As many know, the current job market for software engineers is less than stellar, reaching the point to where even graduates have been unable to get internships, locking them out of experience to place on their resume, and also as a result, future jobs. This is something that I was extremely worried of, as I myself am a Computer Science major. However, this would soon change!

You've all seen the dreaded Instagram, Reddit, and LinkedIn posts about the current job market for Computer Science majors and Software Engineers. Gone are the days where fresh graduates are hired with no prior experience, and are expected to learn on the job. In today’s job market, having prior experience, sometimes years of it, is often a requirement.

However, somehow I managed to get an internship which required the knowledge of Python, without even knowing the language. How did I achieve this, despite being a first-year student with no experience in Python? The key lies in transferable skills. And, to add to the surprise, I am only in my first year of college.

The truth of the matter is that most recruiters are not just looking for applicants who know a specific programming language, like Java, Python, or JavaScript. While I was able to fully learn Python in under 4 days and add it to my resume, this highlights a bigger point: the ability to quickly adapt and pick up new technologies is far more valuable than being an expert in a single language. Recruiters are looking for highly knowledgeable people with transferable, and adaptable skills, as well as projects that incorporate them. So, what are some transferable skills that you can learn which will make you stand out more?

Transferable skills in computer science are extremely important. For example, having knowledge of popular design patterns such as MVC (Model View Controller) and Microservices, as well as strong understanding of APIs such as REST and WebSockets in order to glue these design patterns together are not language dependent, but rather follow you around regardless of which language you choose to apply them to. Adding just these three alone to your resume will make you stand out from the rest of applicants.

What are some other transferable skills? Personally, I've found that Database Design is quite important. Databases are utilized on virtually any modern programming language and project. Not only being able to design databases, but write accompanying SQL statements to perform operations, greatly increases your value.

Don't be one of those people who say.. my school hasn't taught me these! Or, they do not offer these opportunities to me! Now is the time to take matters into your own hands and actively learn these valuable skills. College produces cookie cutter students, which will not stand out unless they differentiate themselves by exploring and delving on their own path. Once you start understanding that classes are simply a seed planted left for you to explore, you will excel. Your ability to adapt, learn, and apply transferable skills will be what sets you apart.

I invite anyone to comment below other skills or advice you may have for Computer Science students and graduates!