20 answers
Padraic
Student
Glendale, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
877 views
How competitive is the job market in software?
I have no job experience, but I am knowledgeable about software. I have taken a coding class in high school. I a currently in ninth grade.
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20 answers
Deergha Naik
Senior Manager
10
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Deergha’s Answer
The job market is at its low right now, because we are seeing AI everywhere and low profile jobs and jobs doing mostly manual work are and will be replaced with AI. If you want to enter into the software field, then I would suggest to gets hands on with AI.
Thank you, Deergha for the advice.
Padraic
Spencer Gee
Cloud Engineering Consultant
5
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Spencer’s Answer
The software industry is definitely more competitive now than it was 5-10 years ago. Back then it was much easier to get a high-paying job at a top company with a Computer Science degree. However, the world is continuing to rely more and more on software in virtually every industry, and new opportunities are bound to emerge as time goes on. If you are planning to go to college, a Computer Science degree or software-related degree like Management Information Systems is still a solid bet for finding a good job, especially if you can be flexible about the type of roles you look into. I started off my college degree considering Business, but opted for Computer Science since you can definitely still branch into other business jobs with a solid background in computers. Since you are still in high-school, try to get your hands dirty working on your own personal projects. This will teach you a lot and put you in a great position for future employment in a software-related field. Good luck!
Kavita Desai
3
Answers
Lake Mary, Florida
Updated
Kavita’s Answer
Hi Padraic,
The job market is changing a lot with AI, and some jobs are being replaced. But you're in 9th grade, so you have plenty of time to learn and explore. By the time you're ready to work, things will be clearer. Keep your spirits up and focus on building your skills in software engineering. You've already started with a coding class, which is great. Keep learning more about coding languages and start exploring AI. This way, you'll be prepared for the future. Remember, interviewers look for people who are eager to learn. Show this by creating small projects and doing internships while you study.
The job market is changing a lot with AI, and some jobs are being replaced. But you're in 9th grade, so you have plenty of time to learn and explore. By the time you're ready to work, things will be clearer. Keep your spirits up and focus on building your skills in software engineering. You've already started with a coding class, which is great. Keep learning more about coding languages and start exploring AI. This way, you'll be prepared for the future. Remember, interviewers look for people who are eager to learn. Show this by creating small projects and doing internships while you study.
Prashanth Sirikonda
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Prashanth’s Answer
The software job market can be tough, especially for beginners, but don't let that worry you. Being in ninth grade means you have plenty of time to learn and grow your skills before you start job hunting.
For now, focus on learning programming, working on small projects, and creating things that show off your talents. Employers love to see what you can actually do, so having projects on GitHub, joining coding clubs, or doing internships later on can really help you stand out. Since you already know a bit about coding, you're ahead of many others who start later.
Try not to stress about the competition right now. Just keep making progress. If you keep getting better, you'll be well-prepared when it's time to look for a job.
For now, focus on learning programming, working on small projects, and creating things that show off your talents. Employers love to see what you can actually do, so having projects on GitHub, joining coding clubs, or doing internships later on can really help you stand out. Since you already know a bit about coding, you're ahead of many others who start later.
Try not to stress about the competition right now. Just keep making progress. If you keep getting better, you'll be well-prepared when it's time to look for a job.
Ryan Chang
Software Developer
32
Answers
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
The job market is very competitive right now, especially for developers. AI is changing how companies hire and keep workers. But if you love software development, don't let this stop you. Even though the market is tough, there are always companies looking for hardworking and motivated people. Try to stand out by starting personal projects and building your portfolio early. Focus on topics you like, learn more about them, and gain experience by experimenting.
When looking into the job market, be cautious not to get discouraged by negative opinions. Many developers are out there, but not all are excellent. This leads to more negative views about the market.
If you're serious about software development, work hard and stay up to date. There will always be job opportunities for dedicated people.
When looking into the job market, be cautious not to get discouraged by negative opinions. Many developers are out there, but not all are excellent. This leads to more negative views about the market.
If you're serious about software development, work hard and stay up to date. There will always be job opportunities for dedicated people.
Dima Vizelman
Software Engineer
26
Answers
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel
Updated
Dima’s Answer
Hi Padraic!
Getting into software can be tough, especially for beginners, because so many people are learning to code. But you’re already ahead by starting early, which is fantastic!
