Hello everyone. I finally completed my school program with the University of Maryland Global Campus in Software Development and Security. I just started applying for jobs and I've ben talking to a recruiter from FDM group. I have researched this company and I do see they give you training getting paid minimum wage for two months and may be offered a contract for 50k per year plus you are locked in for two years.
Here's my back story. I was in the Marines for 20 years and after I retired I decided to go back to school and get my degree. I've been in school for the past few years plus I have also completed an Immersive Full Stack boot camp and I also have the CompTIA Sec Plus Cert. I'm in my mid 40's changing careers and most people suggested I get a job based on my military experience, but I felt I was done doing that plus I had my education benefits.
Anyways I see most complains abut FDM is the low pay but honestly pay is not my main concern since I have some cushion with retirement pension and disability. My main concern is to get an opportunity in the field, I do worry about ageism, no experience, and I read it may take up to six months to get an opportunity.
Talking to the recruiter and reading comments in other platforms yes you do start with low pay but it may increase significantly after the two years with the experience with FDM and personal ethics.
I guess my question is shoud I stick with FDM knowing that most likely I will have an opportunity sooner rather than later or keep applying and hope to get something better before the expected six months. I do feel overwhelmed about this job hunting experience but I guess it just takes time to find the right approach.
Thanks for any advice.
Answers
Richard makes a great point about exploring your options before committing to those 2 years. It's worth understanding that the tech industry is incredibly competitive at the entry level, but once you're able to get your start, the job hunt becomes much easier.
This is a great resource if you're looking to gain insight on salary caps for entry level, mid level and senior engineers. It also serves as a job board so it is worth taking a look.
https://www.levels.fyi/?compare=Google,Facebook,Microsoft&track=Software%20Engineer
As for your worry about making it into the industry at a later stage in your life, Jerome Hardaway has an inspiring story about he began his career in tech.
https://github.com/readme/stories/jerome-hardaway
A lot of variables, some are your personal preferences & abilities, including interviewing.
Good that you seem to have an idea where you stand now with one offer.
Probably reasonable to examine and compare with some job search results,
maybe you can avoid a two year commitment & a recruiter fee?
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