> Once I did start landing corporate jobs (which was exceedingly difficult) I was at or above architect level. As I gained more experience working on production

> Once I did start landing corporate jobs (which was exceedingly difficult) I was at or above architect level. As I gained more experience working on production systems I was promoted very quickly (created new positions for me etc). Ditto and ditto. I have had some positive experiences working with fresh grads from places like Waterloo (I'd hire 10 of their grads for any one grad from anywhere else...) but my professional experience very much matches yours.