Member Avatar for Squires

I have a BS in Computer Engineering Technology(hardware/software mix) I got more interested in the programming than the hardware. So now I am looking for an entry level programming job but it does not seem like they exsist. My question is am I going about this the wrong way? Do I need to start in some lower position(help desk or tech support etc) in a company and move up?

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— this is a common crossroads and you are not going about it "wrong." Your Computer Engineering Technology degree is an asset, but employers hiring developers want visible, recent experience that shows you can solve real problems with code. As and pointed out, making your work visible helps; the next step is to package that visibility so a hiring manager can quickly see value.

Refocus your resume and applications so programming sits front and center: list languages and tools, move any software projects or lab work into a short "Relevant Projects" section, and describe each with Problem → Your Action → Result (quantify when you can). Apply for job titles that actually hire beginners: "Junior/Associate Software Developer," "Developer in Test/QA Automation," "Embedded Software Engineer," "Scripting/Automation Developer," and contract/short-term developer gigs — small firms and startups often hire less formally and value demonstrable work over years of experience.

If you take a help-desk or support role as a bridge, be intentional: volunteer to automate repetitive tasks, build monitoring or tooling, document outcomes, and ask for specific milestones that show progression toward development work. Otherwise, pursue contract work, temp-to-perm roles, or apprenticeships where you can be credited for shipping features.

Prepare for interviews with practical skills: one solid language, source control (git), basic data structures, unit testing, and the ability to explain a project end-to-end. Set short measurable goals (three small projects or two contract gigs in six months) and track outcomes on your resume. This turns your degree plus initiative into the hireable record employers are looking for.

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Member Avatar for Arizona Web

There is no "wrong way", so feel confident you are doing well. You do have an education which is more than most people can say.

If you get some experience you should be fine - catch 22 - you need a job for experience and you need experience for a job.

What I did was donate my services to build a portfolio while I was in school. This gave me a huge edge over my graduating class who was mostly wet behind the ears. Perhaps you can find a worthy cause, help make their office more efficient with some little VB apps and the like, or start a business and build something from scratch that shows you can do it.

Member Avatar for samaru

I agree with Arizona Web. I suggest you make a portfolio. Learn what technologies are hot in the IT world and make applications based on them. This is how I learned. Also, your degree will help out a lot because engineering is also a degree that can land you a software job.

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