Imagine this, as it ended in 2022, a 164,969 employees say goodbye to their tech havens at 1,064 companies. And just when we thought the stage was set for a quieter 2023, big shots like Twitter, Amazon, and even Microsoft decided to do a little employment tango, leading to a grand total of 262,595 workers saying goodbye to 1,188 tech companies. .
Now here we are, entering 2024 with 24,584 more joining the loose brigade from 93 tech companies. While this can be scary, it is the right motivation for someone to try to keep their job.
As a software engineer, one can delude themselves into feeling immune because they are able to deliver lines of code that work as they should. Software engineers must recognize that the demand for different skills extends beyond technical expertise.
One of the keys to safeguarding your career is continuous learning, and one of the fastest ways to upgrade skills is through targeted training and certifications. Stay tuned for more tips.
A hub IT skills and salary research by Skillsoft revealed that professionals experienced a 56% improvement in the quality of their work after obtaining the certifications. This statistic emphasizes the transformative effect of certifications on one’s skill set.
Earn relevant certifications in widely used programming languages, frameworks or methodologies — such as AWS Certified Developer the Microsoft Certification: Azure Developer Associate— to raise your credibility in the industry.
2. Actively contribute to open source projects
Participate in open source projects on platforms such as GitHub it may seem time-consuming, but the benefits are manifold. In addition to demonstrating your coding prowess, active contribution provides visibility to the developer community.
A well-curated GitHub repository of various projects, accompanied by clear documentation, can serve as a powerful addition to your resume and LinkedIn profile. This, in turn, opens doors to more job opportunities and better pay.
3. Participate in Coding Challenges and Contests
Participate in coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank or CodeSignal. Participating in coding competitions such as Google Code Jam or Topcoder not only improves your problem-solving skills but also boosts your visibility in the eyes of potential employers.
Try to make a name for yourself by showing off your skills beyond coding ability.
4. Specialize in a niche area and boost visibility
Becoming an expert in a particular niche or emerging technology positions you as a valuable asset in the field of software engineering. Whether it’s machine learning, blockchain or cyber security, your expertise stands out. Increase your visibility by creating a personal blog, a technical website or even a YouTube channel. Attend industry events, share information and expand your professional network.
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An inspiring example is Adora Nwodoformer software engineer at Microsoft who has authored books and has a successful YouTube channel. Another example is Hosanna Haliwell-known tech influencer on YouTube and other social media platforms.
5. Create real-world applications
Showcase your hands-on skills by developing fully functional applications that address real-world challenges. Whether it’s a mobile app, web service, or automation tool, tangible projects in your portfolio demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, making you a valuable asset in the eyes of potential employers.
![](https://techlabari.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-092515.png)
![](https://techlabari.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-092515.png)
As the software engineering landscape continues to evolve, staying relevant and competitive requires a proactive approach. Embrace these strategies not only to weather changing conditions but to thrive in them. The key is to demonstrate both the depth and breadth of your technical expertise, positioning yourself as a dynamic and indispensable contributor to the ever-evolving world of software engineering. And for employers, the onus is on you to ensure proper people management in order to attract and retain quality talent.
Subscribe to it masterclass entitled “Building a Future Workforce” to be held on the 29thu of February.