Winning in Tech Careers: 1.1. Why bother? 😒

Facing the Challenge 🚀

Are you a recent CS graduate, a self-taught programmer, or considering a career in IT? Perhaps you're just curious about securing better software job positions. If so, you'll quickly realise (if not already) that securing a job in the field can be challenging.

My Journey 🤷‍♂️

I graduated with a CS degree from a decent university in Greece. As an undergrad, I faced significant challenges in landing my first job. To be honest, I had high expectations and prioritised learning over financial gain. Although money is important for many reasons, I believed that gaining knowledge would be a valuable future investment. Deciding where to go was tough because nobody taught me how to search for companies based on my preferences, negotiate offers, or choose based on their product, tech stack, or company culture.

Whatever your background, you’ll likely have experienced similar challenges. The reason of why this can be taught varies depending on from where you come from, so I will lay down my thoughts of why this is the case.

Universities 🎓

Universities are traditionally seen as the primary route to a successful career in software engineering. They provide a structured environment and a broad understanding of the field.

• ✅ Pros: Universities offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, from theoretical foundations to practical applications. Professors are generally well-qualified and experienced in teaching. Additionally, universities often provide networking opportunities through events, clubs, and internships.
• ❌ Cons: Large class sizes can limit individual attention, and the requirement to take unrelated subjects can dilute the focus on your main area of interest. Furthermore, many professors may lack industry experience, which can limit the practical insights they can provide.

💡 Personal Insight: In my undergraduate experience, most of my professors had never contributed a single line of code to the industry. Some might have worked for a year or two in small to medium-sized companies, but they generally had no substantial industry experience. The majority of professors have spent their lives in academia, a completely different area of expertise.

Bootcamps 👨‍🏫

Bootcamps have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional education, especially for those looking to switch careers or gain practical skills quickly.

• ✅ Pros: Bootcamps are designed to be fast-paced and intensive, often focusing on specific areas such as web development, data science, or UX/UI design. Instructors usually have real-world industry experience, which can be incredibly valuable. Bootcamps are also job-oriented, with many offering career services, job placement assistance, and opportunities to network with industry professionals.
• ❌ Cons: On the downside, bootcamps can be expensive, and the financial investment might be daunting for some. While they provide practical skills, they might not offer comprehensive guidance on preparing for interviews, identifying good companies, or negotiating offers. Moreover, the fast-paced nature means that you need to be ready to absorb a lot of information in a short period.

Courses/Books/Podcasts 📚

With the abundance of online resources available today, self-learning has become a viable and attractive option for many.

• ✅ Pros: Self-learning is highly flexible and can be tailored to your pace and interests. There are countless high-quality courses, books, and podcasts available on platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and YouTube. These resources are often low-cost or even free, making them accessible to a wide audience. Additionally, learning independently can foster a deep sense of discipline and self-motivation, which are valuable traits in any career.
• ❌ Cons: However, self-learning requires a high degree of self-discipline, time management, and planning. The vast amount of information available can be overwhelming, and without a clear plan, it’s easy to get lost or make poor decisions that could lower your motivation.

💡 Personal Insight: I've consumed a ton of resources while I was an undergrad, books, podcasts, courses, you name it. I remember reading all sorts of architecture and design pattenrs but I quickly realised that just by reading it or watching a couple of courses didn't mean I've learnt it. The problem with this is that regardless of how many books you read you won't be a doctor. You need to practice, collaborate with professionals, receive feedback, and take challenges.

Internships 👨‍🎓

Internships are often seen as a stepping stone to a full-time job, providing hands-on experience and a taste of the industry.

• ✅ Pros: Internships offer a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. They can help you build your resume, develop practical skills, and expand your professional network. Many companies use internships as a pipeline for future full-time hires, so excelling in an internship can lead directly to a job offer.
• ❌ Cons: Despite their benefits, internships are not a complete solution. The experience you gain can vary widely depending on the company and the specific role. Additionally, internships might not fully prepare you for the competitive job market, where you’ll be up against candidates with more extensive work experience. While internships provide valuable exposure, they might not teach you how to effectively sell yourself, articulate your experiences, or navigate the job search process successfully. Internships provide valuable industry exposure but don’t fully arm you securing a desired role.

To Whom I Am Writing ✍️

I am not discouraging you from following one of the above paths—please do, as they will help—but you will realise that they are not enough. I am writing this for you, hoping to arm you with the knowledge and tools needed to bridge the gap between education and the industry. After talking to many students, professionals, and teachers, I have verified that this problem is widespread.

I am also writing this for my former self, who would have greatly benefited from this guidance. Having learned the hard way, I hope these insights will help you too. These blog series will provide practical advice for students and aspiring software engineers on how to interview, build their brands, secure better job positions, and ultimately "Win in Your Tech Career."

Feedback 💞

I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this blog series. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Your input is invaluable and helps me improve and provide content that truly helps you on your journey. Show your love by subscribing to my newsletter and stay updated. 🎉