Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Software Engineers
Securing an entry-level software engineering position requires more than online applications; Tristan emphasizes networking at conferences as crucial, stating that "the best route to getting a job is not some applications," and personal connections, even as a student, led to interview opportunities. Understanding the varying definitions of "entry-level" across companies, and researching role levels on sites like Levels.fyi, is also vital for navigating the job market.
Networking, Entry-Level Job Search, Software Engineering, Career Development, Job Search Strategies
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tristan Hilbert
Software Engineer
Advertising Company
Major: Computer Science
Loyola Marymount University - Masters : Computer Science
Computer Science
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level software engineer roles can vary significantly between companies, so researching specific company levels and expectations is crucial.
2. Networking at conferences and tech events can be highly effective for securing interviews and offers, even without extensive prior experience.
3. Leverage online resources like Levels.fyi to understand the range of experience levels associated with different job titles across various companies.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
As far as getting into software engineering at the entry level, one of the things you might think is the first step is to look up "entry level software engineer" on LinkedIn or Google. That's not really going to help because entry level can mean a lot of different things to different companies.
Very typically, when you see those roles, they will ask for experience from the get-go. It could just mean an entry level into that role, which could still be a senior-level position.
This might be a good thing to educate yourself on. Look at websites like Levels.fyi to learn more about what roles mean. For example, when Netflix has an L5 or an L4 role, is that something you should be looking for?
The best route to getting a job isn't just submitting applications. It's best if you can somehow beg, borrow, or steal money for a conference. Being able to meet people in person is important.
I have actually gotten interviews straightforward just from going to my school's tech conferences. I was going to get a job within Oregon State. I didn't know Ajax at the time, which kind of sucked. But they actually let me in for an interview as a student just because they had met me in person and I showed interest in what they were doing.
So, make sure to educate yourself on what different roles are and what their levels mean. Also, go to conferences and try to meet people in real life and connect with them on LinkedIn if you can. Those are the best ways to get a position as an entry-level software engineer.