36, CS HDip (2024 graduate). Is it realistic to pivot into tech in Ireland right now?

Hi all,

Looking for a bit of advice / reality check on the current market.

I’m 36 and completed a Higher Diploma in Computer Science in SETU Waterford (finished October 2024). Before that, I’ve been working in financial services for about 10 years, mostly in fund admin / custody / TA / cash operations type roles (currently working as a Cash Team Analyst). Dublin-based for work during this time.

My contract is up at the end of July and I’m trying to figure out my next move. Ideally, I’d like to pivot into something more technical, even if it means starting at a lower level, but I’m not sure how realistic that is right now.

A few things I’m struggling with:

\- Is it even worth applying to entry-level / graduate IT roles at the moment given the market? I get the impression things are pretty saturated, especially for junior dev roles

\- Given my background, are there certain areas I should be targeting more than others (data, software dev, business/technical analyst, etc.)?

\- What would people consider the most “future-proof” area right now? I’m not too picky, I just want to get my foot in the door and build from there

\- Between now and August, what would be the best use of my time to make myself more employable? (projects, certs, specific tech stack, etc.)

I’ve done modules in Python, Java, SQL, devops, mobile app development, web dev etc. during the HDip, but I don’t have any real-world tech experience yet outside of that.

Also, what’s the general feeling on the ground at the moment? I’ve heard mixed things about the market being quite tough, possibly due to oversupply at junior level, AI, layoffs over the past couple of years etc., but not sure how accurate that is in Ireland specifically.

Any advice (or brutal honesty) appreciated.

Cheers! :)