Breaking into the software industry in 2025
What senior leaders say it really takes to get hired today
I sat in a meeting a few weeks ago with a senior leader. The goal was to get their input on a potential ‘CV enhancement’ event for students at two local universities.
We came out of the meeting with out event in tatters.
But it was the best outcome we could have hoped for.
We left that meeting with something better:
a clearer picture of what students actually need right now
a few golden nuggets of advice for landing jobs and placements in today’s software industry
Whether you’re a student, recent grad (like myself), or breaking into tech, these tips will apply to you.
Make yourself stand out
A degree is a great start but it’s the bare essential. Everyone else applying for grad roles will have one. You need something extra. Industry recognised certifications like the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals are a great way to prove you’ve invested in your own development and can work with tools companies actually use.
Networking is everything
The best opportunities don’t always come from job boards. Go to events. Talk to industry professionals. Connect on LinkedIn. You never know when a quick chat at a hackathon or a coffee meetup will lead to your next role.
Show what you know
Knowing how to code is one thing. Showing it is another. A well-kept GitHub profile is your public portfolio. Fill it with projects in the languages you know. It’s proof you can apply your skills in real-world scenarios. If you want an example, you can check out my GitHub here: Jonny Boyd | GitHub.
The job market is competitive. But it’s also full or opportunities for those who stand out, connect with the right people, and show their skills.
If you’re on the job hunt, try picking one of these things to work on this week. Because in tech, progress compounds. Small steps now can open huge doors later.
Hope that is of use!
- Jonny