Graduating Soon? Ready Yourself for the IT Job Market!

So, you’re about to graduate and ready to dive into the exciting world of IT. Good luck! But before you leap, be prepared—it’s competitive out there. In my last article, I discussed why it’s hard to land an IT or programming job as a fresh grad today, but let’s turn this challenge into a constructive opportunity. With some strategic planning and the right mindset, you can navigate this landscape successfully and make yourself stand out in the job market.With AI taking over many entry-level positions, a wave of new graduates going after the same roles, and the rise of remote work reshaping the traditional office, getting your foot in the door is tougher than ever.

But don’t throw in the towel just yet! There are plenty of tricks to help you gain an edge and increase your chances of landing that dream job. Ready to tackle this challenging job market? This list of tips should have been shared before graduation, but it’s still crucial to highlight now. Whether you’re just starting, newly graduated, or stepping into your first job, this knowledge is essential at every stage.

Build an Online Portfolio: Your Visual Resume

As a fresh grad, you’re a blank slate to employers, so how do you stand out? You need a portfolio.

Your Digital Showcase

An online portfolio is your strongest asset. Hiring managers prefer seeing tangible proof of your skills rather than just reading about your potential. In fact, Forbes highlights three reasons why your online portfolio can be the X-factor in your job search. Even without work experience, start building projects—contribute to open-source, create personal projects, or collaborate with classmates. Even without work experience, start building projects—contribute to open-source, create personal projects, or collaborate with classmates.

Showcase Your Best Work

Your portfolio should include apps, websites, or games that showcase your abilities. Link everything—GitHub, LinkedIn, and any relevant social media—so recruiters can easily see you’re a developer in action, not just a student. A well-crafted portfolio demonstrates your skills and work ethic, helping you stand out in a crowded field.

Make sure the projects you showcase align with the roles you’re targeting. You don’t need a massive portfolio—just enough to show what you’re capable of.

Use Your Internship as Your Backdoor to Employment

Your On-the-Job Training is often undervalued, but it can be your secret weapon for landing a full-time job While applying alongside hundreds of other fresh grads can be daunting, an internship gives you a significant advantage. You’ve already navigated the company’s culture, built relationships, and most importantly, they know you. If you left a good impression, they’re more likely to consider you for a permanent position.

Low Expectations, High Potential

The expectations for interns are lower; you’re expected to learn, not to know everything from day one. Many successful developers have transitioned from intern to full-time employee, making internships a crucial step in your career journey.

Treat It Like Your Dream Job

Treat your internship like a long-term job. Make a positive impact, build connections, and prove your worth. Choose wisely—opt for internships that align with your career goals rather than something easy or unrelated. If your first internship was lackluster, don’t hesitate to seek a more relevant opportunity in the tech industry.

Your Backdoor to Success

Remember, it’s all about getting inside the company rather than waiting in line for interviews. Your next internship could be your backdoor to a fulfilling career.

Be Open to Starting Small: The Payoff Comes Later

I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve got my degree; I should be getting paid well.” But here’s the reality—you won’t hit the big bucks right away, and that’s okay. When I started, I prioritized gaining experience over salary. I thought, if I’ve waited four years for my degree, what’s another six months at minimum pay if it means getting my foot in the door?

Once you gain some experience, don’t be surprised if recruiters start reaching out to you. They might even try to poach you from your current job, even if you’re fully employed. Competing with candidates from top schools can be tough, but they usually ask for higher salaries. Interestingly, a recent survey found that employers prefer graduates from schools like PUP because they are often willing to accept lower starting salaries By being flexible with your starting pay, you’ll make yourself more appealing to companies.

Start Low, Climb High

In this highly competitive market, demanding a high salary can cost you opportunities. Consider starting with a lower salary or even a probationary period at no pay to showcase your skills. Many IT professionals begin low but quickly climb the pay scale within a year or two.

