Hey everyone! I'm 28 years old and graduated in 2018. Right now, I'm focused on landing an SDE1 role and I'm working with technologies like JavaScript, Node.js, and React (MERN stack). Lately, I've been feeling a bit anxious because many job listings seem to target only recent graduates from 2023 or 2024 for entry-level positions. Given my situation, is it realistic for someone like me to break into an SDE1 role at companies like Uber, Amazon, or other large firms? If anyone has gone through something similar or knows people who have successfully transitioned into software roles after a few years, I would love to hear your experiences and any advice you could share for the job search. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Age shouldn't be a barrier when applying for SDE1 positions. I've seen people start in dev roles in their 30s and even 40s. Focus on mastering data structures and algorithms, as that’s crucial for interviews. Build a couple of solid MERN projects and make them live online — that speaks volumes compared to just a resume. Also, try applying to a mix of companies, including mid-sized ones and startups; they're often more flexible about backgrounds. Your 2018 degree combined with relevant projects will definitely help you get noticed!
28 is still young! Companies mainly look for your ability to pass interviews and deliver results. My advice is to concentrate on practicing coding challenges on LeetCode, build solid projects to showcase on GitHub, and don’t underestimate the power of referrals. Just a heads up though, job openings can be pretty limited right now.
Having a gap in your resume can raise eyebrows, especially if it's unclear what you were doing after graduating. It's best to frame that time as preparation for a career change. Highlight any recent projects, open-source contributions, or freelance work to fill that gap. Employers care more about your current skills than what you did five years ago.
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