I'm feeling a bit lost about what to concentrate on in the coming year. I have some tech experience that I'll outline below, but I'm not sure if I should hone in on one specific area. I've enjoyed programming and the internships I've had, particularly in DevOps and backend development with Java.
Let me give you some background: I don't have a computer science degree, but I've been putting in the effort over the last five years to transition into tech. I completed an IT internship at a large company in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2024, where I struggled with some DevOps tasks. Then, I joined an apprenticeship in 2025 that had me on a backend team focused on Java and data pipelines, but unfortunately, it didn't go as planned, and I've been unemployed since November.
I'm now trying to decide between a few options for the upcoming year:
1. Aim for a Network+ certification while looking for an IT job, since I think roles like help desk or support analyst might be easier to get quickly. However, I'm a bit uncertain about the job search process since it's been two years since my last search.
2. Focus on improving my Java skills and applying for jobs in that area, banking on my previous experience and some networking connections I have with friends in major companies like Meta and Google. I just find it tough to land junior roles in general.
3. Dive deeper into Java and consider going back to school for a computer science degree. I found an accredited online program that would allow me to complete my degree relatively quickly with my transferred credits.
Ultimately, I need a job sooner rather than later but want to make sure I'm studying the right area while I search. I'm leaning towards IT and certifications for quick income, but I'm not sure how relevant a Network+ cert would be. A part of me also wants to focus fully on Java/backend/DevOps and get closer to graduating, thinking that would boost my job prospects.
Here's a brief overview of my experience:
- **Software Engineer** - San Francisco, CA | January 2025 – November 2025
- **IT Support Analyst** - San Francisco, CA | May 2024 – January 2025
3 Answers
I’d suggest focusing on backend development and Java while keeping a bit of DevOps knowledge in your toolkit. That combination is valuable long-term. Start building a small project portfolio, practice coding on platforms like LeetCode, and don't hesitate to apply to both IT and junior developer roles broadly. The job market is tough right now, and honestly, a lot of people are unsure about their job searches too.
From what you've shared, leaning into backend work makes sense for you. However, having a DevOps mindset is also crucial in today’s landscape. Try taking a quick assessment to see where your interests lie. For now, you could simultaneously look for IT jobs while brushing up on your skills in Java and possibly apply for junior SWE roles.
If you have a solid foundation in DevOps and backend projects, it might be more beneficial to apply for those junior roles, especially as you upskill. If you're investing time into studying for a certification like Network+, weigh how much time you're dedicating versus the potential job offers you might receive afterward. A mixture of job applications and continued learning could work well.
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