A friend of mine has an MSc (not in CS) and is looking to get their first software engineering role. I've already referred them in Microsoft, but they also want to try at startups and midsized companies. Any suggestions?
What city are they in?
Chicago
He can start as a contractor at Microsoft and then try full time later. It is much easier to convince people around you for an interview loop.
He doesn't want to do contract. I've given him one mock interview and he's pretty good (probably can grt through an entire loop). However not many companies are willing to give him a shot.
Your friend should have a github portfolio of code or anything they can show to help an interviewer believe they have some skills to offer.