I'm 19 and about to start university in Canada. I have a solid background in tech, having completed an internship where I handled QA automated tests for a web app using Selenium in a .NET environment, which I enjoyed. Currently, I'm in another internship at a Fortune 500 company, where my role involves building an automated test suite for five microservices from scratch, also in a .NET environment. I'm getting used to C# as my main language, but I'm not deeply knowledgeable about specific functionalities like garbage collection or async patterns. While this work is exciting, I feel it's not challenging enough to keep me engaged. I'm considering a shift in my career direction for next year as I move into university. I've explored system architecture and have dabbled in C, which has piqued my interest in firmware or systems engineering, but I'm unsure if that field would provide the best compensation compared to others. I also have a passion for configuring and optimizing my development setups. Given my experiences and interests, where do you think I could pivot successfully next year?
5 Answers
You’re already way ahead of the curve! Your real challenge isn’t finding a direction but rather not overthinking it too early. Right now, just build momentum. Focusing on backend or platform engineering seems like a logical path given your skills, and you can leverage your current experiences to snag better internships.
If you're enjoying C#, think about branching into Java too, since they're quite similar. A well-rounded developer doesn’t just stick to one language, and knowing multiple can open up enterprise backend opportunities for you.
Do you think practicing on LeetCode is still crucial to break into backend development?
Stay active in both paid and volunteer tech projects that interest you. Don't stress about making the perfect choice right now. Explore various tech areas while keeping an open mind—there's a ton of opportunities ahead!
I appreciate the advice! It helps to know I have options.
You're at a great starting point! Most people don't get such valuable experience so young. You can either continue in backend and platform engineering or explore systems engineering for a more niche, albeit challenging, path. Don't rush to switch fully—keep building on your current strengths while trying out new areas with small projects on the side.
Considering your experience, a pivot to platform engineering or DevOps could be a great fit. These roles are all about automating processes and building infrastructure, which aligns perfectly with your background in automated testing and microservices. Plus, there's a chance to earn a solid salary!
Thanks, this gives me clarity! Would you recommend grinding through LeetCode in C# or sticking to Python?