Despite the unemployment rate in the US hovering around 7.7% there’s no shortage of job opportunities for outgoing individuals who thrive in a challenging but rewarding work environment. A time tested skill the world will always need is engineering. Industrial engineers were in high demand during the industrial revolution but in today’s fast pace mobile/technological world software engineers are what companies are looking for. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Twitter, Apple, even small start-ups, are all willing to pay top dollars to the brightest computer science graduates. One of the highest rated and best places to work this year is Facebook, based in Palo Alto, California. According to the company survey site glassdoor.com the average salary for an intern who works at Facebook is about $67,000 a year. Pretty good for an intern position ∩( ・ω・) Of course employees also get many of the silicon valley perks such as gym and game room access, phones and laptops, food and drinks, all on campus and all free （⌒▽⌒） With so many benefits and a generous starting salary it’s no surprise people say Facebook is one of the best places to work right now.
But it’s not a career for everyone. For example I wouldn’t like the long work hours personally. I tried to study comp-sci in university and failed miserably because I couldn’t handle the stress of the workload. But if you’re currently in school and still deciding what to major in, I don’t think you can go wrong with software engineering if you don’t mind working hard. For Canadians with a background in computer science, I would try to apply in the US as well because you will most likely get paid more for your talent 🙂
Of course the other way to make money from wealthy tech companies is to buy some of their equity. Facebook is still too young and volatile for me, but I purchased 3 shares of Google (GOOG) last week for $705 each.
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Random Useless Fact: In Norway during the month of November people only pay half of their normal income tax, so they will have more money to celebrate and spend on Christmas. I think Canada should adopt this tax break 😀
I work in IT and it really isn’t all that glamorous. The work can be quite monotonous and if you make a mistake, then everyone knows about it, as everyone is normally impacted.
That’s right, everyone’s counting on you to fix their computers and networks. I watched the IT Crowd so I kind of have a feel for what it’s like 😉 But that’s cool you’re in the business. I bet there’s a lot of technical related contract jobs in China for many skilled IT workers in Australia.
While $67K might seem like an awful lot (it does to me), you have to remember where they’re living. That $67K is going to go A LOT less farther in Palo Alto.
I think Palo Alto, San Francisco, and New York City are some of the most expensive places to live in the US. We don’t think about it too much here in Canada because of the smaller gap between the wealthier and poorer neighborhoods, but in the States just knowing your income alone would not be enough to determine your quality of living 🙂 Location is a big factor when it comes to expenses. Although perks like free meals can probably help limit their spending a bit.
Very funny! Love the images, I am still laughing at the shoe shine, cause I GET IT! I am in IT too!
That’s great, IT is generally seen by the public as a dude’s job, but there’s no reason why girls can’t get in the field as well :0)
Been “in the field” for 20 years! 😉
I worked in a firm that thought they were as cool and “relaxed” as FB. They gave food and shiny tech gadgets so you would stay there late with dinner provided and they could call you anytime after that. Big salary, but big price to pay
There’s certainly a trade off when it comes to those kinds of jobs. You are trading your time and productivity for pay essentially and often more sacrifice is needed than the 9 to 5 job. My industry is similar, our boss provides us with dinner sometimes if we stay and work late. Luckily the food is always tasty 😀
I’m in software development currently and I love it. Some firms definitely do work you to death, but others are pretty chill. It’s important to find a company who has a culture that suits you. I love my job and I am not in the office longer than 8 or 9 hours a day. I still get the gym, concierge and free beer benefits.
Awesome, take advantage of those perks because it’s already being paid for anyway :0)