Job with AMD

[jadison]

Hello,
I would like to know which department of AMD I would apply for, if I have experience in the following:
--Hardware (building, troubleshooting computers, AMD of course!)
--Software (Win98SE, WIN95 on AMD-based systems)

I went to their jobs page: http://www1.amd.com/employment/search

here it lists all of the jobs, but I'm having trouble classifying myself.
I'd be working at their Austin Location possibly this summer or next.

Any help would be appreciated!

-=jd=-

[tonym]

jadison,

If you really want to LEARN, then there's no better place to start than in manufacturing. You get to see the product, warts and all. If you can get into some kind of product support role, then you'll find that if you have any initiative, you can grow into an design/development engineering role real quickly! And you'll have a leg up on those folks that never saw into the murky workings of the company (like you have!!).

Now, the pay isn't as great as that for an engineering or R&D position, but the experience is far more valuable (depending upon what YOU do with it) and there's a lack of technical folks with real world (Mfg.) experience that can recommend and/or design products with manufacturing enhancements (which is where the REAL money is for any company -- sales and $$!).

Good luck...


Tony

[Inferior]

In my mind, getting a job at AMD won't be any stroll through the park, they most likely hire top-of-the-line workers with their phd's and such....

Or some 40 cent a day sweatshop worker...

BTW* I was being sarcastic, you should take his advice....

You could get a job there, just do your best in the resume...

Good luck

[This message has been edited by Inferior (edited 05-30-2000).]

[CMonster]

Hey, I actually agree with "inferior" about it not being a walk-in-the-park getting a job with AMD. I don't mean to belittle your skill set, but what you have said about yourself so far describes an average "tinkerer" to me. Still, you never know unless you try - perhaps that "right place at the right time" thing will happen and you will get lucky.

That said, may I tease just a little? [tease]" There must be many entry level positions like janitor, security guard, cafeteria worker, etc; and once you get your foot in the door you could start making the real money in industrial espionage.' I'm sure my contacts at **t*l would be happy to set you up with the kind of fly-on-the-wall equipment you will need."[/tease]

[tonym]

C'mon guys, let's not discourage the guy!

Some of the best engineers that I've worked with have worked their way up through the ranks via the "school of hard knocks"! They don't have formal degrees, they are bright and know the value of work and learning. They got a chance, a break, and took off with it running.

jadison, you should aim high! Janitor, nayh!! There are a lot of mature, sympathetic mentor-types in industry that are willing to give someone with your background a break. I've done it myself a few times...it can happen!!

So, don't "settle". Yes, you may be a tinkerer as CMonster described, but that may be the qualification that your prosepctive boss wants in the employee. Curiousity and initiative.

NEVER underestimate the value of a positive attitude. If you want the job at AMD then the only thing between you and it is YOU! To get the interview, carefully word your resume gearing it towards the position that you want. Tell the truth, and don't stretch it either. But don't be afraid to embellish a little! And when you get the interview, do your homework. Learn as much as you can about what the job entails and what the department does.

A prospective employer loves someone who is INTERESTED in the job and then demonstrates it. Most people put more tought into what they're going to have for lunch than they do an interview. Sell yourself, and you'll be suprised with the results if you do it right!

Good luck...


Tony

[Inferior]

Its hard to get a job these days (espically with a big company getting lots of applications from highly qualified workers) without a good formal education...

But like I said, its definetely worth a try, just try to show your best qualities. Whats the worst that can happen? Get turned down in the form of never being called again... Big woop, I do it all the time...

[jadison]

Thanks for the replies,
I'm working at Best Buy as a Computer Tek, in their Tek Dept., I also work as a tek at my High School alongside Mr. Duffy...
I do plan on graduating High School, and then go to college (hopefully MIT, yes I'm optimistic )
But I also want to join the AIR FORCE-->become a pilot.
There's so many things I want to do...but I don't know what to do 1st.
Working at AMD is a job I'm serious about applying for because of the experience and knowledge it would provide. Also, because I'll be living in Austin, which is great...cause that's where AMD is. I believe with the experience I will gain with Best Buy, and my tek work at school, will better my chances of getting a job w/AMD.

Your right, I'm very positive, I'm also determined once I put my mind to something. I'm very smart and have a great deal of potential (atleast my parents say so )
and I believe if I really want the job, I can get it.

On a separate note, my lifelong goal has always been to become an Astronaut. I have many close friends who were and are astronauts, and have learned from them what it takes to become one. So, for now I'm just building up my knowledge, experience, and saving $$$ (for college) so that in the future I may be able to accomplish that goal.

Excuse me, I ended up rambling too much , but what I said above is all true, I'll try to be optimistic and reach those goals!

-=jd=-

[hd581]

I agree w/ tonym, go for it kid. AMD obviously has to have some sort of testbed facility where they put together systems and stress test them for stability. That's something I'm sure you could handle easily. Shoot, they even overclock them to see how well they can take it. Now, THAT would be a fun job...

[This message has been edited by hd581 (edited 06-01-2000).]

[CMonster]

Speaking of becoming an astronaut...The warp core has been coming along fine but I have reached an impass.. where the H@!! do I get anti-matter?

I'd love to colonize another planet...

[jokostel]

hey cmonster:>>

i have some sitting in the corner in my room if ya want it gimme a jingle
250,00,000 for one glass... its only that expensive cause im still using some of it for my gerbal/light shooter thing ive been developing


jokostel

[CMonster]

hehehaha

[rh71]

Experience is key. It's a great first step to word your resume carefully... that will get you the interview. During my interview, they asked about what I've done in the past and my resume backed everything up (thanks to a ton of internships).. they need you to be experienced in your specific field if it's not an entry-level position. It's an obvious statement, but it's 101% true.

First things first though, a good cover letter and an even better worded resume. Big companies will filter through with a 'keyword' finder since they have so many to sort through. Put those pertinent words in!

[Dputiger]

Here's another idea: Try to temp there (get a job as a temporary). Many temp jobs end up being permanent and, at the least, if you prove yourself and management is intelligent they'll get you out of there.

Last summer I began temping w/Bell South calling people about their ISP (glorified telemarketing). By the end of it I'd proven myself on the phone and on computers and they had me working with division managers on deploying ADSL across nine states. My partner who started on the same job didn't get too. Walk in with the right attitude and it'll take you places.

[Algee7]

Computer Tek, in their Tek Dept.

Just FYI; in case they DO do a keyword search, be sure you change your abbreviation from tek to tech