Graduated 2 years ago - return offer fell through, and struggling to get into the private sector

2024 Grad with a Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science.

While in school, I did internships and even a full-time 1-year apprenticeship with the federal government. Because of a hiring freeze and security clearance delays due to being a first-generation immigrant from a traditionally high-risk country, I lost out on a return offer with them in 2024-2025. As a result, I have been applying to basically anything and everything, but not getting any traction in the private sector. Because of all the old-fashioned tech we used in Government, my experience doesn't seem to be landing well with recruiters or hiring managers.

Haven't gotten a single interview from the private sector. Have made it to government interviews with my resume, but again, the security clearance issue makes it difficult for them to extend an offer. I currently do part-time SysAdmin work for a small medical practice, but I'm finding that the small scope of that practice might limit me.

This whole situation has made me quite depressed, and I'm worried that too big a gap without a full-time job after graduating will make me basically unemployable. Does anyone have any advice for me in this case?

I'm a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen and have been applying all over.

reddit.com
u/LtCmdrPoster — 7 days ago

[4YOE, Security Consultant, Security/Software Developer, Toronto/Remote/USA]

Who I am: Software and security developer with ~4 years of experience spanning detection engineering, cloud security, and secure application delivery. I've stood up and run a security & privacy program for a regulated healthcare practice (as a consultant), developed software and practiced DevOps for a government client, managing their Infrastructure as Code, and shipped automation and full-stack apps. CISSP-certified, with an M.S. in Cybersecurity.

Why I'm posting: I've been applying for 4-5 months without getting many callbacks, so I'd like a gut check on whether my resume is the bottleneck. Specifically, I'm not sure whether the security + software-dev blend reads clearly or looks unfocused to recruiters.

Roles I'm targeting: Security engineer, detection engineering, cloud/application security, and security-focused software developer roles. Open to remote; eligible to work in both Canada and the US (dual citizen).

Resume

Any feedback on clarity, focus, and whether the impact metrics land would be appreciated.

Thanks!

u/LtCmdrPoster — 2 months ago

Getting into the US Market as a New Grad American Abroad?

I am a US citizen living in Canada. I went to university in Canada (a mid-level school, not the University of Toronto or Waterloo level by any means) and graduated in 2024. Have been doing a part-time cyber-related role since 2023, and recently got my CISSP.

I had four different internships during my university studies. However, after graduating, I have been struggling to find a full-time job as my internship employers are under a hiring freeze and cannot rehire me, and there are few new grad / junior roles.

I have been thinking about moving to the United States. However, I have been having difficulty finding positions to apply for. I'm willing to relocate and take an on-site role, but most of the jobs I am applying to want only local candidates. Should I just lie about my residency or look for roles that are remote only?

reddit.com
u/LtCmdrPoster — 2 months ago

Graduated 2 years ago but struggling to find any job

Long story short - Computer Science graduate with internships. Was terminated from my last job while in college for non-disciplinary purposes (medical incapacity) after I asked for accommodations (screen reader), they were denied and I had a panic attack at work.

Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling to pass background checks / employment verification steps as the new employer finds out I was terminated for medical reasons and doesn’t want to touch me.

Any tips for me?

reddit.com
u/LtCmdrPoster — 3 months ago