| re: will I get a job in the software testing field
After I finished study, I went straight into the workforce -> driving buses was the first thing that came along (when I was young I had sort of wanted to, and I figured at the least it showed I was willing to work, even if it wasn't in my chosen profession). Unfortunately, the demanding hours of public transport meant I would be tired or busy and only sporadically applied for work (coupled with a drawn out application for one position where I though I was a shoe-in (as an air traffic controller) which dragged on for 8 months before I fell over at interview) and fairly soon I was staring down a career as a cattle-driver (oops, I mean bus operator)).
Eventually, though, (about 2.5 yrs after graduating) I came accross an add just by chance (on a Sunday night). On the Monday I was offered an interview for the Wednesday, and by Thursday afternoon I knew I had the position.
Long boring story BUT....Ultimately, it all comes down to how you present yourself and your attitude. You say you have just commenced a course in testing, competency in this course will probably show a potential employer that you didn't lose touch with IT over the seven years since you completed your previous course. It also helps to show examples of ways you have kept up with IT -> programs you hacve made for fun, magazines you subscribe to, topics you enjoy reading/researching. Not having been an employer (I employed myself as a truck driver briefly, but I don't think that counts), I can't assure you that you'll get a job easy, however I would suggest being persistent and being prepared to explain why you still think you are qualified despite the prolonged break -> was there a reason, a new child, a family crisis, a trip overseas??? I would think so long as you show an enthusiasm for the work you want to do, you will learn as quickly as a fresh graduate, and I suspect an interlligent employer/recruiter will spot that. (indecently, don't be afraid of recruiting companies, because they may be able to sell your case a lot better, and give it a slant you didn't think of that employers look on favourably).
To create a happy ending.....
I am quite happy in my current work (not with the money, but then, who is?) and as it turns out the job was pretty much a fluke (I still can't work out how I came accross the add (on the net) because as far as I recall I wasn't actively looking). It turned out the job was not just in Software Development as I had hoped, but specifically in Cryptography -> my strongest subject at Uni.
The End.
I probably didn't answer your question in the end, and will probably cop the "What a lovely Story" that someone else copped on a previous thread.....
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