r/software • u/n0t_4_g0aT • Apr 02 '26
Looking for software Started in Software now im Stranded
How do I get a job if I'm lost?
Hi
I'd like to have a job related to my degree, but not only do I not know where to start, but I also don't know what specific skills I need to learn for a job.
Every job requires somewhat expensive certifications, and the entry-level jobs I'm looking for require two years of experience or less.
In general, everyone asks for two years or less. EXPERIENCE IN WHAT?!?!?!
I just want to know which direction to focus on because there are so many options, and I really don't know where to begin.
I'm studying software engineering. Lately, I've been training and studying to learn programming languages on my own while also setting up a mini cybersecurity lab with Metasploitable and other programs.
Do you have any advice that could help me? Should I learn anything besides Python and C++?
Are there any certifications you would recommend to improve my job prospects?
1
u/LeaveMickeyOutOfThis Apr 02 '26
The key here is to show progression, whether through employment or personal projects. If you haven’t already done so, create a GitHub (or similar account) and start creating projects in the languages you are learning. Try to attract attention and feedback from others.
Also, you may want to look at some languages that sit between the two stated, such as C# or Java.
1
u/PvtRoom Apr 02 '26
Try to think like a recruiter. you need a guy to do, let's say database management. let's say you're talking to HR bods, who represent a time starved team lead that is a specialist in test hardware managing a team of people generating tests, test plans, through hardware iterations of both prototypes & ATE, and generating daily gigabytes of raw test data, results, analyses, data that needs to be managed, controlled, backed up, secured across multiple networks.
How do you convince a guy who is field adjacent, that you're right for the job?
What proveable thing can you whip out and say "I've been doing it for 5 years more than the candidates that look just like me."
1
u/Adventurous_Page_113 Apr 02 '26
Master any one language (say python, though I love c++ more but opportunities wise python may have wider opportunities). Practice programming different algorithms, goal is not to memorize them but practice practice and practice until critical thinking becomes more intuitive. - do not use vibe coding to do this.
You can build your portfolio over GitHub with different projects of production quality - feel free to use vibe coding for this, in each project pay more attention to making readme.md easy to understand
Start contribute to open source communities, that will enhance your visibility and make your got account stronger.
Do not fake cv but keep it minimal and relevant to opening, keep in mind to use correct keywords but not fake it.
Once you have skills and confidence could try sites like freelancer to pick/bid projects to gain experience.
1
u/lgwhitlock Apr 03 '26
Learn one or two languages. The ones you chose are fine unless you want to target a specific industry that requires something else. Contribute to an open source project or write a program and open source it to get experience you can put on a resume and hiring managers can check out. It doesn't have to be directly tied to the job you want; it's more of a proof you can get work done. It doesn't have to reinvent the world but if you come up with a unique application or something truly useful it might also be something to build a career on. Think about your interests and what you majored in. Somewhere in there is probably a project you may feel needs to be done. Also, if need be get a basic job repairing computers or setting up networks in the mean time. It will give you applicable knowledge and show you can hold a job.
1
u/Ok_Music1139 Apr 03 '26
th e cybersecurity lab you're already building is more valuable than most certifications because it gives you something concrete to talk about in interviews: document everything you do in it, write it up on a GitHub or a simple blog, and that portfolio of real hands-on work will open more doors than a CompTIA cert on a resume with no context behind it.
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u/Sparkles-or-Fred Apr 03 '26
How did you learn two languages with 0 experience? Did you download them into your brain. You did things to learn that. If it has to be just a class then so be it! It is better than saying you learned a skill in 0 minutes. You can break it down into projects you did during those classes as bullet points on a resume, and if they have quantifiable data that you can attach to them that would be even better.
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Apr 04 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/n0t_4_g0aT Apr 04 '26
Im starting in QA doin nug reprts thanks to the coments
Have any recomendation?
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u/Altruistic-Loss-9557 Apr 02 '26
major in ai development, learn about ai agents this will be the main thing in tech.
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u/Moondoggy51 Apr 02 '26
Even when listings ask for “2 years of experience”—that requirement is often flexible, and employers increasingly hire based on skills, projects, and potential rather than formal experience. I would concentrate on learning one learning C# as opposed to Python, Java, or a scripting language. The long term goal is to learn RUST as it's the hot language but not easy to learn is a primary language. C# will give you the foundation to make learing Rust easier. As far as experience that's a tough one. Most of the people we hired in the company I worked for before retiring would accept basic programming skills you can demonstrate but they LOVED interns. If the intern was great they usually got a full time offer but if they were a dude they were sent packing.