u/confusionatpeaks

I'm a 2025 Computer Science graduate with no internship or placement. Looking back, I made a huge mistake-I never upskilled. Right now, I only know Python and SQL.

Before anyone asks about the one-year gap: I was dealing with health issues, family problems, and personal challenges. ( not an excuse ik I should’ve managed my time better) Even during college, I was often so sick that I'd go to semester exams surviving on just ORS because I couldn't afford to miss semester exams. I spent most of college just trying to get through each semester instead of building skills.

Now I'm finally ready to work hard, but I'm overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice:

1. SDE is dying because of Al.
2. Data Engineering is getting automated.
3. Finding a job as a fresher in this market is difficult.

Everyone recommends a different path.
If you were starting today with only Python, SQL, no experience, and a one-year gap, what would you learn to maximize your chances of getting an IT job in 2026?

I'm ready to put in the effort. honest advice would mean a lot

Hi everyone,
I'm a BTech graduate in Computer Science and Business Systems (2025 batch), and I've been unemployed for almost a year now. My long-term goal is to become a Software Development Engineer, and I've been consistently learning DSA, building projects, and applying for SDE roles. Unfortunately, I'm barely getting interview calls.
A few months ago, a company offered me a Technical Consultant role, but I turned it down because it was a permanent night shift. I thought it would affect my health and leave me with little time to prepare for software roles.
Now the same company has reached out again, but this time it's for a day-shift Sales Executive role. From what they've told me, it's mostly cold calling and sales targets—there's no SQL, programming, or technical work involved.
I'm really confused.
On one hand, I've already been unemployed for a year, and having a job and income would definitely help. On the other hand, I'm worried that if I spend a year or two in pure sales, it'll become much harder to transition into software development later.
Has anyone here made a similar switch from sales (or a completely non-technical role) into software engineering? Did recruiters question your background? Was it difficult to make the transition?
If you were in my position, would you:

1. Take the sales job while continuing to prepare for SDE interviews?
2. Reject it and keep searching for a technical role?
3. Look for other IT-adjacent roles like technical support, implementation, QA, or business analyst instead?

I'd really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who've experienced something similar.
Thanks!