While I agree with you about SWE becoming increasingly commoditized (it 100% is), I'd disagree with comparing it with Secretary work - that industry is in complete free fall due to automation.
A better comparison for SWE would probably be Accounting and Law - both saw salaries stagnate as the number of entry level candidates skyrocketed, but once you get your foot in the door there is a solid path forward.
On top of that, because margins are so high in the software industry (50-70% compared to 1-10% in most other industries) there is a lot more cushion to support SWE salaries.
> with an economy downturn
We (in the US) aren't in an economic downturn anymore. Stocks have been rallying, GDP growth is some of the highest globally for the developed world, inflation has been tamped down, and local investment has skyrocketed.
On top of that, software is now viewed as critical by all organizations - and the ATT outage only highlighted that point even further.
> now a job has 200-300 applicants and they aren't bots
Because you'd be an idiot if you don't mass apply using your resume. Everyone does it, so you have to as well.
This strategy is what has been taught by University Career Services and upperclassmen since I was in college.
Greenhouse and Lever apps make it very easy to apply to a job as well, and a number of us just automate the application process to keep a healthy pipeline of interviews (for practice or the option to leave for another role)
A better comparison for SWE would probably be Accounting and Law - both saw salaries stagnate as the number of entry level candidates skyrocketed, but once you get your foot in the door there is a solid path forward.
On top of that, because margins are so high in the software industry (50-70% compared to 1-10% in most other industries) there is a lot more cushion to support SWE salaries.
> with an economy downturn
We (in the US) aren't in an economic downturn anymore. Stocks have been rallying, GDP growth is some of the highest globally for the developed world, inflation has been tamped down, and local investment has skyrocketed.
On top of that, software is now viewed as critical by all organizations - and the ATT outage only highlighted that point even further.
> now a job has 200-300 applicants and they aren't bots
Because you'd be an idiot if you don't mass apply using your resume. Everyone does it, so you have to as well.
This strategy is what has been taught by University Career Services and upperclassmen since I was in college.
Greenhouse and Lever apps make it very easy to apply to a job as well, and a number of us just automate the application process to keep a healthy pipeline of interviews (for practice or the option to leave for another role)