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Geek Squad or Peer Advisor?

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7 replies

by barissener

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Hello,

I am a junior IT student with concentration in Programming (Java). Before I graduate I want to get related experience. I have two options to choose from;

1. Geek Squad: I have a friend that can get me a job in Geek Squad, but is it worth it? After I graduate will it look good on my resume to have 1 year working experience in Geek Squad?

2. Peer Advisor: I am offered to be a peer advisor for Java classes at my university (George Mason University). I have no idea if it will be worth anything after I graduate. This will also help me with my programming since I'll be reading other people's codes to help them out, but will it look good on my resume?

Which one should I choose? Or should I consider other options because none of the options above is worth anything.

P.S. I don't want to offend anyone who is peer advising or working in Geek Squad. I just have no idea how any of these options will look on my resume.

Thanks,
Baris

7 replies

by cmiller5400

If you are going to school for programming, Geek Squad, I don't believe, does programming. They are more of a "fix-it" shop.

The real question is what do you want to do?

by barissener

First of thank you for your reply. I agree with you, but the problem is I cannot find an internship that involves programming. And everyone I spoke with said I have to start with a help desk job and work my way up. But in my last year, each semester I have a project class which we work for real companies. I thought I could put that on my resume as work experience, plus geek squad or peer advising, or maybe both.
My worry is that I will graduate and I will have to waste 2 more years to get a real job in programming.

by skdtech

It will give you at least some listable experience in what you want to do (programming). The Geek Squad on the other hands can show customer service experience and gives you an employment record.

Can you do both? Working part time for GS nets you a paycheck and an employment history while being a Peer advisor at the same time shows dedication to expanding your core skills in your chosen field.

by jellimonsta

If time allows, I would do both. The more practical experience one can get, only serves to help the resume.

by 45geek

Since you list your desire (concentration) in programming being a Peer Advisor would give you a step up on others. The troubleshooting skills that you will learn in reveiwing others code will put you a leg up on others as well as give you a valuable insight into different ways of coding for yourself. IMHO looking at others coding mistakes allows you to not only understand the basics of coding but allows you to hone your skills as well.

In fact you would do well to explore the iteractions that JAVA can have with other environments also such as: XML, JavaScript, CIM Classes, and such to round out your JAVA talents. In todays world well rounded is better than a speciality in obtaining a future job.

Good Luck and clean Coding.

by Member 19107296

perhaps you haven't yet chosen and i can be of help. I'm actually currently a peer advisor at Mason and can vouch for the program. You will hone your programming skills and have a respectable job, but much more importantly, Dean Bernard White oversees the program, so if you do a good job and need a recommendation down the road, you are guaranteed a great one.

PS-This isn't my techrepublic acct, so I won't see any replies/dms

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