Can Get a Job Anywhere on the Planet Earth

Recently, Professor Tom Carlisle received a message from a student who is currently engaged in a paid practical training position at a US company. The student wrote:

"I was going to work this morning and thinking of writing you this email. I came to M.U.M. in May 2007. I am thankful to all my professors who taught me, but there are two professors that I especially appreciate. One of them is Professor Paul Corazza, who taught Algorithms. As a software engineer, it’s crucial to know algorithms and all the basics of programming. Big companies like Yahoo, Amazon, Google, Microsoft--all they ask is algorithms.

The second professor I am very thankful for is you. You taught us the art of searching for a job in the US. I cannot say this was a less important course than any other. I learned the need of ambition. And I still think this is the most important thing a candidate must possess.

Altogether I had three interviews with three different companies:

1. Amazon.com: Two phone interviews and one on site in Seattle on the 18th story on the highest building in Seattle. I didn't get the job.
2. Source Allies, an IT consulting company in Des Moines, Iowa: I had two phone interviews and one interview on site.
3. A company in New Jersey: I had only one phone interview, they liked me and invited me for an on site interview, but I refused because I had another attractive offer in hand.

I ended up choosing Source Allies. I still work there, in Des Moines, Iowa. And I am happy with my choice.
As you can see I didn't have too many interviews, and I am not that special from the others, but I got my job pretty quickly. All I had was my technical experience, knowledge, ambition, spirit, and the can-do attitude. That’s the secret of job search.

All I want to say is that you are doing a great job. Keep doing it. I think that if a person successfully gets a job in US, that person can get a job anywhere on the planet Earth--at least in IT."

—Alexandru Luchian, from Moldova

PHOTO: Dr. Carlisle (in blue suit) with students