There is a recent trend among students to choose a career based on the number of job opportunities in a particular field.
It is understandable for a student who is just about to step into their first job to choose a field with the most job opportunities and yes, it is also a practical approach.
However, this singular focus on job prospects alone has its drawbacks, the most critical being the lack of long-term career fulfilment.
So, how can you navigate this complex tech landscape while also finding the balance between choosing an in-demand job and pursuing your passion?
Having spent years as a software engineer and now guiding future tech talents as the CEO and Founder of CodeQuotient School of Technology, let me share with you some first-hand learnings, and industry insights on how to address this dilemma and much more.
The Pitfall of Chasing Job Prospects Alone
This is the fundamental suggestion: hold back the temptation of running after whichever technology is trending.
I have seen many people, who in the pursuit of chasing job prospects, rush into learning the latest framework or language just because it’s in demand.
The outcome?
Individuals with surface-level knowledge who lack in-depth understanding for clear communication and collaboration. Moreover, they also struggle to adapt when the industry shifts.
That’s not the way to build a sustainable career.
Don’t Be Blinded by Passion
On the flip side, blindly following your passion without considering market realities isn’t smart either.
I have met brilliant developers whose skills go to waste because they are passionate about technologies that are no longer relevant.
While I realise there are some individuals who fall into this category and can make the odds work in their favour, however, that percentage is very very small.
So, what’s the solution? Here are a few steps you can consider:
Start by identifying areas in tech that genuinely interest you:
Begin by asking yourself- What problems do I enjoy solving? What kind of projects excite me?
This will help you in identifying and building towards the foundation of your interest.
Next, assess the job market:
Which of your interests align with current industry needs?
Dive deep into these areas to understand the skillset employers are looking for. Evaluate if there are transferable skills that you can make use of from your passion area in these in-demand fields.
This will allow you to chart a course where you can combine your passion and interest.
Remember to go beyond the basics:
Make an effort to understand the principles behind the tools you work with.
For instance, if you are into web development, don’t just learn React. Understand the concepts of component-based architecture.
If you are into AI, don’t just learn TensorFlow. Grasp the fundamentals of machine learning algorithms.
This type of grasp on core concepts can help you learn new tools quickly and also make you adaptable.
This approach serves two purposes—one, you are working on something you enjoy, which means you are more likely to excel at it.
Two, you are building skills that are in demand thereby improving your job prospects.
