Should I take this training and job opportunity

I graduate with my degree in May 2013 but am currently looking for internships/jobs where I can develop my skills. I am currently working for my university as a technical support technician but I feel I am not learning enough there.

I went to a career fair last week and there was a company that was interested in me (not only me in particular though, they also seemed interested in my friend who no experience at all). It is an IT consulting company which is originally based in India but has expanded to several countries.

This company offered me a free training session and a placement as a business analyst (1-year contract) after the training. They want me to travel to San Jose (7 hours drive) for a face-to-face interview first.

I have a particular interest in systems analysis and thought this would be a great opportunity for me. Im afraid that going up for the drive is going to waste my time and will force me to take a full day off from work. Risks include: Not getting hired, paying for housing during training, not liking the job, long hours (still going to school full time), being underpaid.

Should I jump over this opportunity? I'm not sure what to do

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Comments

lsud00d

A face-to-face interview first 7 hours away?

Smells like turds to me....

Bokeh

Theres been threads like this before, and also a lot of postings on CraigsList. Companies offering "free training" then placement. Its after the placement that you find out they get a portion of your salary for giving you the training. I would check them out with Better Business Bureau and post the company name here, others may have dealt with them before as well.

ptilsen

Personally, I would not drive seven hours with this many unknowns. The risk of not getting it is perhaps worth it, but not knowing the details of hours or having any handle on pay or what your chances are of getting it are problematic. I also would not risk delaying the degree for this. You're too close, and you already have a job. While the experience might not be as valuable as some private sector jobs, it's still very much so for your resume.

However, if you can get an idea of what kind of time commitment the training and job would be and where it would be, it might be worth the drive to the interview.

davidboy

The company is Bartronics America
Bartronics America

They seem legit

RouteMyPacket

Sounds like a load of Roseanne Barr's dirty granny panties to me.

ptilsen

Well, it has stuff on Glassdoor, so I'm inclined to think it isn't a total scam. It still sounds shady and like a potential time sink. I would really try to get as many details as possible. Seven hours is really 14 and that's a lot of gas. Between your PTO, wear on your car, and your time, even going to the interview is a huge commitment. IMO you have to be pretty confident it's something you want and that you have a good shot.

crrussell3

Some companies will reimburse you for your travel for an interview. I would do a blind call and ask them if they do that. Otherwise, I personally feel "It's A TRAP!" As others have said, its most likely a company that either:

A. Takes part of your salary as payment for the training.
B. Requires you to sign a contract saying you will remain as an employee for X number of years since they provided free training.
C. They are really zombies looking to turn you into one and grow their horde!

Teacher2013

Research the company online. You should be able to find something about it either way but especially if they have messed people over. An opportunity is an opportunity to do something different. You never know if it will be exactly what you want but maybe what you need. Just be careful and get more information about the company and the position.
Best of Luck