The current landscape for coding schools is challenging, primarily due to shifts in the job market and the impact of AI technologies.
Have you noticed that the booming tech (yes, coding) jobs are largely fading at scale? As that happens, most business models have expired in the sector. A decade ago, you could open a company, train young people in Africa on coding, and place them in some iconic brands in Western Europe and North America. Not anymore, because those areas have overcapacity.
In America, you can go to UpWork and hire former Facebook, Snapchat, etc. engineers. It is a bubble because the world produced a lot of these coders that, after the great reset of the pandemic, many became superfluous. Sure, this is NOT to write that coding is gone. I am saying that coding does not guarantee a lot of things as in the past.
If you look deeper in Africa and India, you will notice that the top companies that train and place coding talent in North America are retrenching, changing leadership, or have shut down. Why not since their US customers are letting go of indigenous tech guys at home? Bigtech continues to make tons of money even as they continue to reduce headcounts.
This is a very challenging time for entry level guys in this industry. And you can partly blame AI and its adoption in the design phase. In the value chain, entry level engineers are structured to support experienced engineers. But today, you do not need any human element as AI can deliver whatever most entry level guys are expected to do.
So, under that construct, companies do not need a lot of entry level engineers. They just need AI agents with experienced people who can begin with those agents to build products customers need.
Here are 15 recommendations for tech job seekers navigating the current market:
1. Specialise Your Skills: Focus on acquiring specialised skills such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity, which are in high demand.
2. Optimise Your Application Materials: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
3. Prepare for Lengthy Interviews: Be ready for multiple interview rounds, which may include technical and behavioural assessments.
4. Leverage Networking: Build and utilise a professional network to find job opportunities and gain referrals.
5. Consider Remote Work: Explore remote positions to widen your job search beyond local opportunities.
6. Stay Informed on Industry Trends: Keep up with technological advancements and market trends to stay competitive.
7. Enhance Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in your skillset and mindset.
8. Pursue Continuous Learning: Engage in online courses, certifications, or workshops to improve your expertise.
9. Target high-demand roles: Focus on roles like IT manager, data scientist, or computer systems analyst, which have strong growth prospects.
10. Be Open to Different Roles: Consider a variety of positions that match your skills, even if they differ from your initial career path.
11. Strategise Your Job Search: Treat job hunting as a strategic campaign rather than just submitting applications.
12. Utilise job platforms effectively: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and industry professionals.
13. Showcase Projects: Highlight personal or volunteer projects that demonstrate your skills and initiative.
14. Understand the Market Dynamics: Recognise that while there are more openings now than earlier in 2023, competition remains high.
15. Seek Feedback: After interviews or applications, request feedback to improve your approach for future opportunities.
Source: tekedia
