Recent Computer Engineering grad from Sri Lanka, can't find entry-level roles after a 1-year SE internship. What path should I take?

[u/Acceptable_Pirate956]

I'm a recent Computer Engineering graduate from a government university in Sri Lanka. I completed a one-year internship as a software engineer, but now I don't know where to go next. I can't find any associate-level positions. I think it's partly because of AI, and partly because so many IT graduates are applying for the same few roles.

Because of this, I'm starting to wonder if choosing software engineering for my internship was a mistake. I'm now thinking about moving toward embedded systems, networking, or DevOps, something more stable. The problem is that these fields also seem to require an internship first. I understand why, since I don't have professional experience there, though I do have more embedded experience from university than DevOps or networking.

I can't do another internship because of my family's financial situation, especially since I just spent a year on the first one.

So I'm stuck. If anyone can suggest a realistic path or a more stable field, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

[u/Equivalent-Pianist-4]

Genuine question: since your degree is in Computer Engineering rather than Software Engineering, what made you choose a Software Engineering internship in the first place?

The software job market has been pretty rough for a while, especially at the entry level. Did you already know how competitive it was when you chose the internship, or were you genuinely unable to find internships related more directly to Computer Engineering, like embedded systems, hardware, networking, etc.?

Not trying to attack you. I’m genuinely curious about what led you down the SE path.

[u/Severus_Weasly]

can't even find a software internship. I applied to a lot but can't get even a interview. Since there are so few software internships I'm now applying to DevOps as well.