Hello everyone,
I’m a bit stuck on a career decision and would really appreciate some advice, especially from people familiar with the EU job market.
For some context: I’m finishing my Bachelor’s in Computer Science this semester, and I’m currently working full-time as a junior software developer at a multinational IT company in a large Eastern European city. I’ve also been accepted into a few top 100 universities in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Finland for a Master’s degree.
My dilemma is whether I should start the Master’s this year or wait one more year and apply again.
Option 1: Start the Master’s this fall
I can relocate right away, which I know for certain I want to do anyway.
I can start integrating into the Western/Northern European job market sooner.
As a student, I’d have access to internship programs again, which to me seems like the best path into Big Tech.
Option 2: Work 7–8 more months and apply next year
I’d gain more work experience (ending up with 1.1-1.2 years total).
I might get into even better universities, because I have a slightly stronger GPA and CV as opposed to the last time I applied.
I’d have more time to sort out relocation logistics (housing, etc.).
The way I see it, I’m definitely going to study abroad and I ultimately want to land a Big Tech internship and convert that into a full-time role. Given how much higher those salaries are, I’m wondering if staying longer at my current job actually adds much value or if it just delays things. The salary I have now and the money I have saved will have been irrelevant by that time. The only thing is that I would have more industry experience, which may be more or less a bad thing in my situation?
Could having 1+ year of experience actually hurt my chances for internships? I’ve heard some programs prefer candidates with less experience, and I’m not sure how true that is. Or with 1+ years I could break directly into junior full time roles?
If you were in my position, what would you do? Basically, my main concern is not wasting a year if my end goal is to relocate full time to Western Europe.