On June 30, 2026, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
I didn't walk across the stage with medals or major awards. After years of projects, exams, deadlines, thesis work, and debugging, I was proud to have finished my degree. I felt fulfilled.
Once graduation was over, though, I realized how tired I was.
July — taking a breath
I planned to rest throughout July and start seriously applying for jobs in August. My family and friends encouraged me to enjoy graduation first, so I did.
I went on vacation with friends to a province far from home and spent time at the beach. I played my favorite games, went out with other friends, and spent more time with my family.
For once, I could enjoy a day without thinking about the next exam or an unfinished school project.
I still sent occasional applications when I had free time. I was curious whether a company would notice me, but July was mostly the break I'd been looking forward to.
August — looking for a first opportunity
In August, I started browsing LinkedIn, JobStreet, and Indeed almost every day for positions that accepted fresh graduates. I tracked my applications to keep up with what I'd already sent.
The search was harder than I expected. I kept finding jobs labeled entry level that asked for professional experience. Other listings had long requirements that made me wonder how much a fresh graduate was supposed to know before getting a first job.
I felt confident about some of my technical skills, and I had projects to show. Getting someone to consider them was harder.
Most applications got no response. Some appeared to remain unviewed. Others ended with the familiar rejection email: thank you for your interest, unfortunately…
The rejections were disappointing, but I began to appreciate the companies that gave me an answer. At least I knew where the application stood. When nobody replied, I wondered whether anyone had seen it at all. Sometimes I felt invisible.
August — making my work easier to see
Eventually, I started looking at how I presented myself. I couldn't decide which companies would reply, but I could control what they saw when they looked me up.
I worked on these changes while I kept applying. I rebuilt my personal portfolio website, revised my résumé using the Jake Ryan template on Overleaf, and replaced my profile photo with a professional graduation photo. I also updated my LinkedIn, JobStreet, and Indeed profiles.
Meanwhile, I kept studying, completing certifications and working through learning materials from Cisco, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
The first major version of my portfolio took about a month. I wanted people to understand my projects and see the work behind the technologies on my résumé.
When it was ready, I hoped it would help me get noticed. A LinkedIn post about the website received engagement: people complimented my work, offered feedback, and sent private messages asking about parts of the build.
It felt good to have people take an interest in something I'd spent so much time creating. I still didn't have a job, though.
September — feeling left behind
I kept applying and began getting more initial interviews. Some ended with a rejection. Others never moved to another stage, and I didn't always hear back.
I also expanded my search to Facebook job groups, Glassdoor, Bossjob Philippines, OnlineJobs.ph, and other platforms.
Some of my friends had already found work by then. I was happy for them, but I still wondered whether I was being left behind.
I wanted to start helping my parents, too. They'd supported me through college and made sacrifices so I could finish. I wanted to earn and gradually give something back, but that felt distant while I was still waiting for an offer.
My faith helped me through the uncertainty. I trusted that God had a plan for me, even though I didn't know what it would look like or when an opportunity would arrive.
I kept learning and improving my work while sending the next application.
Late September — another interview
During the last week of September, I received an email inviting me to an interview.
By then, I had some practice. Introducing myself and explaining my projects felt more familiar than during my first interviews. I could talk about what I'd built and answer questions with more confidence.
The interview went well, and I felt good about my answers. I still didn't assume an offer would follow.
Earlier interviews had taught me to keep applying while waiting for an update. If a company said it would contact me within a week, I gave it that time. When nothing arrived, I moved on instead of putting the whole search on hold.
After this call, I went back to browsing listings and submitting applications.
Within the following week, I got an email offering me the job. I would start during the first week of October.
I was shocked, then incredibly happy. After months of applications and waiting, someone was giving me my first professional opportunity. It was hard to believe I was finally reading that email.
By then, about three months had passed since graduation. I had sent 338+ applications, received 22+ confirmed rejection emails, and attended 6+ interviews. This was the only job offer I received.
These totals include occasional applications in July and roughly two months of focused searching from August. The rejection count only includes the emails I received. Many more applications ended without a reply.
October — starting as a Software Developer
The offer was for a Software Developer position, the kind of work I had been hoping to do.
I was thankful that the company trusted me and gave me an opportunity to contribute. My family and friends had supported me throughout the search, and I was grateful to them, too. Most of all, I was thankful to God for guiding me and answering my prayers.
Looking back, I can see changes that were hard to notice while I was waiting. My portfolio was more complete and my résumé was clearer. I also felt more comfortable talking about my projects.
I can't say which change made the difference. I didn't learn a clear lesson from every rejection, either. Some were simply disappointing, and some applications gave me nothing to work with. I kept improving what I could. The earlier interviews gave me practice I carried into the one that led to the offer.
Seeing friends start earlier didn't mean I'd failed. That was hard to remember while I was searching, but their progress didn't erase mine.
Three months earlier, I was a fresh graduate wondering whether anyone would give me a chance. Now, after more than 338 applications, I'm starting the career I'd been working toward. I still have a lot to learn.
