Career Path of a Senior Software Engineer at a Big Tech Company
Alec's career path, beginning with a computer engineering degree from Cal Poly, involved a single relevant internship at a funded tech startup, followed by a challenging job search in the post .com bust era. After starting at eBay via a brother-in-law's connection and then moving to a music startup, Alec's career eventually led to a long-term position at the acquiring company, where "the bouncing around has definitely slowed down" since 2016.
Career Development, Overcoming Challenges, Job Search, Technology, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alec Reitter
Senior Software Engineer
Fortune 100 Technology Company
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
none
Computer Science
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Alec's persistence in securing a tech job despite the challenging post dot-com bust market.
2. His transition from various part-time jobs and a single internship to a successful career at a major tech company.
3. His experience at both a large company (eBay) and a startup, offering insights into different work environments and career paths.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college and any internships you had before your current role as senior software engineer?
I started at Cal Poly in the fall of 1998 and studied computer engineering, which is a blend of computer science and electrical engineering. While there, I joined a fraternity, which was my main social outlet.
My parents funded my education, but I worked part-time jobs for spending money. I had several part-time roles, including a dishwasher at the cafeteria, which was unpleasant and detracted from my studies.
I also worked for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, where I shuttled customers, and for the university providing tech support for their internet service. These roles were varied, with the university job being tech-related and offering experience interacting with people over the phone.
I also completed one internship at a funded tech startup, likely in the summer of 1999 or 2000. This gave me insight into the workings of a tech startup with financial aspects.
I graduated in 2003, taking five years even though I started as a sophomore. The job market for computer science and software roles was challenging due to the dot-com bust. Many experienced individuals were still seeking employment, and I was entering the market with little experience.
I found a job at eBay through my brother-in-law. Initially, I worked in an advanced technology group experimenting with eBay data and potential new products. Eventually, my brother-in-law was promoted to a position where he would be my superior.
Due to eBay's nepotism policy, I had to move to the regular engineering side of the company, which I understood to be a less desirable area. I left eBay and joined a music startup founded by someone I had met on the advanced technology team.
This startup was located in Palo Alto, and I was hired as a junior software engineer and web developer. After a couple of years, the company was acquired at the end of 2009. I remain with the acquiring company, moving between different teams within the same general area.
Most recently, my role has become more stable. In September 2016, I joined the team I am still a part of today.
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