In ninth grade, no one expects you to have job experience. What really counts is how you keep learning and creating real projects. A few strong projects can be more important than grades or certificates.
If you keep at it over the next few years, you'll probably be ahead of many others your age when you enter the software field. Keep going, and you'll do great!
Getting into software can be tough, especially for beginners, because so many people are learning to code. But you’re already ahead by starting early, which is fantastic!
In ninth grade, no one expects you to have job experience. What really counts is how you keep learning and creating real projects. A few strong projects can be more important than grades or certificates.
If you keep at it over the next few years, you'll probably be ahead of many others your age when you enter the software field. Keep going, and you'll do great!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Padraic
Vamsi Draksharam
Software Engineer
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Vamsi’s Answer
The market is competitive, but being in 9th grade means you have a real advantage - time. Yes, there are a lot of applicants for software jobs. But what separates candidates is a portfolio of real projects, not just coursework. Start building small things now like a simple app, a personal website, anything you can show someone. By the time you're applying for internships, you'll have years of practice behind you. That matters more than most people realize.
Patil Indrasena Reddy
Specialist Senior
4
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Patil Indrasena’s Answer
Its really good to know how competitive the job market is. We should know these stats by industry, by level of experience and by stream of skillset.
However, we should always believe in a fact that the numbers you may see as competitors may not be the real threat. Like not all the students in a class are same in terms of grades, knowledge and so on. We should give our 100% in learning the skill and make sure we have enough prep on the requested skillset for any job. You will believe it when you experience this magic. Good Luck
However, we should always believe in a fact that the numbers you may see as competitors may not be the real threat. Like not all the students in a class are same in terms of grades, knowledge and so on. We should give our 100% in learning the skill and make sure we have enough prep on the requested skillset for any job. You will believe it when you experience this magic. Good Luck
Matthew Dedick
IT Integrator
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hello Padriac, as others have said it is a very competitive field whose barriers to entry get harder each year. As new technical solutions are invented and updated the breadth of knowledge gets wider. And many will tell you that AI will replace low level computer science jobs but this is a misleading statement. The jobs will be there for graduates who are willing to keep learning the most recent tools as well as the fundamental skills others have mentioned. We tend to think of all software jobs as existing in silos where we technical folk all are doing the same basic things like going to work to write scripts in our most fluent programming language to help some app or system function. But this is only one small path and even in this path using Anthropic tools just empowers users to do more kinds and sizes of workloads.
The best advice i can give is that jobs in software (and related technical fields) exist in places that students don't always look, and the hard skills of software and hardware programming will assist you in interviews across many types of technical jobs. Think about IT you may have a notion that it involves fewer software skills, but these days that is not true. Most organizations utilize multi tier networks across server, virtual servers, cloud services, and many are integrating AI so as a matter of fact the same principle that is "removing low level software jobs" is creating opportunities for people willing to learn these skills. Just a few industries that come to mind are Healthcare, Energy, Agriculture, Defense, Government services Education, all of these sectors usually involve huge organizations with massive technical initiatives and deployments. Do not let the perceived threat of AI discourage you from learning those introductory hard skills because they are the backbone to understanding every advanced tool utilized at an enterprise level today. Hiring/firing sadly does not reflect market conditions as much as it does Corporate trends. The jobs exist they just may not be in the sector you are thinking and these sectors need new talent. Keep learning and widen your options and you will be amazed what career you may have in 5 years time.
The best advice i can give is that jobs in software (and related technical fields) exist in places that students don't always look, and the hard skills of software and hardware programming will assist you in interviews across many types of technical jobs. Think about IT you may have a notion that it involves fewer software skills, but these days that is not true. Most organizations utilize multi tier networks across server, virtual servers, cloud services, and many are integrating AI so as a matter of fact the same principle that is "removing low level software jobs" is creating opportunities for people willing to learn these skills. Just a few industries that come to mind are Healthcare, Energy, Agriculture, Defense, Government services Education, all of these sectors usually involve huge organizations with massive technical initiatives and deployments. Do not let the perceived threat of AI discourage you from learning those introductory hard skills because they are the backbone to understanding every advanced tool utilized at an enterprise level today. Hiring/firing sadly does not reflect market conditions as much as it does Corporate trends. The jobs exist they just may not be in the sector you are thinking and these sectors need new talent. Keep learning and widen your options and you will be amazed what career you may have in 5 years time.
