I graduated from a computer science program early last year. Given the current job market and my skill level, I decided to take some time off after my graduation. Now, as I try to re-enter the development field, I realize that I've forgotten much of what I learned and don't feel ready to apply for jobs. I have a degree, but I don't feel equipped with the necessary skills. What steps can I take to prepare for entry-level positions? What programming languages should I focus on, and is it true that knowledge is less valuable now with the rise of AI?
2 Answers
It really depends on the type of work you're interested in. It's a great idea to build some projects to showcase your skills. Languages like C# and Java are solid choices if you want to get into enterprise roles. They'll keep you in demand!
Don't stress, this feeling is really common! A degree gives you a foundation but doesn’t always prepare you for the job hunt. Instead of trying to learn everything at once, focus on one specific role. For instance, if you want to go backend, look at Java with Spring or Python with FastAPI. Build a couple of small, complete projects rather than just tutorials—that will help you regain confidence. And remember, companies value problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn over having all the answers.
How much experience do you think is necessary to land a junior role?
Thanks! I've started working on some simple projects to shake off the rust, but it was unclear what qualifies as 'enterprise' languages.