Last week, we had the privilege of hosting a dynamic two-day hackathon with computing students from the University of Northampton. As we watched these talented individuals tackle real-world challenges with creativity and technical skill, it struck me how dramatically the professional landscape has shifted in recent years—and how essential it is for emerging tech talent to navigate this new terrain strategically.
The Current Tech Landscape: Volatility as the New Normal
If there's one constant in the current job market, it's volatility. The technological revolution that began decades ago has accelerated dramatically, creating a professional environment that's both full of opportunity and fraught with unprecedented challenges.
As we shared with students during our careers session, the days of linear career progression and singular skill mastery are firmly behind us. Today's software developers and digital professionals must adapt to a landscape where the tools and technologies you're using might be outdated within months rather than years.
The pace of change isn't simply a challenge—it's also an opportunity for those who position themselves wisely.
The AI Revolution: Not Just Coming, It's Here
Artificial intelligence isn't merely a buzzword or a future consideration—it's already fundamentally changing how the tech industry operates. During our hackathon, we observed how even student teams naturally integrated AI tools into their workflows, using them to speed up development, generate ideas, and solve complex problems.
At Toru Digital, we're taking a balanced view of AI's impact on the industry. We see it as neither a threat to replace developers nor a magic bullet that eliminates the need for deep technical expertise. Rather, AI is becoming part of the essential toolkit that every professional must learn to wield effectively.
As we discussed with students, AI is already embedded in hiring processes, with many companies using AI-driven applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen CVs and schedule interviews. Understanding how these systems work is no longer optional.
More importantly, AI proficiency is rapidly becoming a core competency in technical roles. The most successful developers we're seeing are those who understand how to collaborate with AI tools, knowing when to leverage them for efficiency and when human creativity and critical thinking are required.
Building Your Matrix for Success
One framework we shared with hackathon participants was what we call the "Matrix for Success"—a multi-dimensional approach to career development that acknowledges the various gatekeepers and assessment points in a modern technical career:
The DEV Dimension
Technical interviews and coding assessments remain a staple of the hiring process, often involving multiple rounds of increasingly challenging exercises. We've observed that the most successful candidates approach these methodically, developing a structured study plan that incorporates both fundamental computer science concepts and practical problem-solving skills.
The hackathon teams who excelled in technical implementation demonstrated this balance beautifully—they weren't just applying memorised patterns, but showing a deep understanding of the principles that allowed them to adapt to novel challenges.
The HR Dimension
Beyond technical skills, hiring managers and HR professionals look for clarity of expression, organisational skills, and evidence of collaboration. During our hackathon, we saw how teams who communicated clearly with each other and organised their approach systematically delivered more cohesive solutions.
Develop your ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly, document your work professionally, and demonstrate how you've successfully collaborated in team environments.
The ATS Dimension
With most large companies (and increasingly, smaller ones too) using Applicant Tracking Systems, optimising your CV and online presence for these automated screeners is essential. This means strategically incorporating relevant keywords and achievements that align with the roles you're targeting.
Your CV should highlight:
- Extensive relevant experience
- Strong, specific technical skills
- Leadership and collaboration examples
- Educational qualifications
- Continuous learning initiatives
- Live projects and volunteering experiences
The YOU Dimension
Perhaps most important—and most frequently overlooked—is personal passion and development. During the hackathon, we saw how teams driven by genuine interest in solving the problem produced more innovative and resilient solutions.
Cultivate your own interests within technology, build side projects that excite you, and develop your unique perspective on the industry. These personal passions not only make you a more engaging candidate but also provide the motivation to continue learning and growing throughout your career.
The Feedback Loop: Your Secret Weapon
One of the most powerful insights we shared with hackathon participants came from observing how the most successful teams operated: they established tight feedback loops, constantly testing their assumptions and refining their approach.
This same principle applies powerfully to career development. The most successful professionals we know follow a cycle of:
- Build - Develop skills, create projects, gain experiences
- Showcase - Make your work visible through portfolios, GitHub, LinkedIn, and interviews
- Feedback - Actively seek input from peers, mentors, and interviews (even unsuccessful ones)
- Update - Refine your skills and approach based on what you've learned
This continuous improvement process creates a compound effect that accelerates career growth dramatically over time.
Practical Steps for Your Next Career Move
Based on our experience and the advice we shared with hackathon participants, here are concrete steps you can take to advance your tech career in 2025:
Optimise Your Job Search
While LinkedIn, Indeed and Otta remain important platforms, we're increasingly seeing value in direct applications through company websites, especially for roles at innovative smaller companies. Research thoroughly and tailor your application to each position.
Master the Technical Interview
Invest time in platforms like Pramp and Interviewing.io for mock interviews. Focus particularly on problems that reflect the specific challenges of companies you're targeting, rather than generic algorithm questions.
Never Turn Down Interview Experience
Even if you're not certain about a role, the experience of interviewing provides invaluable feedback and practice. Each interview builds confidence and refines your approach.
Develop an AI Fluency Plan
Set aside dedicated time to learn how AI tools can enhance your work. Understand their capabilities and limitations, and practice integrating them into your workflow ethically and effectively.
Build Your Network Strategically
The connections made through events like hackathons can be career-defining. Approach networking with a value-first mindset: focus on what you can contribute rather than what you can gain.
Concluding Thoughts
Witnessing the creativity and technical prowess of the University of Northampton students during our hackathon was a powerful reminder of why we're excited about the future of tech. While the landscape is undoubtedly challenging, it's also rich with opportunity for those who approach their careers strategically.
The teams that stood out weren't necessarily those with the most technical knowledge, but those who combined solid skills with adaptability, clear communication, and genuine curiosity. These are precisely the qualities that will define successful tech careers in the coming years.
We look forward to following the journeys of these promising students, and to continuing our partnership with the University of Northampton to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs.
This article was inspired by our debriefing session at the recent Toru Digital Hackathon with University of Northampton computing students. For those interested in internship opportunities, CV reviews, or code reviews, please connect with us at elevate@torudigital.com.
