I Got Hired: Web Developer

Posted on: 14 October 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Dominik Hauerstein is a Class of 2022 BSc Computer Science graduate now working as a Web Developer for one of the world's leading retirement services.

I used to work at Asda with a colleague who had left to work for the company that I work for now. This is a great example of finding connections when you least expect it. I only got the interview because I was referred by him, but it was my portfolio that secured the position.         

I got where I am now through a lot of luck and connections. I believe my passion for computing also helped me get started in this career. I had done a lot of projects in my own time over the years which has helped me build up a solid portfolio regardless of my uni degree.   

The hands on, pure coding experience that you gain from a professional environment as opposed to your own, or uni projects is definitely on another level of learning.             

The biggest challenge was definitely the whole of my last year, after COVID hit, and we started to return back to normal, it was difficult to stay motivated and to return back to class as being in the comfort of your own home while attending classes was something I had become accustomed to.      

1. Don't get lazy like I did, try to stay focused on your studies.

2. Not always possible but see if you can get good financial support, I had to work almost full time while studying, and it really does affect your time at uni negatively.

3. Set up a solid portfolio and try to make as many connections as possible. It's not what you know, it's who you know. Especially in computing. However, don't neglect your portfolio!