sorry, I have to disappoint you (most readers of this forum will aggree) -
System Analyst, Computer Programmer, Software Developer, Software Engineer,
etc. etc. -
are all in the same pool and there's no difference between what's hidden
under those fancy names.
It really take experience to get recognized. I'd say - 5 years minimum, 10 -
to get a nice job
(this is very subjective though).
I'm not sure what NAFTA is and who can be hired under it, but in general, to
find a Software
Developer position being recent graduate - a tough job. Really.
Look around where you live and try to find something like entry level first,
then start building your carrier, etc, etc.

Regards


    > I would really appreciate some advice from people in this field.
    > Is this because I just graduated from college? Somebody told me that
    > systems analyst is one level above programmer, so people usually
    > become a programmer before becoming a systems analyst.
    > Do you think there is any chance that I would find a job as an analyst?
    > also, are there any head hunting companies in this field?
    > What are good ways to find a job as a systems analyst besides
    > workopolis?
    > Please let me know. Thank you.

bostonbelle

Hi Brian,

I am not sure if this will help but how about talking to a few headhunters?

I have been in contact with one called Allen & Associates and they have helped me. I am not sure what their policies are now but u can talk to someone there or look at their website.

Hope this helps.

bighead

this is a copy of the requirements for systems work, from one of the leading it services providers in western canada... the east isnt much different...

be advised that almost 90% of it work is contract based... very few positions are full time positions... companies prefer to hire contractor's for set durations on projects, as systems professionals generally charge more than other professionals, and having a fixed term over the life of a project helps in allocating costs for the project, and a better management of the resources...

<snip>

As a professional IT consultant working with ABC, our clients prefer that:

You are a skilled IT professional practicing as a:
- Business or Systems Analyst - Database Administrator
- Quality Assurance Specialist - Software Developer
- Technical Architect or Writer - Project Manager

You operate your own incorporated company through which you bill all services.

You show on your resume at least three significant professional IT projects described as case studies - detailing your role, project deliverables, accomplishments, and technologies, methodologies, and tools used. (School projects not included.)

You have been working as an IT professional for at least 2 years since graduating from university, college, or other technical institution.

You have strong verbal and written communication skills.

You are specialized and focused in one leading skill, technology, or tool set.

You live in the same city as the opportunities for which you're applying.

You conduct business under a high standard of professional principles.

You offer skills that match current opportunities available at ABC.

You have a prepared list of references who will confirm your skills and experience.

<snip>

Stupid guy

Why woul dyou wanna do that? isnt the US a better place for IT jobs atleast for starters ?

Abw

http://www.nait.ab.ca/careers/employ/job_postings.htm

http://www.careerclick.com/generic/home.jsp

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca (gov of Canada)

www.careeredge.org (internship program)

http://www.intellexsystems.com/

http://www.microage.ca/static/career.asp

http://www.atpstaff.com/

http://www.executrade.com/

www.cgi.ca

http://www.aplin.com/

http://www.cncglobal.com/

Abw

The US used to be a better place to look for a job. I was there when
the economy was booming. I just got laid off after three years working
full time as well as being a contractor in IT sector.
The bottom dollar in the US has been falling apart since summer 2000.
Things get exponentially worse after September 11, 2001 especially for
minority immigrants.
Continuous suspicions and numerous profiling have shunned away most
employers from hiring minority immigrants on top of sluggish economy.
I've heard someone said that the population in Canada is ten times
smaller than that of the US; therefore, the job market follows the
same path. I somehow agree to that statement although with the rampant
prejudice and discrimination in the US, the job market will be about
the same as that of Canada. I visit Edmonton, AB and Brandon, MB,
several times; I think the cost of living is comparably cheaper than
that of Dallas.
In addition, the crime rate in Canada is by far lower than that of the
US.
As for me, I have a personal reason to move to Canada beside the
reason above.