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Undergraduate about to graduate with a degree in Bioinformatics, what should I know before applying to a programming job? [closed]
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At the end of the summer I will graduate with a bachelors degree in bioinformatics, which is basically half bio half cs with some bioinformatics specific stuff in there to tie it all together. SO soon I will be applying to jobs and I am kinda nervous about applying to jobs that would require programming mostly cause I worry that I don't know enough to start. Right now I've learned c++, and theory including algorithms, and I've begun to learn html, css, and javascript for my year end project. But how much should I know about any of this before I can confidently apply?
job-search
asked Apr 25 '16 at 0:18
Josh Gertner
1
closed as unclear what you're asking by Dawny33, gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, mhoran_psprep Apr 26 '16 at 10:50
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
-2
down vote
favorite
At the end of the summer I will graduate with a bachelors degree in bioinformatics, which is basically half bio half cs with some bioinformatics specific stuff in there to tie it all together. SO soon I will be applying to jobs and I am kinda nervous about applying to jobs that would require programming mostly cause I worry that I don't know enough to start. Right now I've learned c++, and theory including algorithms, and I've begun to learn html, css, and javascript for my year end project. But how much should I know about any of this before I can confidently apply?
job-search
asked Apr 25 '16 at 0:18
Josh Gertner
1
closed as unclear what you're asking by Dawny33, gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, mhoran_psprep Apr 26 '16 at 10:50
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
You don't need confidence if you know the right people that can get you a job.
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:39
but what if my knowledge is too low? will i just learn on the job?
– Josh Gertner
Apr 25 '16 at 1:50
The really grim thing is that most employers won't train because that costs money, and money is more important than people (to them). Like I was alluding to, what you know isn't nearly as important as who you know. The recruiters, the HR drones, they have the power. They "decide" what's talent, and what's not, even though they do not demonstrate talent themselves. I have a PhD in physics, can program, can write, can think, can create, and I have shit. Advice: Make direct contact with someone that has the power to hire you. Do not respond to job ads; will only be filtered out by software...
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:59
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
-2
down vote
favorite
up vote
-2
down vote
favorite
At the end of the summer I will graduate with a bachelors degree in bioinformatics, which is basically half bio half cs with some bioinformatics specific stuff in there to tie it all together. SO soon I will be applying to jobs and I am kinda nervous about applying to jobs that would require programming mostly cause I worry that I don't know enough to start. Right now I've learned c++, and theory including algorithms, and I've begun to learn html, css, and javascript for my year end project. But how much should I know about any of this before I can confidently apply?
job-search
asked Apr 25 '16 at 0:18
Josh Gertner
1
At the end of the summer I will graduate with a bachelors degree in bioinformatics, which is basically half bio half cs with some bioinformatics specific stuff in there to tie it all together. SO soon I will be applying to jobs and I am kinda nervous about applying to jobs that would require programming mostly cause I worry that I don't know enough to start. Right now I've learned c++, and theory including algorithms, and I've begun to learn html, css, and javascript for my year end project. But how much should I know about any of this before I can confidently apply?
job-search
asked Apr 25 '16 at 0:18
Josh Gertner
1
asked Apr 25 '16 at 0:18
Josh Gertner
1
asked Apr 25 '16 at 0:18
Josh Gertner
1
asked Apr 25 '16 at 0:18
Josh Gertner
1
1
closed as unclear what you're asking by Dawny33, gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, mhoran_psprep Apr 26 '16 at 10:50
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as unclear what you're asking by Dawny33, gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, mhoran_psprep Apr 26 '16 at 10:50
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
You don't need confidence if you know the right people that can get you a job.
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:39
but what if my knowledge is too low? will i just learn on the job?
– Josh Gertner
Apr 25 '16 at 1:50
The really grim thing is that most employers won't train because that costs money, and money is more important than people (to them). Like I was alluding to, what you know isn't nearly as important as who you know. The recruiters, the HR drones, they have the power. They "decide" what's talent, and what's not, even though they do not demonstrate talent themselves. I have a PhD in physics, can program, can write, can think, can create, and I have shit. Advice: Make direct contact with someone that has the power to hire you. Do not respond to job ads; will only be filtered out by software...
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:59
suggest improvements |Â
You don't need confidence if you know the right people that can get you a job.
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:39
but what if my knowledge is too low? will i just learn on the job?
