Over Robert
Rober is an old student of our study, He went on to become a teacher at our study. After a few years of teaching he went on to be the Creative Technologist at Deloitte.
Robert builds things using html, css and javascript mainly. But sometimes he also uses other tools and languages like Vite, Svelte(kit), Angular, .NET, Node.js and Azure
Robert works at Deloitte where he is building the interface of the custom chatgpt built from Deloitte.
About us
Robert told us that CMD is the ideal starting point for us to get some fancy titles.
He also asked us some questions like:
- What do you want to become in the future?
- Where do you want to work in the future?
- What do you want to do in the future?
The point he was trying to make was that we should think a lot about what we want to do when we leave school to start either work or studying.
What to do after studying
This question was asked a lot, there are some things you can do after studying like:
- Stay at your internship.
- Go jobhunting.
- Finding yourself somewhere exotic.
- Continue studying
- Get a traineeship
The only thing you shouldn't do is have no clue.
What plays a role in a new job?
The landscape
The landscape of your job makes a big impact on your enjoyment. Your workplace should stimulate you to learn fundamentals through study, Research or a mentor.
It should also keep you curious. Enjoy learning new things. This way you can stay informed and enjoy discovering the new things that people create.
The type of employer
The type of employer you are also makes a big difference in the way you work.
Freelancer
For example if you are a freelancer you can make your own time and take your own projects. This is great but it also comes with more risk since the less you work the less you earn.
Traineeship
At a traineeship you will be trained in the proper ways to work for the company you have the traineeship at. This way they can mould you to what they need. This means you will be earning money while they teach you. This also has some downfalls since you will be forced to do things the way the company wants and you dont have much input until you are actually hired as a developer.
Secondment
If you work in Secondment you will be hired by company's who need developers / designers. This way you will be working for many different people and on varying projects. This also has another side to it since you will never have the same colleagues for a longer amount of time.
Design studio
you can also work at a design studio, There you will be making designs in a team most of the time. The way this works depends on the company you work at.
Full-service agency
At a Full-service agency you will be building every aspect of a product. From the front-end to the back-end and even the api and databases.
The Stack
Robert talked a bit about the Stack. With this he meant what code types and tools you use.
He asked us what frameworks and code languages we used. Once we told him he proceded by saying that with basic html, css and javascript you can learn everything you need to become whatever you want in this field.
Every tool and language either works by using one of the 3 basics or looks like it in some way. He also told us we should learn a new tool or language every year. This way we will keep evolving our skills.
The Money
Money is a very important part of your life after school. There are going to be a lot of tough conversations about it if you want to go and work somewhere. Because of this you should really think about a few things beforehand.
Howmuch do you want to earn?
Howmuch you earn depends on you skill level and what you want to do after school. Robert asked us howmuch we were expecting to earn after we leave school and most of us thought we would earn roughly 3000 euro's bruto per month. He told us that most people would earn about this much but it also depended on other factors like benefits.
Money vs. Benefits
Getting money is obviously the most important part but not the only one. Most of the time you will also be getting some benefits with the money. This will be stuff like:
- Company car
- Public Transport
- Phone
- Etc.
Some people will be okay with a lower salary in exchange for some good benefits.
Netto vs Bruto
You should also think about howmuch you will actually earn. Because a 3800 euro salary comes down to about 2900 netto. This is about a 30% loss.
What is a good salary?
There is no good salary. You should discuss with friends and people you know that do the same thing as you. That way you know what a high and a low offer is. You should also calculate you monthly costs to know what you have to earn.
The vibe
Do you enjoy working, Have nice colleagues. This should also be taken into consideration when looking for a job.
The vibe is no substitute to a fair and honest salary.
Conclusion:
- Discuss your benefits with classmates
- Do your own research
- It is okay to say no to a company. “We dont have the budget” is not your problem.
- Finally: Its your job, you will go there every day. Have fun and feel recognized. Thats the most important part.
Quotes:
“The best way to learn is by doing your own products. Go build epic shit!”
“Its okay to fail, It’s better to build 10 average things then to get stuck on a single perfect one.”
“Network network network! I never had a portfolio but people still find me because i meet them, Reach out to them, interact with them. Soft skills are vital.”
“You already have no, Why not ask for yes!”
Reflection
Looking back on this talk i learned a lot about the fact that you should think about what you want to do in the future. In my case its especially relevant since im really struggling with the fact that i dont know where i want to work after this study. Do i want to stay in Volendam or do i want to go somewhere else. And whenever i do, what will i be doing with my days.
For my self improvement
I think this talk really made me think more about the future and gave me a lot of helpfull tips when it comes to actually doing whatever you want and like to do. Because of this i will think more clearly about the future.