Entry-level positions for aspiring Software Engineers
Currently, entry-level software engineering roles are scarce due to macroeconomic factors, with many companies having "shut almost all of those down," making it a competitive job market. Instead of solely focusing on traditional entry-level positions, Sara suggests exploring jobs in other industries where engineering skills are applicable, then transitioning to a software engineering role when opportunities arise, advising "just take what you can for now or keep going to school."
Job Search, Career Development, Overcoming Challenges, Industry Realities, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sara Rahimian
Software Engineering Manager
Fortune 10 Tech Company
University of California, Berkeley
NA
Computer Science, Engineering - Electrical
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, Immigrant, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level positions in software engineering are impacted by macroeconomic factors and company hiring freezes.
2. Consider jobs in other industries to gain skills and apply your engineering mindset; you can switch to a software engineering role later.
3. Software engineering skills are applicable across various industries, making you competitive in different job markets.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
The funny thing about entry-level positions in software engineering and engineering in general is that it's a macroeconomic ebb and flow. I've talked to recent grads asking how to find a job. My response is usually, "We're not hiring."
It's not about them; it's about the company's capacity. There are no open positions for experienced or junior people. I often advise them to redirect their energy and find other skill sets.
If you can't fulfill one category, explore peripheral jobs in other industries. Once you get those jobs, you can apply your engineering mindset or software skills to those domains, even if the roles aren't the typical ones.
Companies used to have extensive campus recruiting. Currently, they've shut down almost all of those efforts. It seems counterproductive for thousands of students to compete for a handful of roles.
If there are only 50 roles, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Engineering is a generic skillset applicable to many companies. I've found that we're good at many jobs across different sectors.
When the default positions become available again, you can switch back. Right now, there aren't many openings, but there are other types of jobs. With your skill set, you'll likely excel in those roles.
You can take what's available for now or continue your education. By all means, keep looking, but in my experience, there isn't much available unfortunately.