Landing your first job as a software engineer can feel like a huge challenge, especially when you're fresh out of school. You've spent years studying, learning to code, tackling algorithms, and mastering data structures, but now it's time to put that knowledge to the test in the real world. The good news? The tech industry in Canada is growing rapidly, and there are plenty of opportunities for new graduates.

This guide will walk you through what to expect as a new grad software engineer, the essential skills you’ll need, how to showcase your experience, and the best ways to find your first job in Canada. Let’s get into it!

What to expect from a new grad software engineer job

Starting as a new grad in the software engineering world is both exciting and a bit overwhelming. The good news is that most companies understand you're just getting started. They don’t expect you to have years of professional experience, but they do expect you to be ready to learn and contribute to the team.

Mentorship and learning on the job

One of the biggest perks of landing a new grad software engineer job is that most companies provide mentorship. You’ll work closely with more experienced engineers who will guide you through tasks, code reviews, and learning the company’s tech stack. Think of it as a real-world extension of your studies, but with actual products and projects that impact users.

Entry-level responsibilities

Your day-to-day responsibilities will likely include writing and testing code, debugging, and working on small parts of larger projects. Don’t worry if it feels a bit slow at first. This is normal. Companies want to ease you into their systems and tools before giving you bigger responsibilities. Over time, you’ll start contributing to larger features and eventually take ownership of projects.

Bridging the gap between school and work

One big difference between school projects and real-world engineering? Teamwork. In school, you may have done solo projects or worked in small groups. In the workplace, software engineering is highly collaborative. You’ll work with product managers, designers, and other engineers to build features and solve problems. So, be ready to collaborate and communicate with non-engineers as well.

Skills and qualifications companies look for

As a new grad, you might feel like you're competing with other fresh graduates, all of whom have similar qualifications. But don’t worry, companies are often more interested in whether you have the potential to grow rather than just focusing on your existing skill set. Let’s take a look at the key skills and qualifications that will help you stand out.

Technical skills: what you need to know

You’ve probably already learned a variety of programming languages in school, but which ones matter most? For new grad software engineers, companies typically expect you to be familiar with common languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. These are versatile and widely used, especially for backend, web, and software development.

Apart from knowing the syntax of a language, understanding data structures and algorithms is crucial. You’ll often encounter technical interviews that focus on problem-solving, where you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to write efficient code. Brush up on these concepts — platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank are great for practice.

Soft skills: why they matter too

Technical skills are important, but don’t underestimate the value of soft skills. Being a good communicator and a team player is essential, especially when working in a collaborative environment. Companies look for engineers who can explain their thought process, work well in teams, and adapt to new challenges.

Certifications and internships

While certifications aren’t mandatory, having relevant ones can give you an edge. If you have certifications in popular programming languages or technologies (such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure), they can help prove that you’ve gone the extra mile to enhance your skills. Similarly, any internship experience you’ve gained during your studies will go a long way in showing that you have hands-on experience in a professional environment.

How to build a portfolio and showcase your skills

Your resume can list your skills and qualifications, but a portfolio is where you can really shine. It’s a chance to show potential employers exactly what you’re capable of, even if you’re a new grad.

Why a strong GitHub profile matters

As a new software engineer, GitHub is your best friend. If you don’t have a GitHub profile yet, create one and start uploading your code. It doesn’t matter if it’s a class project, a side project, or a hackathon result — it’s all valuable. A strong GitHub profile shows that you know how to collaborate on code, manage version control, and handle real-world challenges.

Building your own projects

One of the best ways to stand out as a new grad is to build your own projects. These don’t have to be groundbreaking, but they should show off the skills you’re learning. A good place to start is by building a portfolio website where you can display your work. Try creating simple web applications or tools that solve a problem you’re passionate about.

Highlighting school projects and internships

Don’t forget to include your best school projects and any internship work in your portfolio. If you worked on a large group project in school or during an internship, explain your role and the technologies you used. Employers love seeing how you apply your skills to solve real-world problems.

Where to find new grad software engineer jobs in Canada

Once your portfolio is polished and you’re confident in your skills, it’s time to start your job search. Canada’s tech industry is growing rapidly, and there are plenty of opportunities for new software engineers.

Job boards: where to look first

The first place to start your search is job boards. Websites like jobshunt.ca, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed are filled with entry-level software engineer positions across Canada. Jobshunt.ca, in particular, focuses on tech jobs in Canada, which can help you narrow down your search to the best opportunities in the country.

Networking: your secret weapon

While job boards are great, networking can be even more powerful. Attend tech meetups, virtual career fairs, or even reach out to software engineers on LinkedIn. Sometimes jobs aren’t posted publicly, and you can get a foot in the door by networking with people who already work at your dream company.

Internship and new grad programs

Many tech companies in Canada offer internship or new graduate programs designed specifically to bring in fresh talent. Companies like Shopify, Microsoft, and Amazon have structured new grad programs that offer mentorship and training. These programs are fantastic for getting your foot in the door and gaining valuable experience.

Salary expectations for new grad software engineers in Canada

When you’re fresh out of school, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: “How much will I get paid?” While salaries vary depending on location, company size, and your specific skills, here’s a general idea of what you can expect as a new grad in Canada.

Entry-level salary ranges

In Canada, the average starting salary for a new grad software engineer typically falls between $60,000 and $80,000 per year. However, if you land a role at a larger tech company in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, you could be looking at a salary on the higher end of that range. Additionally, if you have specialized skills in certain high-demand technologies (like cloud computing or machine learning), your salary could be even higher.

Factors that impact salary

Several factors can affect your salary as a new grad. Location plays a big role — salaries in tech hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for tech talent. Your specific skills and any relevant certifications can also impact how much you’re offered. Lastly, the company size and industry can influence salary, with larger companies generally offering higher pay compared to startups.