My Journey as a COBOL Programmer: Reflections from 1996
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Chapter 1: A New Beginning
In February 1996, history was made when IBM's Deep Blue defeated chess champion Garry Kasparov for the first time.
At that same time, I was freshly graduated from my Programming Diploma program, brimming with enthusiasm. My training included two courses in COBOL, one in C programming, and a brief introduction to Visual Basic. I felt prepared to dive into my first role in IT. What I didn’t realize was that Java’s initial release happened just a month prior, which would shape the future landscape of programming. However, my focus was on COBOL, and I was determined to secure a position in that area.
The Job Hunt in 1996
Searching for a job in Canada back in 1996 was a markedly different experience compared to today. For anyone aiming for a role at a major corporation—where many programming positions were located—the primary step was to purchase a Saturday newspaper and explore the "Careers" section. This section was filled with large advertisements from companies looking to attract top talent.
Additionally, visiting local employment centers to check posted job openings was common. This method often yielded valuable contact names, addresses, and phone numbers. Networking through acquaintances was another effective strategy; if you had someone who could vouch for you, it significantly increased your chances of landing an interview. Cold calling Human Resources was also an option, though it was typically seen as a last resort.
Like today, there were agencies available to assist job seekers, but unlike modern times, these agencies didn't reach out through social media. Instead, you had to proactively register with them and follow up with phone calls.
If you were fortunate enough to gather contact details from any of the above methods, the next step was to assemble a mailing package that included a tailored cover letter and resume. Following up with a phone call a couple of weeks later was standard practice, making the whole process tedious and uncertain by today’s standards.
For a deeper look into how job hunting has evolved since the 90s, check out my article: The Job Search — Then and Now.
Securing My First Position
Ultimately, I dispatched around 60 resumes and cover letters. Ironically, the very first one I sent out resulted in my first job offer. A college acquaintance who had interned at Metlife encouraged me to apply there and provided me with a contact name and address. After an interview, I discovered they were more interested in my business degree than my programming skills, and they offered me a position as a "Business Consultant." I eagerly accepted.
In this role, I served as a bridge between the business team and IT, tasked with querying data to answer business inquiries. Today, this position would be akin to a Business Analyst—a fascinating start to my IT career.
Transitioning to Programming
About a year into my role as a Business Consultant, I learned that my company was seeking programmers. A colleague recommended me, and I successfully transitioned into a Junior Programmer position. This marked the official beginning of my COBOL career. Over the years, I have frequently drawn upon the skills I honed in my initial position, especially in writing and interpreting SQL.
I was fortunate to make this switch just in time, as Metlife in Canada was acquired shortly afterward, leading to numerous layoffs in support roles, while programmers were retained for data conversion tasks to ensure compatibility with the new company’s format. At that moment, I was simply thrilled to finally hold the title of programmer.
Reflecting on First Experiences
Do you remember your first job? Was it a positive experience, or did it fall short of your expectations? Did you land your dream position?
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