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
59
Answers
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Padraic!
Let's start by exploring your question a bit more. The challenge in answering it directly is that there are so many different jobs when it comes to "software". If we think about this in terms of the lifecycle of a piece of software we might start with architects that design software and coders/developers who then create it. Then you might have sellers / technical sellers who actually sell that software to the user. There might be software services people who help the customer install and configure it to do what they want it to do. There are then software support professionals who help resolve problems with it, which might require them to go back to the architects and developers again. There are also pricers, lawyers, contract people and so on. This is how it might work for what I will call "traditional" software products of which there are a lot. It's a similar but somewhat different list of roles if that software is being sold as SaaS (Software as a Service) on a cloud platform.
What that tells us is that there are lots of roles and the needs of those roles are different. Some roles that face off to customers like sellers need good communication and interpersonal skills first and foremost. Developers and support engineers need good technical and problem solving skills and so on. So, I would think first about the skills that you have and what you like to do and use that to try and narrow down the range of jobs you might be interested in. Remember that you can always change if you want to. Regardless of the role you go for, there is always likely to be some competition between candidates for a specific vacancy. That is likely higher in the large well-known companies but could be significantly less in a smaller or more local one. Some people don't want to work for a large company, which is perfectly fine too. I'd suggest that getting that first job is probably the big step. Once you have experience then moving to another role / another company is probably easier. I might suggest investigating some of the junior intake programmes that larger companies run periodically to take on apprentices or graduates and go via one of those rather than applying to a specific role. That might be an easier (but still competitive) way in, especially if you're not sure which of the many job roles I listed above is right for you. Good luck!
Let's start by exploring your question a bit more. The challenge in answering it directly is that there are so many different jobs when it comes to "software". If we think about this in terms of the lifecycle of a piece of software we might start with architects that design software and coders/developers who then create it. Then you might have sellers / technical sellers who actually sell that software to the user. There might be software services people who help the customer install and configure it to do what they want it to do. There are then software support professionals who help resolve problems with it, which might require them to go back to the architects and developers again. There are also pricers, lawyers, contract people and so on. This is how it might work for what I will call "traditional" software products of which there are a lot. It's a similar but somewhat different list of roles if that software is being sold as SaaS (Software as a Service) on a cloud platform.
What that tells us is that there are lots of roles and the needs of those roles are different. Some roles that face off to customers like sellers need good communication and interpersonal skills first and foremost. Developers and support engineers need good technical and problem solving skills and so on. So, I would think first about the skills that you have and what you like to do and use that to try and narrow down the range of jobs you might be interested in. Remember that you can always change if you want to. Regardless of the role you go for, there is always likely to be some competition between candidates for a specific vacancy. That is likely higher in the large well-known companies but could be significantly less in a smaller or more local one. Some people don't want to work for a large company, which is perfectly fine too. I'd suggest that getting that first job is probably the big step. Once you have experience then moving to another role / another company is probably easier. I might suggest investigating some of the junior intake programmes that larger companies run periodically to take on apprentices or graduates and go via one of those rather than applying to a specific role. That might be an easier (but still competitive) way in, especially if you're not sure which of the many job roles I listed above is right for you. Good luck!
Thank you, John for the advice.
Padraic
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
654
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
The software job market is competitive but also in high demand, offering great opportunities. Start by strengthening your basic programming skills, like understanding variables, loops, functions, data structures, and solving simple problems. Practice on platforms like HackerRank and Exercism. Learning beginner-friendly languages such as Python or JavaScript is a good way to build these skills. Try creating small projects, like games or simple apps, to apply what you learn.
It's important to figure out your interests, strengths, and long-term goals early on. This helps you find the software areas that fit you best. Software is a broad field, so you can explore different paths like web development, mobile development, game development, cloud computing, or data science. With regular practice, exploration, and creating projects, you'll build both skill and direction. By starting early and learning step by step, you're on the right track. Steady progress is more important than rushing.
It's important to figure out your interests, strengths, and long-term goals early on. This helps you find the software areas that fit you best. Software is a broad field, so you can explore different paths like web development, mobile development, game development, cloud computing, or data science. With regular practice, exploration, and creating projects, you'll build both skill and direction. By starting early and learning step by step, you're on the right track. Steady progress is more important than rushing.
Thank you for the advice.
