u/roxilox

So I’ve been working for CVS for 16 years now, I’m a Lead Technician, and 3 years ago I started CVS’s EdAssist program to enroll at Strayer University for a Bachelor’s in IT. I’m about to graduate summa cum laude in June. I’ve been applying to every remote entry level IT position since March, and I haven’t received even a single call back. My question is for anyone else who has used the EdAssist program to get a degree. I want to know if you’ve also had similar luck.

The positions I’m applying for use phrases like, “a great way to start your career,” or “perfect for someone just entering the field.” They even mention that school projects count as experience. (To be clear, I most likely wouldn’t even get a raise from these jobs due to where I live and how much I currently make.) They say 0 to 1 year of experience required or 1 year of work experience.

I attach my portfolio. Which has a security project I created from scratch and an app I created. I also describe labs I worked on in school including hours of IT, cybersecurity, ethical hacking, Azure, Python, SQL, and Java labs. Obviously I explain them more in depth. I give examples of things I did. I even give examples of how I’ve used troubleshooting at work, fixing the printers and registers and I’m very experienced using the store side of the ServiceNow system, inputting and tracking tickets along with using Artey.

I have also been trying to improve my resume each time just in case it was that, and trying to improve my LinkedIn. I’ve also tried cold messaging without much luck. I tried applying to the Enterprise Mentorship Program but I got an email saying they ran out of mentors.

My workday is updated with skills and a development plan and I’ve requested stretch assignments but have not received any.

I reached out to a recruiter last week, whose name I got from one of my applications after I was rejected. I asked for feedback. He said that hiring managers don’t want applicants that haven’t worked in IT before. He suggested I add more projects to my portfolio, which I plan to do as soon as I graduate next month.

I know the entry-level IT job market is rough. Especially for remote (I cannot afford to move and I cannot apply outside of CVS because of the EdAssist contract). So my question for all of you is if anyone else has had this experience after participating in the EdAssist program and graduating with a degree? Were you stuck with a degree and still working at store level? Shouldn’t CVS be helping us move into the career they spent money on?

My DL, my HR manager, and my store manager all agree. My DL and my HR manager said they would reach out to the Hiring managers but I haven’t heard back from anyone. This, plus work, and my capstone, I’m exhausted.