Hi everyone! I'm a BTech CS graduate from 2024 and I need some solid career advice. After getting an off-campus offer from Accenture, I had to wait six months for onboarding, only to have the offer revoked. Since then, I've tried various paths but nothing has panned out. I've applied for developer roles without success, worked in sales only to find out it was a scam (I lost money), took an HR role with no pay, and recently joined a remote testing role but got ghosted after onboarding. So, I've been unemployed since graduation. Over the past two months, I've been seriously applying and networking, focusing on software testing (manual and basic automation), but I'm confused about where to go next. Should I start learning coding seriously now? I need honest opinions on the following: 1. Is it worth it to pick up coding in 2026 given my situation? 2. Can I realistically secure a job if I begin learning now? 3. Should I stick to testing instead? 4. If I do choose to code, what should I prioritize to be employable quickly? I'm really looking for practical advice, especially from those who faced similar challenges.
4 Answers
Absolutely, go for it! I started coding about a year and a half ago, and it's opened many doors for me in IT. I've been able to work on some amazing internal tools and am now considering a shift into solutions engineering.
Learning coding is essential in 2026, especially with AI-driven development becoming more prevalent. Companies favor those who can integrate AI tools in their workflow. But, be prepared; it's a competitive field, and many are in the same boat you are.
If coding doesn't genuinely excite you, it may not be the right path. The essence of software engineering is problem-solving, and if you're just looking for a paycheck, you might struggle to enjoy it. Think about what you're passionate about—software is an art, and coding is just one way of expressing that creativity.
Only jump into coding if it's something you truly enjoy; otherwise, it might not be fulfilling. Start with Python as it’s beginner-friendly, but remember, many companies expect prior experience, which can be tough for newcomers. Consider getting into Linux and basic networking first; it could be a smoother entry into IT and help you build experience while you decide if you want to pursue development.

Related Questions
How To: Running Codex CLI on Windows with Azure OpenAI
Set Wordpress Featured Image Using Javascript
How To Fix PHP Random Being The Same
Why no WebP Support with Wordpress
Replace Wordpress Cron With Linux Cron
Customize Yoast Canonical URL Programmatically