I recently completed my Master’s degree in a field that complements the organization I work for and would allow for growth. It is kind of a niche field so for anonymities sake I will not be mentioning what my degree is in.
Before I started my degree, I was told how this field is lacking workers and upon graduation we would all have our pick of the litter. I started connecting with hiring managers within and outside my organization 2 months prior to graduation to see what I need to be ready to step into this field upon graduation. A little back history I have been with this organization for over four years and worked my way up from the bottom.
I connected with hiring managers in my desired field with roles that were considered the same level I currently am. After talking with several managers I am told that while I have a Masters I would need either a PhD or a Masters plus 3-5 years experience. They suggest I instead look at a role that would be a step down since this is the entry level role. They also suggest some courses I can take during my free time to help build some coding skills. (According to everyone I spoke with this is the only thing I am lacking in the be considered a viable candidate.
I decide to work on some of the classes and wait to continue the job search after I graduate. I begin again and start talking to hiring managers with open roles (These roles I was looking at would not have required a step down). I explain my background with the company, my degree, and the classes I have been taking. I explain that I understand the concepts but need the experience to apply what I have learned and I’m unable to gain that in my current role. I’m met with a lot of positivity, people saying how my experience with the company is desirable because I can offer insights most of the team doesn’t have and how event though my new skills are beginner at best, with my business knowledge and can do attitude I’m already an asset to the team.
I had several interviews lined up with managers that are well aware that my skill level with coding is basic and discussed how they would be thrilled to have me on their team. After every single interview I’m told my business knowledge was really great but my coding skills were lacking and they had no room on the team for me and suggest I go get experience before trying again. Well no shit you don’t say? Not like didn’t warn you before hand.
Btw, I looked into those entry level roles everyone has talked about and the basic qualifications, PhD and 3-5 years coding experience.
People keep saying I’ll be scooped up so quick because I have all of this business knowledge and the degree to back my field change and yet here it is almost 5 months into job hunting and I’m being told I need experience but no one wants to give me that experience.
Also side not I have looked outside the organization as well but I am having less luck there.