[magnostherobot]

> The side project myth is getting out of control.

I was rejected in an interview last year within seconds of the interview starting because my answer to "what would you do if you suddenly had a bunch of free time" was not relevant enough to the job.

For the record, my answer was that I'd learn basic 2D animation, because I have a deep respect for the people who do it, and I have no real clue how it's done. I also had relevant education on my CV, and the interview was for a graduate position.

That most places are looking for side projects may be a myth; there certainly are, however, at least some places that look for them.

[chrisabrams]

Sorry you experienced that. As a hiring manager I would think that's pretty cool you want to learn 2D animation even if it has nothing to do with the day job. The fact that you have a desire to learn a skill should be desirable to a hiring manager IMO.

[gregallan]

When you say “graduate position” do you mean a position meant for a college graduate, or a position in a Masters or PhD program at a university?

[angrais]

Graduate typically means bachelor, though masters may apply.

PhDs typically walk into senior roles depending on what they did for their thesis and what types of code they developed.