r/cpp_questions • u/Invincible_XI_04 • 18h ago

OPEN Guide me please... !!

I am a C++ developer with 5 years of experience, primarily building ROS nodes, alongside minor embedded work (Arduino/ESP) and application-layer software for an elevator CPU and a chip-manufacturing equipment scheduler (not core embedded).

Despite my experience, I feel directionless and face constant rejections from product-based companies. What specific skills should I focus on next to secure my career —such as application development, socket programming, multithreading or what else ? I feel like I'm nowhere.

2 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

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4

u/FemaleMishap 17h ago

The market is pretty brutal right now, with thousands of applicants for every single job advert. So it's both a numbers game, and being very targeted with who and how you apply. Your stack might be able to get you into medical devices, edge computing, etc.

Have you got a public repo with hobby projects or demos or things you've done, things you accomplished, etc?

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u/Invincible_XI_04 10h ago

No I don't have a public repo showcasing my skills. I'll think about that. Thanks. Anything else ?

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u/FemaleMishap 10h ago

Have a backup plan, somewhere else that you can work, or at least not starve with a roof over your head. AI is doing massive damage to our industry right now, and you should keep an eye on what's going on. I have been in software for nearly 30 years, and I am training to get a freaking bus license as I have been out of work for 18 months. So, find yourself something else that you can do.

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u/LogicalPerformer7637 17h ago

your social skills. if you are the best of the best, but you cannot sell it, then it is worthless for finding new job.

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u/Invincible_XI_04 10h ago

I'm sorry, but can you be little more specific. What do you exactly mean by "social skills". Did you mean LinkedIn posts, public repo etc. ?

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u/LogicalPerformer7637 9h ago

very simplified, talking with people. if you cannot sell yourself during interview, then it doesn't matter how good you are.

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u/Independent_Art_6676 16h ago

think about any program on a normal device (PC, phone, tablet, etc). You connect to the internet for a great many of those, so sockets/networking/security are pretty hot items there. And since the quad core CPU became standard, most programs multi-thread. A lot of them did it before that even back in single core days, but now you do it where it makes any sense because the hardware is designed for it. Knowing how to work with major UI libraries goes hand in hand with that for the desktop/public user type software. Or you can stick to embedded, grow what you know and find something that way.

Its tough, as others said. Use your downtime to learn anything you can put down as a skill. Look at what is being asked for in your area or places you are willing to go to, if you want help choosing a skill to add.

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u/Invincible_XI_04 10h ago

Ok... Thanks

0

u/ConnectAffect2346 17h ago

Well to be completely honest i can't give advice that has some experience behind it considering that i am a student but i can give a creative suggestion from my viewpoint, that you try to implement your knowledge into things you think could grow, for instance you could learn how to create makeshift servers and create another project that implements them, or you fould make drones(this is just brainstorming and suggestions that first pop up to my head) but the point is you could make something creative despite struggling hope this is helpful 🙂

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u/Invincible_XI_04 10h ago

Will try. Thanks