The Reality of DSA and Development in 2024! | Hiring Market trends in 2024 for Software Engineers 😨

Recent questions

• How do engineers perceive job security and salary expectations?

  Engineers, especially in the tech industry, are facing challenges with job security and salary expectations due to frequent news of layoffs in big companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The Covid era, which initially saw abundant placements, is now transitioning into a reality where job scarcity in the fourth year of engineering can lead to individuals accepting any available job. Despite claims of not working for money, engineers often find their salaries not as substantial as perceived, with SDE-2 positions offering salaries ranging from 3-4 lakhs to 90 lakhs. This disparity in earnings, with some individuals earning as low as 3 lakhs while others command salaries of 90 lakhs, showcases the stark differences in the tech industry. The impact of layoffs, economic recession, and the changing dynamics of the industry have led to a shift in perceptions regarding job security and salary expectations among software engineers.

• How are internship pay rates and opportunities evolving in the tech industry?

  Internship pay rates and opportunities in the tech industry are undergoing changes, with tools like ChatGPT potentially replacing the need for interns in certain roles. Companies like Amazon and Google have seen a shift in internship pay rates, and internships are now more about securing smart individuals for future roles rather than immediate project completion. The number of remote job opportunities is not as prevalent as perceived, with the total not even reaching 50% of the combined placements of IITs. This shift in the internship landscape highlights the importance of gaining experience in an office setting before transitioning to remote work, particularly for freshers entering the industry.

• What skills are essential for individuals to stand out in the job market?

  To stand out in the evolving job market, individuals must bring a unique skill set or "X factor" to compete with automation like ChatGPT. Creating unique and impactful projects is essential for showcasing problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. Balancing between Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) and development is crucial based on individual circumstances and career goals. Companies are shifting away from hiring and training individuals without prior knowledge, emphasizing the importance of basic skills. Focus on both frontend and backend work in projects to demonstrate a well-rounded skill set, ensuring critical calculations and processes happen on the backend to prevent vulnerabilities.

• What should individuals consider when preparing for job interviews?

  When preparing for job interviews, individuals should avoid generic project names like "Netflix clone" and personalize them with unique features. It is recommended to deploy projects live instead of just sharing a GitHub repo to showcase functionality to interviewers. Focus on both frontend and backend work in projects to demonstrate a well-rounded skill set. Ensure critical calculations and processes happen on the backend, not just the client side, to prevent vulnerabilities. It is crucial to start gaining work experience early on, as it makes transitioning to desired companies easier and helps in standing out in a competitive job market.

• How can individuals navigate the changing trends in the tech industry?

  To navigate the changing trends in the tech industry, individuals should research companies before joining to avoid scams and false promises. Be cautious of courses promising quick results, as they may have hidden conditions for refunds. Understand the changing trends in the industry and make informed decisions based on research and practical experience. Trustworthy courses provide structured learning paths and project opportunities, unlike mere YouTube tutorials. Leaving a job for teaching or creating courses should be portrayed honestly to avoid backlash, and mentors should not be idolized, but chosen wisely for growth.