– Josh Gertner
Apr 25 '16 at 1:50
The really grim thing is that most employers won't train because that costs money, and money is more important than people (to them). Like I was alluding to, what you know isn't nearly as important as who you know. The recruiters, the HR drones, they have the power. They "decide" what's talent, and what's not, even though they do not demonstrate talent themselves. I have a PhD in physics, can program, can write, can think, can create, and I have shit. Advice: Make direct contact with someone that has the power to hire you. Do not respond to job ads; will only be filtered out by software...
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:59
You don't need confidence if you know the right people that can get you a job.
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:39
You don't need confidence if you know the right people that can get you a job.
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:39
but what if my knowledge is too low? will i just learn on the job?
– Josh Gertner
Apr 25 '16 at 1:50
but what if my knowledge is too low? will i just learn on the job?
– Josh Gertner
Apr 25 '16 at 1:50
The really grim thing is that most employers won't train because that costs money, and money is more important than people (to them). Like I was alluding to, what you know isn't nearly as important as who you know. The recruiters, the HR drones, they have the power. They "decide" what's talent, and what's not, even though they do not demonstrate talent themselves. I have a PhD in physics, can program, can write, can think, can create, and I have shit. Advice: Make direct contact with someone that has the power to hire you. Do not respond to job ads; will only be filtered out by software...
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:59
The really grim thing is that most employers won't train because that costs money, and money is more important than people (to them). Like I was alluding to, what you know isn't nearly as important as who you know. The recruiters, the HR drones, they have the power. They "decide" what's talent, and what's not, even though they do not demonstrate talent themselves. I have a PhD in physics, can program, can write, can think, can create, and I have shit. Advice: Make direct contact with someone that has the power to hire you. Do not respond to job ads; will only be filtered out by software...
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:59
suggest improvements |Â
3 Answers
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1
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How much, and what, you need to know will depend on the job you are applying for.
If you aren't going to leverage your additional knowledge from the bio side of your degree, you are likely to be at a disadvantage compared to the pure-computing-degree folks, so I think you really do want to look for positions where that combination of skills is needed.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I'm a bioinformatics researcher, it's a very diverse field and I didn't come at it with a Biology background at all. I can't really comment about graduate recruitment in bioinformatics as most come into research with a masters or PhD. However you could try approaching research groups at your current University looking for short term projects/internships (probably unpaid). I've known several people get jobs from that.
With regard to bioinformatics programming skills, from my experience Python, Perl and R are very highly used.
If you're not interested in bioinformatics at all and are looking for programming jobs I agree with keshlam, you are likely to be at a bit of a disadvantage.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
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up vote
0
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I know little to nothing about bioinformatics, but I believe it is not very relevant in this case.
You mentioned several programming languages that you have learned in college, and several that you're still learning. That's good, but I learned French at school and I can't have a conversation in French.
I believe the core of your question is your insecurity; you are in doubt of your skills. This is a valid concern, but one that will not help you find a job. The fact that you asked this question on a forum like SE, does however help as it shows you are aware you may need help and you ask for help. Asking is always appreciated.
I can only speak for the Netherlands here, but I'm sure this case would be similar in many other western countries. So, here we go:
The fact that you're getting a bachelor's degree proves that you can learn at at least the given tempo, but it does not prove much more than that.
For someone looking for a first job as programmer, most companies I know care much more about what you do with your spare time. If you don't know something, that's not bad, as you can still learn on the job, as you have already proven with your degree. But do you want to learn? If you develop applications, websites or anything else that is related to software, emphasise on this!
As you're likely not to apply for a senior position, who you are and what you can learn is much more important than what you already know. If you have projects (preferably open source), the company will be able to see that you actually like to program and that you're able to learn on your own.
Learning on the job does not mean that you will be taking courses, it just means that you will encounter problems and you are expected to be able to handle these problems. Research the problem yourself, but always ask others if you cannot find a solution within a reasonable timeframe.
You really have nothing to worry about.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
suggest improvements |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
How much, and what, you need to know will depend on the job you are applying for.
If you aren't going to leverage your additional knowledge from the bio side of your degree, you are likely to be at a disadvantage compared to the pure-computing-degree folks, so I think you really do want to look for positions where that combination of skills is needed.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
How much, and what, you need to know will depend on the job you are applying for.
If you aren't going to leverage your additional knowledge from the bio side of your degree, you are likely to be at a disadvantage compared to the pure-computing-degree folks, so I think you really do want to look for positions where that combination of skills is needed.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
How much, and what, you need to know will depend on the job you are applying for.
