How Do You Know When You’re Ready to Start Job Hunting?

The main thing is to start applying! You don't need to feel 100% ready; just apply when you feel you can handle an interview. Be honest on your resume and learn from any rejections. Each interview is a chance to improve.

Typically, having a 4-year CS degree along with some internship experience is what most entry-level employers look for. That said, self-taught folks can definitely get in as long as they're motivated enough. If you're self-driven, you probably already have a good idea of the skills needed, since figuring that out is a big part of the learning process.

It really varies based on the field, location, and even a bit of luck. But, in general, many find that if you really engage with your studies and have a genuine interest in the field, job opportunities are out there, especially for CS grads. It's worth noting that the competition is fierce because more people are now aware of how lucrative these jobs can be.

Just dive in and start sending out applications while you continue learning. I wasn't totally ready for my first job either, but it was a huge learning experience! Now, after two years, I feel confident enough to tackle new projects even if I might not know exactly how at first.