Support NeoGAF

[p_xavier]

I'm moving to Ottawa in February, and no job in sight yet. I'm finishing my Ph.D. in Eletrical Engineering and I have a Master in Software Engineering with plenty of experience in teaching and various contracts. Where is my best bet to apply for a job. I applied at: Federal Government, CGI, Corel... and no positive news yet. I would like to have something in the $48k-$50k range.

So help me GAF...

 

[pestul]

Why are you moving there? Do you have a partner who obtained a job in Ottawa?

 

[p_xavier]

Why are you moving there? Do you have a partner who obtained a job in Ottawa?

Yeah, that's the main reason. And I don't have a professionnal network there yet, so I'm kinda fucked.

 

[6.8]

I could help you, but I'm also job hunting.

My professional network consists of Nortel employees that can't hire me because they don't have the budget. How winner is that?

 

[p_xavier]

I could help you, but I'm also job hunting.

My professional network consists of Nortel employees that can't hire me because they don't have the budget. How winner is that?

I sympathize with you! I mean, it's really insulting knowing that you get a job by contacts instead of competence! But that's how life works...

 

[pestul]

My greatest fear for you is actually overqualification.

In theory, you should have no trouble finding work, yet some employers would still feel obliged to pay you a certain salary narrowing your options. Given your background, I'm suprised you don't have colleagues who could help you throughout Canada.

 

[p_xavier]

My greatest fear for you is actually overqualification.

In theory, you should have no trouble finding work, yet some employers would still feel obliged to pay you a certain salary narrowing your options. Given your background, I'm suprised you don't have colleagues who could help you throughout Canada.

Well, the colleagues are all at the university level, not really fanatics of the private sector!

 

[6.8]

I sympathize with you! I mean, it's really insulting knowing that you get a job by contacts instead of competence! But that's how life works...

Especially when my teammates said they would like to hire me, and even some said I was the best coop they ever had.

*sigh*

I'm unsure at how I'll approach job hunting myself. I haven't started doing it seriously yet, I'm taking the whole month of january off.

 

[Azih]

Well, the colleagues are all at the university level, not really fanatics of the private sector!

Can't you get an academic position of some sort then?, not a bad career path.

 

[6.8]

If overqualification is a concern, I'd suggest perhaps checking out the NRC (national research council) - or perhaps attempt to look for academic stuff at the University of Ottawa or University of Carleton.

 

[Miburou]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but what's there to see in Ottawa? It's only a 2-hour drive away, but aside from the Parliament, I'm not sure what I should check out on an 8-hour trip.

 

[6.8]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but what's there to see in Ottawa? It's only a 2-hour drive away, but aside from the Parliament, I'm not sure what I should check out on an 8-hour trip.

The Gatineau Park is great, during the winter it's mostly oriented for nordic skiing. You could also bring your skates for the Canal, which is enjoyable when there isn't too many people (read weekday evenings). There's also a shitload of museums if that sort of thing is your bag.

 

[Pochacco]

Ph.D in Elec and you only expect to make $48k-$50k?!
I'm sure you can do better than that.

 

[p_xavier]

Ph.D in Elec and you only expect to make $48k-$50k?!
I'm sure you can do better than that.

Well that's what I thought, but after a 3 month search and many applications after, I still can't find anything near that salary. Don't do graduate studies kids, it's not worth it. And for a professor job of some sort, maybe later, but it's a kind of a dead-end career path.

 

[6.8]

Don't do graduate studies kids, it's not worth it. And for a professor job of some sort, maybe later, but it's a kind of a dead-end job.

And here I was considering doing a Masters if the hunting isn't fruitful.

 

[rastex]

Well that's what I thought, but after a 3 month search and many applications after, I still can't find anything near that salary. Don't do graduate studies kids, it's not worth it. And for a professor job of some sort, maybe later, but it's a kind of a dead-end career path.

What?? At Waterloo there's a huge shortage of profs/lecturers so how's it a dead-end path?

 

[fart]

what did you do your grad work/thesis in?

 

[pestul]

If overqualification is a concern, I'd suggest perhaps checking out the NRC (national research council) - or perhaps attempt to look for academic stuff at the University of Ottawa or University of Carleton.

I'll echo the NRC recommendation. That kind of work would be right up your alley. High paying too.

 

[jenov4]

First of all, congrats on getting your PhD. I'm sure you've already done this, but make sure you apply and check constantly at the federal jobs official website they're always looking for qualified engineers.

You won't be making much with the government but at least it's a foot in the door and Ottawa's cost of living is much lower than big cities like Toronto.

 

[p_xavier]

First of all, congrats on getting your PhD. I'm sure you've already done this, but make sure you apply and check constantly at the federal jobs official website they're always looking for qualified engineers.

You won't be making much with the government but at least it's a foot in the door and Ottawa's cost of living is much lower than big cities like Toronto.

Yeah, that's where I'm always looking. Also, if I'm saying it's a dead-end job, you're always a prof. you won't have many possibilities to change your research domain. At least, in the private sector, you may want to have a promotion. I know Waterloo U pays a lot for their lecturers, but for Ottawa U, it's another story...

what did you do your grad work/thesis in?

I working on a rover automated learning system, which is being used by the European Spatial Agency.

Anyways, thanks for the positive thoughts, I'll keep sending applications and phoning to the HR girls.

Also I looked for the NRC, and they really have great jobs, I'll send my applications there also.