Here I am, at cross roads once again… and this time, I will have only like effectively less than 6 days to decide for what could change my life forever. Do take sometime to read, and I really will appreciate all forms of opinions and suggestions. 
Its the time where students will have to embark on a 22 week journey in the real working world, as part of the requirements for a degree. And my turn has come. Industrial Attachment, better known as IA, is a sure fire way to see how much one fares in the real working world.
I got to select a list of companies I would like to do my IA with, problem is I don’t know if I want to pursue R&D, being a developer or positions dealing with programming, testing etc, like any area which is relevant to my course. Most people would have stay clear or run away from R&D, but I don’t. This is the part which is making me thinking so hard, I feel like my brain will explode.
Let me explain why.
To put it simply, I like both R&D and the usual jobs in the industry.
I also need an edge to land the job I want after graduation. As a computer science student, I realize that I am at a losing end in a way. Its like there are many out there who can replace what I am capable of doing, thus generating additional competition for me… as well as fellow computer science coursemates.
But its also the area of computer science, where there are niche areas to be explored. And the problem is which ones are the niche areas?!
I know I don’t have a set of good grades to get a good company for my IA, but I am relying on my interviewing skills, job experiences and a positive attitude that there is a place out there in a job market for me.
Call me a sadist for frustrations and stress, but honestly, amidst of whining and stuff, its the end product that gives me the most satisfaction, its like totally worth the effort, the sacrifices and the pains suffered.
Question: What would you do if you were me? pursue what I love best or try something which I think I will like? Leave me a comment if possible. I would love to hear what your opinions and suggestions are.
The Gal
Nicole
Thursday, 30. August 2007
I’m not a computer science student but generally, i feel that trying something that you have never explored may open up many more opportunities. You may even discover something that you are more interested in. For me, i think the job experiences we have may not necessarily need to be related to what we study. That’s why i try out different temp jobs every break so that i can learn different things each time. Hope this helps=)
Thursday, 30. August 2007
My advice is, don’t be too stress over this IA thing. When you look back after a couple of years, you may find that this is just one of the many cross roads in your life. It probably will not have any significant effect on the direction of your life either.
Just choose the project and company that you are interested in, and try to learn as much and enjoy the journey.
Thursday, 30. August 2007
It’s human nature to take on something we are more well versed and confident with. We know the job, we know the technical know-how etc.
I feel what you should also think about is where do you see yourself in 5 years time? In 10 years time? Having an overall roadmap of your career will aid you in making that selection. Just like successful businessmen, they forsee further than they are factually dealing with.
Nothing is wrong with doing something you are more confident in. However after many years on the job, it becomes stagnant and this is what we know as “the comfort zone”. Do you forsee yourself carving a career within a own comfort zone? Will you get bored of something that you like? Or would you like to have a little more challenge in your career? Afterall, alot of people don’t end up doing what they studied for.
Thursday, 30. August 2007
I agree with Uncharted Waters. IA is not as important as the school wants you to think it is.
Just pick the one that you have the most interest in, don’t worry about your future, and just go for it.
Enjoy your IA!
Thursday, 30. August 2007
Just follow your passion. You will not regret having tried what you are passionate about, when you look back in life.
=)
Friday, 31. August 2007
try something new.. this not a job.. is an IA! you already know what you like, so u should try something new and who knows u might like it too and that gives u more option when u graduate.. isn’t it so?
Friday, 31. August 2007
snowbiscuits: quite true, you never know what something would lead to next.
*hugs*
Friday, 31. August 2007
The Uncharted Waters: Thanks! I will make the best out of my IA
Friday, 31. August 2007
Just go with what your heart tells you to, and try your best, besides it’s just IA and not a life-or-death kinda thing yeah?
Friday, 31. August 2007
I agree with Uncharted Water and Uzyn – you can afford to take a risk in IA, its really isn’t as important as it’s made out to be.
Whichever one your heart tells you to go for, just go for it
You rarely get to go with your heart once working life starts and the money factors kick in :p
Friday, 31. August 2007
Drama Queen!!! IA is nothing like the real world. oh please. wake up your idea.
Friday, 31. August 2007
I have looked through the list of IA companies, when you are feeling better, i’ll take sometime to run through all your options with you.
Friday, 31. August 2007
If you already know, truly know, what you love … there’s no need to experiment with what you don’t know.
Speaking as a person who would or would not hire you (after graduation, not for the IA), I can tell you that unless you either have super outstanding or super bad grades- they will only matter a little. A lot is dependent on the interview, on how you present yourself, and how confident you are.
I will never hire someone who is unsure, still experimenting, just wanting to try things out. It’s too much trouble- to have to help you figure out what you want in life. I’ll have to constantly babysit you and wonder if you are ok or if you are secretly looking for another job, or worse yet, making the others around you miserable because you don’t know what you want and are therefore whining about it constantly.
If you know what you love- go for it. Don’t worry about the job opportunities available. I can’t believe that you think computer science is easily replaceable. In this age of computing, where we are still in the stages of infancy, there is not only much room to grow, there are also many opportunities.
Lastly, don’t think that your small decisions today will cement what will happen in your future. In this constantly changing world, at paces faster than ever before, the important thing is to stay nimble and be open to the possibilities.
http://www.entrepreneur.com.sg
Sunday, 2. September 2007
well,,,just follow your heart, I guess
Sunday, 2. September 2007
Cute cute one.: thanks so much
Sunday, 2. September 2007
NA: Oh my, are you offended in anyway? If so, that’s your problem.
Sunday, 2. September 2007
I agree with most of the comments. I think it’s better to try something different for a change. With the limited time doing it, you’ll have a feel of whether or not you want to be in that area for real.
I’m speaking from experience. I did/am doing different things for my IA, third year project, Honours (fourth year) project, PhD project, and now my postdoc project. My biggest passion is probably astrophysics, and I still intend to get to that field one day. But for now, I am sampling different areas of life. I take opportunities as they come, and I am enjoying it so far. Having experience in different fields allows me to have a different perspective on things.
Also keep in mind that most people don’t know what they want to do when they are still in undergraduate. It’s very rare to find ones that do. So, keep an open mind and try different things. Who knows, things you thought you liked may turn out to be something you don’t enjoy. Vice versa, things you thought you wouldn’t like may turn out to be something you feel strongly towards.
Stress less!
Sunday, 2. September 2007
Fanny: hee, I guess so too, and I hope you will be able to get the position you want for IA.
Sunday, 2. September 2007
Ed: thanks for the thought provoking questions, it sets me thinking
Cheers!
Sunday, 2. September 2007
uzyn: hmm, yup, I shall enjoy my IA!
Sunday, 2. September 2007
nay min thu: yup, i will follow what i want to do
Sunday, 2. September 2007
SC: hehe, yeah, will be picking something new where possible
Sunday, 2. September 2007
Kenny: haha, definitely not life or death matter
Sunday, 2. September 2007
Roys: A risk it shall be, and whether it pays off or not, we shall see…
Sunday, 2. September 2007
Entrepreneur: thanks so much for your advice
Now I am in a better position to decide 
perhaps I was misled into such thinking. =X
Sunday, 2. September 2007
akin: Stress less it shall be!