In today’s highly competitive IT job market, standing out as a recent Computer Science Graduate can feel like a challenge. Thousands of recently graduated professionals flood the market each year, all vying for limited opportunities. However, as one of our very own at Cloud Elemental, Sam Rahimi, has demonstrated, a thorough strategy and being proactive can dramatically shift the odds in your favor. His personal journey from repeated rejections to multiple job offers serves as an inspiring roadmap for fellow graduates who may be feeling overwhelmed.
In the following article, Sam shares his insights and advice, drawing on his own journey to becoming a Graduate DevOps Engineer/Cloud Consultant here at Cloud Elemental. His story not only highlights the importance of resilience but also underscores the value of structured preparation – something we deeply cultivate throughout our Elemental Academy Graduate programme.
As an IT graduate fresh out of university, finding a job in the IT industry is extremely hard and particularly competitive right now. Being up against thousands of other students is not an easy feat – believe me, I was there. However, there are solutions that university doesn’t teach you that’ll increase your chances of getting a job rapidly. Here is my story on how I went from being rejected by 300 applications in 6 months, to securing multiple job offers in just 2 months. If you follow my guidance, this could be you too…
01: Stop applying randomly - curating and timing your applications matter!
The first mistake I made was that I wanted to get a job quickly. I did not care what the role was, as I just wanted to get my foot in the market. Whilst there is nothing wrong with this approach, it is not always the best step to take. I was applying to random jobs, from software engineering with different programming requirements, to consulting, cyber security, and more. I soon realised this was causing me more harm than good.
Whilst I was getting some interviews for similar roles, they all had different requirements so I could not focus on one interview at a time. Due to this, I was very unprepared for their questions. My personality would get me through the first stage, but when it came to the technical rounds, I would falter – and this is the stage I know most people fail at too. After a while you realise most interview questions are recycled; both the technical and non-technical questions. But since the jobs I was applying to were so random, I would forget how to answer the questions I’d memorised but fail at the ones I had never prepared for before.
It is also important to remember that the number of companies out there who are willing to take on graduates are limited, so it is vital to be mindful and take care when applying.
02: Find what you enjoy - create a roadmap with milestones to hone your interests
Take a step back to reflect on yourself, and find out what you really enjoy. Just because you have learnt about Computer Science, AI, Data Science, etc. does not mean you are limited to these fields. Do some research, find out what each specialised industry’s job market is like and what skillsets they are lacking in. It’s a simple case of supply and demand. Try out those different fields and if you enjoy them, research into them deeper.
Once you have chosen a field and you understand it’s specific requirements, plan out your roadmap. There are unlimited resources out there right now that provide many roadmap templates to help you start. Some are free and some you have to pay for, but as this is your future you should definitely invest in yourself! If you are willing to pay over £9000 a year for your degree, what is a £15 Udemy course?
Once you have developed your roadmap, begin honing your skills, set yourself goals and meet your milestones. Be strict on yourself – you will have to work hard to achieve these.
For example, one of our recent graduates, Patryk, who followed a similar roadmap was able to secure a role with us here at Cloud Elemental in just a few months. Want to read more about his journey? Click here for his experience so far.
03: Complete 2/3 projects to distinguish your niche and build your experience
So now that you have identified your skillset, what’s next? Its time to put your newfound skills to use. Build 2 or 3 projects – and I don’t mean simple games like rock, paper, scissors! Look up some beginner projects people have proposed online, or use ChatGPT to give you recommendations on what projects to build.
If you are still struggling, get out of your comfort zone and start connecting with senior people within your chosen field on LinkedIn and ask them for suggestions. Once you have completed your projects, create a GitHub account and put your work out there. It is vital to create a demo to showcase your work online. This way, potential employers and colleagues can view your work style, talent and ability.
Another important step is to get certifications. I myself have reviewed candidate CVs before and specialised certifications will most definitely increase your chances, as they stand out. When I say certification, I don’t mean Udemy ones as they are easily attainable. Challenge yourself and tackle a difficult certification in your field. An example for me was completing my AWS Cloud Practitioner exam. This is a great certificate to have for a graduate who aspires to work in IT, as most companies now a days use the Cloud to some degree.
Additionally, it would be amazing if you could link your projects to real-world work experience. Ask your friends if they need a website or a simple app, and build it for them. This can be added to your CV as a freelancing project which will look great on your CV, increasing your employment chances even more.
04: Network on LinkedIn - don't be afraid to ask for graduate opportunities!
This point links back to my advice in point 3. Remember to always work smarter, not harder. Having connected with senior industry leaders on LinkedIn by asking them questions about projects, you’ll have a great way to begin conversation with them. Circling back on your projects proves that you can do the work, and they’ll see you as someone who is coachable, willing to learn and dedicated. You can always ask them if they know of any open opportunities for graduates so you can be referred. Once they see your dedication to your chosen field, they will be more willing to help.
Everyone in IT once started from scratch, so we all know how hard it can be and everyone is always friendly. Even if they don’t have any opportunities internally, they may be able to refer you to someone else. Being nice can take you a long way, especially later on when you apply to another company. Everyone is connected, and you may find you’ve been discussed which could increase your chances of securing a job.
Even if they can’t offer you a job, ask for an unpaid internship to gain experience. Show them you are willing to work and enthusiastic to learn. I was initially able to get in my foot through the door by offering to work full-time for free. I would always work to the best of my ability, ask questions and come to work with a smile on my face. After 3 months, I was offered a full time paid position. This is the level of commitment you must show if you want to succeed.
05: Develop a formalised CV and only send to your specific sector at the right time
Timing is key in order to make sure your career roadmap is executed properly. For graduates there are typically 2 times of year where you should apply to jobs and when the market is booming for graduate opportunities: September/October, and January/February.
Most graduate jobs open up during these times, especially around end of September, with many big companies opening up their applications. You should start applying as soon as the applications open up, because graduate jobs in IT are extremely competitive. I personally know people who applied later to a graduate role, secured an interview, and even made it to the final stages of the process, just to be told that the spaces have closed. So make sure to apply early.
Don’t forget to optimise your CV ASAP. Make sure your CV is clear, easy to navigate, and highlights your skills & experience. If you need help with your CV, please feel free to reach out to the Cloud Elemental team on LinkedIn! Once you’ve optimised your CV, start applying during the aforementioned peak graduate periods. Some great places to search for graduate opportunities include Grad Cracker, LinkedIn, and individual company websites.
Sam’s success story is just one of many from the Elemental Academy, where we prioritise personal & professional growth through our graduate programme. Our Academy doesn’t require a wealth of experience, just willingness to learn. We won’t just prepare you for the future of the IT industry; but we’ll equip you with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to excel.
If you’re a recent Computer Science graduate and you’re ready to kickstart your career, Cloud Elemental could be the place for you. The Elemental Academy offers a unique blend of hands-on experience, mentorship and the opportunity to work on impactful projects from day one. We’re always on the lookout for ambitious, talented graduates who are eager to innovate and grow with us – click here to send us your CV to be considered at our next hiring round.
If you’re ready to turn your academic achievements into professional success, follow us on LinkedIn using the buttons below, or reach out via the Elemental Academy page. Like Sam, you could find yourself not just landing a job, but starting a fulfilling career journey with Cloud Elemental.
Your future could be just a message away!
Sam Rahimi
Consultant & DevOps Engineer
Sam Rahimi
Consultant & DevOps Engineer
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