If you aren't going to leverage your additional knowledge from the bio side of your degree, you are likely to be at a disadvantage compared to the pure-computing-degree folks, so I think you really do want to look for positions where that combination of skills is needed.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
How much, and what, you need to know will depend on the job you are applying for.
If you aren't going to leverage your additional knowledge from the bio side of your degree, you are likely to be at a disadvantage compared to the pure-computing-degree folks, so I think you really do want to look for positions where that combination of skills is needed.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Apr 25 '16 at 5:29
keshlam
41.5k1267144
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I'm a bioinformatics researcher, it's a very diverse field and I didn't come at it with a Biology background at all. I can't really comment about graduate recruitment in bioinformatics as most come into research with a masters or PhD. However you could try approaching research groups at your current University looking for short term projects/internships (probably unpaid). I've known several people get jobs from that.
With regard to bioinformatics programming skills, from my experience Python, Perl and R are very highly used.
If you're not interested in bioinformatics at all and are looking for programming jobs I agree with keshlam, you are likely to be at a bit of a disadvantage.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I'm a bioinformatics researcher, it's a very diverse field and I didn't come at it with a Biology background at all. I can't really comment about graduate recruitment in bioinformatics as most come into research with a masters or PhD. However you could try approaching research groups at your current University looking for short term projects/internships (probably unpaid). I've known several people get jobs from that.
With regard to bioinformatics programming skills, from my experience Python, Perl and R are very highly used.
If you're not interested in bioinformatics at all and are looking for programming jobs I agree with keshlam, you are likely to be at a bit of a disadvantage.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I'm a bioinformatics researcher, it's a very diverse field and I didn't come at it with a Biology background at all. I can't really comment about graduate recruitment in bioinformatics as most come into research with a masters or PhD. However you could try approaching research groups at your current University looking for short term projects/internships (probably unpaid). I've known several people get jobs from that.
With regard to bioinformatics programming skills, from my experience Python, Perl and R are very highly used.
If you're not interested in bioinformatics at all and are looking for programming jobs I agree with keshlam, you are likely to be at a bit of a disadvantage.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
I'm a bioinformatics researcher, it's a very diverse field and I didn't come at it with a Biology background at all. I can't really comment about graduate recruitment in bioinformatics as most come into research with a masters or PhD. However you could try approaching research groups at your current University looking for short term projects/internships (probably unpaid). I've known several people get jobs from that.
With regard to bioinformatics programming skills, from my experience Python, Perl and R are very highly used.
If you're not interested in bioinformatics at all and are looking for programming jobs I agree with keshlam, you are likely to be at a bit of a disadvantage.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
answered Apr 25 '16 at 19:13
Martin
111
111
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I know little to nothing about bioinformatics, but I believe it is not very relevant in this case.
You mentioned several programming languages that you have learned in college, and several that you're still learning. That's good, but I learned French at school and I can't have a conversation in French.
I believe the core of your question is your insecurity; you are in doubt of your skills. This is a valid concern, but one that will not help you find a job. The fact that you asked this question on a forum like SE, does however help as it shows you are aware you may need help and you ask for help. Asking is always appreciated.
I can only speak for the Netherlands here, but I'm sure this case would be similar in many other western countries. So, here we go:
The fact that you're getting a bachelor's degree proves that you can learn at at least the given tempo, but it does not prove much more than that.
For someone looking for a first job as programmer, most companies I know care much more about what you do with your spare time. If you don't know something, that's not bad, as you can still learn on the job, as you have already proven with your degree. But do you want to learn? If you develop applications, websites or anything else that is related to software, emphasise on this!
As you're likely not to apply for a senior position, who you are and what you can learn is much more important than what you already know. If you have projects (preferably open source), the company will be able to see that you actually like to program and that you're able to learn on your own.
Learning on the job does not mean that you will be taking courses, it just means that you will encounter problems and you are expected to be able to handle these problems. Research the problem yourself, but always ask others if you cannot find a solution within a reasonable timeframe.
You really have nothing to worry about.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I know little to nothing about bioinformatics, but I believe it is not very relevant in this case.
You mentioned several programming languages that you have learned in college, and several that you're still learning. That's good, but I learned French at school and I can't have a conversation in French.
I believe the core of your question is your insecurity; you are in doubt of your skills. This is a valid concern, but one that will not help you find a job. The fact that you asked this question on a forum like SE, does however help as it shows you are aware you may need help and you ask for help. Asking is always appreciated.
