Hey everyone! I'm a soon-to-be grad who's been hunting for a junior dev position for the last three months. I've applied to over 500 jobs but only landed four interviews, and now I'm feeling a bit lost about my career choice. I've got more programming experience than what my college education shows, thanks to freelance work and personal projects. I know I probably won't stand a chance in web, game, mobile app development, or machine learning. I'm currently learning C and wondering if there are any other niches I could pivot into that are still programming-focused. Any thoughts?
4 Answers
You mentioned web development isn’t for you, but have you thought about why? It’s actually pretty accessible for entry-level jobs, and while AI is changing things, there’s still a lot out there. Just be strategic and focus your applications on positions that fit your skill set the best.
C development could definitely lead to some promising paths, especially in embedded systems. There’s always a demand for C programmers in certain niches. Maybe look into opportunities in those areas where there are fewer high-level language alternatives.
Just a heads up, applying to that many positions daily is super ambitious! Try to focus on quality over quantity. It might help to tailor your applications better and connect with potential employers, maybe through networking or college events?
I totally get the grind. But honestly, it sounds like you're casting a wide net, and maybe focusing on positions that align closely with your skills will yield better results.
It sounds like you might need to spruce up your resume a bit. Your college's career center usually offers free help to make sure it’s looking good. Also, don't underestimate networking—attend job fairs and connect with fellow students in engineering. It’s tough out there for new grads, but having a solid network can seriously help you land interviews.
I agree, but I think we also have to remember that the job market is super competitive right now. If employers are getting flooded with applicants, it can be tough for fresh grads to stand out.
It's true, I think the higher supply of web dev jobs can be intimidating. But it can also be a good way to get your foot in the door and gain experience.