Padraic
Nikhil Shirdhankar
IT
4
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
Software is a competitive field, but it's full of opportunities. While the job market is tougher now, especially for beginners, it's exciting because you have plenty of time to prepare. You're in 9th grade, which means you can start building skills and projects to stand out when you're ready to apply for jobs or internships.
Remember, employers look for proof of your abilities, not just what you know. You can show this through school projects, personal apps or games, GitHub contributions, hackathons, internships, volunteering for tech tasks, and having strong problem-solving skills.
Since you already have some software knowledge and have taken a coding class, keep building on that:
Focus on mastering one main programming language
Create 3–5 small projects
Share your work in a portfolio or on GitHub
Join a hackathon or coding club
Learn basic data structures and algorithms as you progress
You're on a great path, and with consistent effort, you'll be ready to shine in the software world!
Remember, employers look for proof of your abilities, not just what you know. You can show this through school projects, personal apps or games, GitHub contributions, hackathons, internships, volunteering for tech tasks, and having strong problem-solving skills.
Since you already have some software knowledge and have taken a coding class, keep building on that:
Focus on mastering one main programming language
Create 3–5 small projects
Share your work in a portfolio or on GitHub
Join a hackathon or coding club
Learn basic data structures and algorithms as you progress
You're on a great path, and with consistent effort, you'll be ready to shine in the software world!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Padraic
Kevin Tran
Software Developer
7
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Padraic,
the software job market is competitive right now, especially for beginners and entry-level candidates. Recent market reporting shows entry-level software roles are down significantly from their 2022 peak, major tech companies have reduced new-grad hiring, and employers are being more selective about skills they want on day one.
That said, you should not panic at all. You’re only in 9th grade, which means you have a huge advantage: time. The market is tough for people applying today, but software still has strong long-term demand, and students who build real skills early can stand out later.
The biggest change is that companies increasingly want people who can do more than just basic coding. AI is changing the field, and software jobs now more often value problem-solving, projects, and knowing how to use tools well—not just memorizing syntax. AI-related skills are showing up much more often in job descriptions, and developers are using AI tools more and more in real work.
For you, the takeaway is simple: don’t worry about the job market yet—build leverage now. If you spend the next few years learning programming fundamentals, making projects, using GitHub, and getting comfortable with problem-solving, you’ll be in a much stronger position than most beginners when it’s time for internships. That’s the practical advantage of starting early.
My recommendation: over the next year, focus on one language, small projects, basic data structures, and consistency. A student with 5 solid projects by high school graduation is in a much better spot than someone who only took classes.
the software job market is competitive right now, especially for beginners and entry-level candidates. Recent market reporting shows entry-level software roles are down significantly from their 2022 peak, major tech companies have reduced new-grad hiring, and employers are being more selective about skills they want on day one.
That said, you should not panic at all. You’re only in 9th grade, which means you have a huge advantage: time. The market is tough for people applying today, but software still has strong long-term demand, and students who build real skills early can stand out later.
The biggest change is that companies increasingly want people who can do more than just basic coding. AI is changing the field, and software jobs now more often value problem-solving, projects, and knowing how to use tools well—not just memorizing syntax. AI-related skills are showing up much more often in job descriptions, and developers are using AI tools more and more in real work.
For you, the takeaway is simple: don’t worry about the job market yet—build leverage now. If you spend the next few years learning programming fundamentals, making projects, using GitHub, and getting comfortable with problem-solving, you’ll be in a much stronger position than most beginners when it’s time for internships. That’s the practical advantage of starting early.
My recommendation: over the next year, focus on one language, small projects, basic data structures, and consistency. A student with 5 solid projects by high school graduation is in a much better spot than someone who only took classes.
Vidhya Piramanayagam
Software Engineering
7
Answers
Piscataway Township, New Jersey
Updated
Vidhya’s Answer
The software job market is tough, but not impossible. It's like applying to college or trying out for a sports team: those who develop real skills, work on projects, and gain experience stand out.
Vidhya, thank you!
Padraic
Lin Yu Hao
software developer.
14
Answers
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Updated
Lin Yu’s Answer
It’s great that you’re thinking about the software job market at such an early stage! Starting young and building skills now gives you a huge advantage.
Here’s what you can do to prepare:
Learn consistently through classes, tutorials, and projects.
Create small apps, games, or websites to showcase your skills.
