A software engineer from India, who pursued a master’s degree in Australia after gaining two years of work experience, has taken to Reddit to express frustration over job hunting. Despite sending out over 250 job applications across various platforms, the tech professional has been unable to secure even a single interview, shedding light on the challenges faced by international graduates in the current job market.
The Struggles of a Job Seeker
The Reddit user shared their experience in a post that has since sparked widespread discussion on employment conditions in India and overseas. The tech professional explained that after working as a software engineer in India for two years, they moved to Australia to pursue higher studies, hoping to advance their career. However, after graduating, securing a job has proven to be an uphill battle.
“I’m literally tired of applying for jobs (after applying to more than 250+),” the Reddit user wrote. “I have work experience as a Software Engineer for two years in an Indian company and then went to Australia to pursue a master’s degree. Now, I am trying every possible way to get a job—LinkedIn, Naukri, Seek, Indeed, referrals, internships, even unpaid internships, and offering to work for a nominal salary. But I have had no luck. I don’t even need a job now; I just want an interview at least.”
Expressing their frustration, the job seeker added, “I feel proud when people around me are getting successful because everyone deserves it. Not me, perhaps.”
Mixed Reactions from Social Media
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The post quickly gained traction, with many users sharing their thoughts on the difficulties of job hunting in the tech industry. While some empathized with the techie’s struggle, others pointed out potential reasons behind their lack of success.
One Reddit user questioned the job seeker’s technical expertise, asking, “What did you work on as a software engineer? It’s like saying I have been a student for 20 years but don’t have a job. What did you learn and what did you work with?”
In response, the original poster (OP) detailed their experience: “I worked on Mobile Application Development, primarily focusing on cross-platform development using Flutter and React JS. Additionally, I contributed to a web development project involving React JS and Node JS for backend development. Apart from these, I am proficient in Python (Numpy, Matplotlib, etc.), machine learning algorithms, Tableau, and Power BI. I am also currently learning R Programming.”
While some users sympathized with the job seeker’s situation, others offered advice. “The market is tough right now. You must grind, upskill continuously, improve your resume, and keep applying,” one Redditor commented.
Another user inquired, “You didn’t get a job in Australia after completing your master’s degree?” This highlights a growing concern among international students who struggle to secure employment even after obtaining degrees from reputed foreign institutions.
Some users suggested that the problem might lie in the job seeker’s approach. One Redditor pointed out, “Classic problem: Jack of all trades, master of none. You should build your resume around one domain you’re most confident in.”
The Broader Issue
The challenges faced by this tech professional are not isolated. Many international students and job seekers are encountering similar hurdles, especially in the wake of changing economic conditions, increased competition, and shifting employer preferences. The post has reignited discussions on whether foreign degrees truly provide an advantage in the job market and whether graduates need to specialize more to stand out.
The job market, particularly in the tech industry, remains highly competitive. While having a diverse skill set can be beneficial, many recruiters prefer candidates with deep expertise in a specific area rather than those with broad but shallow knowledge. This trend has made it increasingly difficult for generalists to secure employment, pushing many to focus on niche skills or certifications that align with industry demands.
Conclusion
The Reddit post serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by job seekers, even those with work experience and foreign degrees. While the tech industry offers numerous opportunities, it also requires continuous upskilling, networking, and strategic job applications. As job seekers navigate the complexities of the hiring process, the debate continues on how best to prepare for and adapt to the ever-evolving job market.