Experience Over Income

Don’t be afraid to accept lower pay initially. Your priority should be gaining experience. Once you prove your worth, the salary growth will follow. After a year or two, you’ll likely find recruiters contacting you regularly.

Don’t Go Solo: Grab a Mentor!

I’ve yet to meet a successful developer who didn’t have a coach or guide when starting out. Not one. After years in this industry, I’ve seen how essential guidance is. In many local jobs, you need a backer. In software, that backer is a mentor who unlocks doors. They’re your industry insider, sharing programming hacks and treating you as a peer, not just a newbie. The best developers know this early on, especially in a fast-paced tech world where today’s innovation can be tomorrow’s relic.

Textbooks Out, Mentor Buddies In

When I started, I was lucky to have an informal programming coach—my friend’s older brother, just two years ahead of us. We engaged in pair programming and tackled real challenges, learning by reverse-engineering his code. This hands-on experience taught us far more than textbooks ever could. Many developers find success through informal mentorships. Your mentor could be a senior colleague, a friend, or even a family member in the field. Today, we even have tools like ChatGPT acting as virtual mentors, providing support and answers.

Mentors Help You Focus

In an industry flooded with technologies, focus is key! You can’t do it all; a mentor helps you zero in on what matters. Their insights guide you through real-world challenges, offering practical feedback. For instance, pair programming can be a great way to learn directly from experienced developers, as discussed in this guide to pair programming. Remember, IT, especially software development, is constantly evolving. Unlike civil engineering, where principles remain relevant for decades, programming knowledge can become outdated in a flash. You need someone who has experienced this evolution and can show you the ropes—both technical skills and the mindset of a developer.

Connect with Professionals, Your Career Depends on It

To find your mentor, get out there and network! Attend tech meetups, seek advice, or offer to help on side projects. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street, so be ready to give back. Once you build that connection, your mentor could easily recommend you to their network when it’s time to apply for jobs.

Finding a mentor requires effort, but it’s worth it! Reach out to your network—whether it’s a friend’s brother, a neighbor, or a churchmate. Start asking interesting questions about IT, and they’ll likely be eager to assist. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by!

Do Freelance Work

Freelancing is a great way to kickstart your career. It allows you to choose projects that match your skill level, even if they pay less. You won’t face the same strict hiring processes as in traditional jobs, making it feel like a mini-internship without the formal title. Each project you complete boosts your resume, helping you look more experienced to potential employers.

If you’re just starting out with no experience, consider reaching out to someone in the industry and offering to help with their overflow work. This can provide valuable experience and help you build connections. Working for free initially can get your foot in the door.

Freelancing has several benefits:

• Build a strong portfolio: Each project showcases your skills.
• Avoid formal job applications: Many companies hire freelancers without extensive interviews.
• Earn money while learning: Even small projects can generate income and experience.

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can help you find gigs that match your IT skills. Over time, these freelance projects can enhance your portfolio and resume, setting you apart from other fresh graduates.

Join a Coding Bootcamp

While bootcamps aren’t a replacement for a formal education, they offer intensive, hands-on experience in a short time. Think of it as a bridge between traditional education and a one-on-one mentorship. Bootcamps often focus on practical, real-world projects, and can help you develop the skills that employers are looking for right now.

Many bootcamps also have strong industry connections, meaning they may help with job placement after graduation. While some come with a price tag, the investment can be worth it if it leads to employment in the competitive IT sector.

Conclusion

Breaking into the IT industry as a fresh grad is tough, but definitely achievable. Focus on building relationships, gaining experience through internships and freelance work, and creating a strong portfolio. Take a strategic approach: find a mentor, be flexible with salary expectations, and network extensively.

While the journey may feel like an uphill battle, once you’re in, the potential for financial security and career growth is significant. Start small by taking on manageable projects, and treat every opportunity seriously to set yourself apart.

Remember, it’s about getting your foot in the door—explore all avenues to navigate the competitive landscape. With time, patience, and a smart strategy, you’ll find success in the IT field.