Participate in coding contests, hackathons, or school clubs for experience.
Build an online portfolio on GitHub or a personal website.
Network in coding communities to find mentors and advice.
Seek internships or volunteering opportunities to gain practical experience.
Here’s what you can do to prepare:
Learn consistently through classes, tutorials, and projects.
Create small apps, games, or websites to showcase your skills.
Participate in coding contests, hackathons, or school clubs for experience.
Build an online portfolio on GitHub or a personal website.
Network in coding communities to find mentors and advice.
Seek internships or volunteering opportunities to gain practical experience.
Thank you so much, Lin Yu!
Padraic
Rezwan Khan
Lead Architect
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Rezwan’s Answer
We are at an important turning point with AI. Some companies, like Oracle, are shifting their focus and investing more in AI, which has led to some job cuts. But this change is also creating new opportunities, especially for those with AI skills.
If you're looking for traditional software jobs, you might face more competition. However, if you invest time in learning AI and build a portfolio of AI projects, along with getting some AI certifications, you'll have a great advantage.
If you're looking for traditional software jobs, you might face more competition. However, if you invest time in learning AI and build a portfolio of AI projects, along with getting some AI certifications, you'll have a great advantage.
Manvi Sharma
Cloud Engineer
3
Answers
Chandigarh, India
Updated
Manvi’s Answer
The software job market is highly competitive, especially at the entry level, where hundreds of applicants compete for a single role. Mid-level professionals face moderate competition, while senior and specialized roles in cloud, cybersecurity, and AI remain in high demand. Layoffs, AI-driven automation, and a global remote talent pool have raised the bar significantly. To stand out, candidates need strong projects, problem-solving skills, specialization, and good communication. With the right strategy and continuous learning, breaking into the industry is challenging but absolutely achievable.
Thank you, Manvi!
Padraic
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
131
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Padraic
The software job market is competitive in today's world. However, there is still strong demand for people with good problem solving and technical skills. As you are already learning coding in ninth grade, you are actually starting earlier than many students.
Right now, the best thing you can do is keep building your skills through small projects and consistent practice. Learning languages like Python or JavaScript and sharing projects on GitHub/Bitbucket can help you stand out over time.
The software job market is competitive in today's world. However, there is still strong demand for people with good problem solving and technical skills. As you are already learning coding in ninth grade, you are actually starting earlier than many students.
Right now, the best thing you can do is keep building your skills through small projects and consistent practice. Learning languages like Python or JavaScript and sharing projects on GitHub/Bitbucket can help you stand out over time.
Thank you, Sandeep!
Padraic
Kinshuk Makkad
Consulting
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Kinshuk’s Answer
I would differ a bit from few answers above, job market is always high for differentiators and innovative thinkers in any field. With so many start ups and venture investments pouring in, I would say - market for new generation is actually very good. As long as you can bring AI native thinking, and get away from traditional way of doing things. For expierenced workforce, market is tricky right now - as they are too expensive and do not bring new AI native way of doing things on table.
Vinit Shah
Specialist Leader
3
Answers
Middletown, Delaware
Updated
Vinit’s Answer
You mentioned having "no job experience" as if it's a drawback, but look at what you have achieved by 9th grade:
1) You know how to code, which is something most kids your age don't.
2) You have the self-awareness to understand what you want.
3) You have plenty of time before this becomes important for your career.
Many software engineers don't start coding until college, but you're already ahead by building a strong foundation now. That's a big deal and gives you a great advantage.
The fact that you're thinking about your future, asking questions, and reflecting on your current position shows that you take your future seriously. This self-awareness and determination are more valuable in the long run than any class or resume line.
You're not behind or missing anything. You're right where you should be, with more strengths than you realize.
Go ahead and create something amazing. Your future self will thank you!
1) You know how to code, which is something most kids your age don't.
2) You have the self-awareness to understand what you want.
3) You have plenty of time before this becomes important for your career.
Many software engineers don't start coding until college, but you're already ahead by building a strong foundation now. That's a big deal and gives you a great advantage.
The fact that you're thinking about your future, asking questions, and reflecting on your current position shows that you take your future seriously. This self-awareness and determination are more valuable in the long run than any class or resume line.
You're not behind or missing anything. You're right where you should be, with more strengths than you realize.
Go ahead and create something amazing. Your future self will thank you!