1.5 YOE Spanish backend dev: MSc in Denmark or keep grinding for jobs across Europe?
23M, graduated as a software engineer from a Spanish university. I have 1.5 years of experience as a backend engineer at a Spanish tech consulting firm (€22k/year), and a C1 Cambridge level of English.
Lately, I’ve been feeling that I’m no longer learning anything from my job. I think the work has become mechanical and repetitive, the kind of tasks that AI could easily do, although we are not allowed to use it.
I want to emigrate for a better salary, since salaries in Spain are really low, but the current market is not helping. I’m finding it really difficult to get a job with my level of experience. I’ve been applying for months and I only get rejections, even though I’m literally applying everywhere in Europe.
I feel a bit desperate, even though my current working conditions are great: I work remotely, and I’m able to save almost all of my salary because I live with my parents.
I have another option to emigrate: I’ve been accepted into a two-year Master’s in Computer Engineering at Aalborg University in Copenhagen. However, I don’t know if starting a master’s now is the right decision. I feel that nowadays, in our sector, real work experience is more valuable than degrees or master’s programs in general. I’m worried that doing a master’s would slow down my progress and might not be a significant improvement for my career.
On the other hand, it could be a great way to enter the Scandinavian job market and, in the future, be able to find a well-paid job. I could also try to get a student job related to computer science while studying.
I need help and advice. Should I keep looking for work in Europe, no matter how long it takes, or should I start my master’s in Copenhagen in September?