I can only speak for the Netherlands here, but I'm sure this case would be similar in many other western countries. So, here we go:
The fact that you're getting a bachelor's degree proves that you can learn at at least the given tempo, but it does not prove much more than that.
For someone looking for a first job as programmer, most companies I know care much more about what you do with your spare time. If you don't know something, that's not bad, as you can still learn on the job, as you have already proven with your degree. But do you want to learn? If you develop applications, websites or anything else that is related to software, emphasise on this!
As you're likely not to apply for a senior position, who you are and what you can learn is much more important than what you already know. If you have projects (preferably open source), the company will be able to see that you actually like to program and that you're able to learn on your own.
Learning on the job does not mean that you will be taking courses, it just means that you will encounter problems and you are expected to be able to handle these problems. Research the problem yourself, but always ask others if you cannot find a solution within a reasonable timeframe.
You really have nothing to worry about.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I know little to nothing about bioinformatics, but I believe it is not very relevant in this case.
You mentioned several programming languages that you have learned in college, and several that you're still learning. That's good, but I learned French at school and I can't have a conversation in French.
I believe the core of your question is your insecurity; you are in doubt of your skills. This is a valid concern, but one that will not help you find a job. The fact that you asked this question on a forum like SE, does however help as it shows you are aware you may need help and you ask for help. Asking is always appreciated.
I can only speak for the Netherlands here, but I'm sure this case would be similar in many other western countries. So, here we go:
The fact that you're getting a bachelor's degree proves that you can learn at at least the given tempo, but it does not prove much more than that.
For someone looking for a first job as programmer, most companies I know care much more about what you do with your spare time. If you don't know something, that's not bad, as you can still learn on the job, as you have already proven with your degree. But do you want to learn? If you develop applications, websites or anything else that is related to software, emphasise on this!
As you're likely not to apply for a senior position, who you are and what you can learn is much more important than what you already know. If you have projects (preferably open source), the company will be able to see that you actually like to program and that you're able to learn on your own.
Learning on the job does not mean that you will be taking courses, it just means that you will encounter problems and you are expected to be able to handle these problems. Research the problem yourself, but always ask others if you cannot find a solution within a reasonable timeframe.
You really have nothing to worry about.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
I know little to nothing about bioinformatics, but I believe it is not very relevant in this case.
You mentioned several programming languages that you have learned in college, and several that you're still learning. That's good, but I learned French at school and I can't have a conversation in French.
I believe the core of your question is your insecurity; you are in doubt of your skills. This is a valid concern, but one that will not help you find a job. The fact that you asked this question on a forum like SE, does however help as it shows you are aware you may need help and you ask for help. Asking is always appreciated.
I can only speak for the Netherlands here, but I'm sure this case would be similar in many other western countries. So, here we go:
The fact that you're getting a bachelor's degree proves that you can learn at at least the given tempo, but it does not prove much more than that.
For someone looking for a first job as programmer, most companies I know care much more about what you do with your spare time. If you don't know something, that's not bad, as you can still learn on the job, as you have already proven with your degree. But do you want to learn? If you develop applications, websites or anything else that is related to software, emphasise on this!
As you're likely not to apply for a senior position, who you are and what you can learn is much more important than what you already know. If you have projects (preferably open source), the company will be able to see that you actually like to program and that you're able to learn on your own.
Learning on the job does not mean that you will be taking courses, it just means that you will encounter problems and you are expected to be able to handle these problems. Research the problem yourself, but always ask others if you cannot find a solution within a reasonable timeframe.
You really have nothing to worry about.
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
answered Apr 25 '16 at 21:33
Stephan Bijzitter
673410
673410
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
You don't need confidence if you know the right people that can get you a job.
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:39
but what if my knowledge is too low? will i just learn on the job?
– Josh Gertner
Apr 25 '16 at 1:50
The really grim thing is that most employers won't train because that costs money, and money is more important than people (to them). Like I was alluding to, what you know isn't nearly as important as who you know. The recruiters, the HR drones, they have the power. They "decide" what's talent, and what's not, even though they do not demonstrate talent themselves. I have a PhD in physics, can program, can write, can think, can create, and I have shit. Advice: Make direct contact with someone that has the power to hire you. Do not respond to job ads; will only be filtered out by software...
– Joel DeWitt
Apr 25 '16 at 1:59