Hey everyone! I'm a 20-year-old student in my third year of studying Information Systems, and I'm feeling pretty lost about which programming area to focus on. I've mainly been learning web development, but the competition in that field feels overwhelming. It seems like you have to constantly learn new frameworks and libraries just to stand out, and even then, many jobs don't pay well or can be pretty exploitative. I'm beginning to wonder if I should stick with web development or shift my focus to something like data science, AI, mobile apps, security, or cloud computing. I want to avoid wasting time on skills that might not be relevant in a job, and it's draining my motivation. I'm at a crossroads and would appreciate hearing experiences from anyone in the industry, whether you're a senior, mid-level, or even a junior looking for work. What areas seem promising? Where is competition less fierce? What's the reality with salaries and opportunities? Thanks so much for any insights!
5 Answers
As a student, it’s not about getting lost in frameworks. Choose one popular language to increase your chances of getting a job where mentorship is posible. Focus on foundational skills that are universal across tech stacks—like REST principles, version control with git, and modern architectural patterns. Understanding the practical aspect of these skills will benefit you regardless of your chosen field.
Companies usually want you to have skills that are relevant to the job, not just random frameworks. It might feel like you need to learn everything to stay employable, but focusing on strong fundamentals is key. This way, you can adapt to different tech stacks in the future without burning out on trendy tools.
To really nail this down, check out local job listings and take note of the most in-demand tech skills. Categorize them by internships, junior, and senior positions as well. Also, consider making small projects in different areas to see what you genuinely enjoy, time permitting, of course.
That's great advice! I'll look at job ads for sure. Doing small projects sounds helpful, even if my schedule is tight.
Have you tried other areas like game development or mobile apps? Branching out could give you a better feel for what you like.
I've mostly done web dev, and dove into some basics of AI. AI looks cool but the learning curve seems steep. I'm trying to figure out where to focus.
It's totally normal to feel confused, especially when starting out. When I was learning Python, I realized that deciding on a career direction was essential. Once you pick a path, it can guide you on which libraries or technologies to focus on. I even put together a blog that outlines different Python-related careers and their required skills, which might help you out: [Python Pathway](https://www.golbenominds.com/post/from-basics-to-the-real-world-your-python-pathway).
Thanks for sharing that! I appreciate it. I’ll definitely check out your blog—it could give me a clearer idea.
I totally get that. It can feel like a race, but building a good base is way more beneficial in the long run!