The Early Hiring Journey: A Software Engineer's Experience 45 Years Ago

When Roger Barnes, the head of WDSC, came to Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1978 to recruit software engineering students, I had a unique experience. This article explores my journey in securing a job offer before I even graduated, how the hiring process has evolved, and what lessons can be learned from a time when the field was in its infancy.

The Early Days of Software Engineering Hiring

My story begins at BYU, where I was a Computer Science (CS) undergraduate student in 1978. During my last full semester, WDSC, which was located in my hometown of San Diego, California, sent Roger Barnes to our campus. A series of events unfolded that would change the course of my career before I even graduated.

Walker Barnes of WDSC visited BYU's campus and delivered a keynote speech at the CS department seminar. Following the presentation, he spoke with a few faculty members and then offered me a full-time position. Although I was scheduled to officially graduate in August, he offered an internship at 75% of my full-time salary until I received my diploma.

A Leap of Faith

I remember moving to San Diego with my wife and daughter to start my "internship" in June 1978, after completing all my coursework. In August, after my formal graduation, my position was upgraded to full-time, and my salary increased commensurately. Back then, a starting salary of $16,000 was roughly equivalent to $76,000 in today's dollars. However, considering the annual inflation rate of 9% and climbing, it's clear that my purchasing power was diminishing.

Modern Trends in Software Engineering Recruitment

Today, companies often seek last-year students and actively compete for their applications. This trend has evolved over the years. Historically, recruitment began in the spring of the final academic year, but it has gradually shifted to half a year earlier. Eventually, it's possible that recruitment will extend to grade school students, as seen in Norway.

Lessons from a Time of Transformation

The early 1970s saw computer science as a relatively new and niche college major with limited enrollment. Companies recruiting software engineers had a smaller pool of candidates to choose from. This contrasts sharply with the present, which has seen a massive surge in interest due to the rise of personal computers and the digital age.

When I graduated from BYU in 1978, the CS program had around 120 students. By 1985, enrollment had skyrocketed to over 1000 students, making it necessary to apply and get accepted by the department to switch to CS as a major.

Reflecting on my journey, it's clear that early job prospects in software engineering were closely tied to geographic proximity and direct recruitment efforts by companies. These historical insights can offer valuable perspectives to current students and professionals navigating the ever-evolving tech job market.

Conclusion

The evolution of software engineering hiring is a fascinating journey that spans decades. My experience at BYU and the subsequent changes in the tech industry highlight the importance of adaptability and awareness of market trends. As technology continues to shape our world, the value of early preparation and direct interaction with potential employers remains unparalleled.