AS Degree in Computer Science/School Project

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I'm currently in the process of earning an AS in Computer Science and Programming. As a portfolio project, I'm required to complete a career development project.

One of the required parts of the project is to find 5 job openings within my degree. Two from newspapers, two from the internet, and the third can be from either.

I have chosen programming as a career option. The problem I'm having is I can't find any jobs in my area. And the jobs I can find on the internet require 2-5 years work experience.

Now my ultimate goal is not to stop with an AS. I'm just going this route because I want a piece of paper ASAP so I can get a "better' job--entry level--ASAP.

I'm totally stuck. Can anyone offer advice? It would be much easier for me to complete this project if I had that BS in mind and not the AS.

I'm beginning to feel like I'm just wasting my time even going for the AS.

Most entry level programming positions require a BS from what I've seen unless it's an internship or CO-OP position.

I know!

I don't know how I'm going to complete this project.




I think my best shot is to just start programming now so I have something to show off during an interview.

Might be worth considering switching to a BS track if your college offers it. It's not going to be easy to get that first job out of college no matter what your field or degree, but certainly that would make a difference. Doing an internship and building up a portfolio would help, as well.

I'm in an Associate's computer programming program right now.

I was thinking I would go into the BCS afterward but I'm not so sure I'm taking that route.

I don't want to be that person but many entry level programming jobs are being outsourced, people are saying "jobs are still available" but the fact is they are becoming less and less available and finding entry level work as a programmer will be very competitive, I wouldn't even try without a BCS.

Software engineering is a better option but is not quite the same as programming, you will need more courses that focus on management, business, and project planning.

Some computer science programs offer these courses but at my school these courses are found with the Information Systems degree. This also includes programming and courses in wireless networking plus lots of other IT and IS related courses, which could prepare for you for work as a Systems Analyst as well. Much better option IMO.

As an employer, I pay little if any attention to degree - my decision to hire someone is entirely based on practical experience - and that's what I've seen is a norm in many small-medium companies. My suggestion would be to contribute heavily to open source projects and have something to talk about in an interview.