How to Choose Your First Job as a Programmer

In my previous post, I wrote about how to figure out if you can – and should – even pursue a career in programming. But if you’ve decided to take that step, the next natural question is: how do you choose your first job?

If you think landing that first position will be easy, you may be in for a surprise. The IT job market has changed a lot in recent years: companies are more selective, the bar for even “junior” roles is higher, and competition among beginners is tougher than ever.

One study found that many so-called “entry-level” job ads actually require up to 4–5 years of experience. For most newcomers, that makes starting out feel almost impossible. Another analysis showed that while junior job postings grew by nearly 47% between 2023 and 2024, the number of candidates grew even faster—making it harder than ever to break in.

So the real question today isn’t just “how do I get my first job?” but rather “how do I choose the right one so it becomes a launchpad, not a trap?” In this article, I’ll share what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make your first job a stepping stone to long-term growth.

Should You Join a Startup?

A few years ago, I wrote about whether a startup can really be called a business. Back then, I questioned whether burning through investor money without responsibility creates any real value—and whether such companies could even be called profit-driven businesses. That mindset toward money has a direct impact on a beginner’s choice: do you want to work at a company that’s focused on generating profit, or one that can afford to just “do something” without clear direction?

It’s easy to get drawn to startups. They inspire with Silicon Valley narratives and promise exciting opportunities. And yes—because they’re funded by investors, the culture can feel more relaxed, less results-driven, and filled with perks and fun activities.

But the flip side is risk. Startups can—and often do—lay off entire teams overnight, even those working on profitable projects.

In my view, startups aren’t always the best environment for beginners. The work culture is often undefined, which can lead to two extremes: sloppy work or simply “getting things done” without real quality. You’ll often need to figure things out on your own, with little guidance or mentorship. For an ambitious, challenge-seeking person who’s comfortable with uncertainty, that might be exciting. For others, it can be overwhelming.

Is an International Company Really Better?

Not so long ago, when “Barclays” opened one of the first global tech centers in Lithuania, a belief spread that “international means better.” But in 2025, I’d argue that local Lithuanian companies and foreign corporations have largely converged in culture and working conditions.

In fact, Lithuanian businesses often match—or even surpass—international firms in culture and employee benefits. The real difference lies in structure: in a large multinational, you’re more likely to be a cog in the machine. Even if your skills exceed the junior job description, your career might advance slowly because of strict procedures and layers of bureaucracy.

Local companies, on the other hand, often let you work closer to decision-makers, giving you more visibility and opportunities for growth—if you perform well.

If safety and stability matter most, and you don’t mind slower career progress, then an international company might be the right fit, especially if you plan to stay for three to five years. But if you want to grow quickly, gain hands-on experience, and decide your next steps later, consider a smaller local company, where your contribution will matter more.

Small vs. Large Companies

In a small company, you’re visible. Every contribution counts. That’s both an advantage and a pressure: you can’t hide behind the team or “save your energy.” Your impact is felt immediately. The question is—are you ready for that level of accountability?

In a large company, it’s easier to blend in. Middle managers often shield employees from direct responsibility, making life easier for those who are quieter, slower, or less eager to be evaluated constantly.

But weaker performance doesn’t necessarily limit your career. The real difference is pace: if you want to go from intern to manager in two to three years, a small company gives you a better shot. There, you’ll likely work directly with leadership, not just middle management.

Of course, smaller companies carry risks too. They may lack established best practices, and the quality of their technical foundations can be shaky. My advice: choose a small company led by someone with technical expertise, and one trusted by well-known clients. That’s usually a sign they deliver quality work and have strong competencies.

Early in my career, I was lucky to work for technically-minded leaders who reviewed my code and gave real guidance. In larger companies, this role is often filled by non-technical managers. If you’re considering a big firm, ask during interviews who your direct manager will be—and research them on LinkedIn or Google.

Tech Agency vs. In-House IT Department

By “tech agency,” I mean companies that build technology solutions for clients: apps, websites, systems, and integrations. By “regular business,” I mean large organizations with their own internal IT departments.

In my experience, in-house IT teams often have weaker technical standards. Employees tend to be more passive, less motivated, and less up-to-date with new trends. In contrast, agencies survive by delivering better, cheaper, faster solutions—so you’re forced to learn, adapt, and stay on top of the latest technologies.

In internal teams, responsibility often falls entirely on you, without oversight to ensure quality. Like in startups, that can mean more ownership—but for a beginner, it may also be too much responsibility too soon.

What to Avoid

Looking back, I’d say my own company in its earliest days—when it was essentially a one-person business—would have been risky for a beginner. I was lucky to have strong values and a results-driven mindset, which helped me build PrestaRock. But not every founder who grows from freelancing into a small company manages to do this.

Many tiny firms—five to eight people—fall into “sloppy work” mode: reusing half-baked solutions, cutting corners, and prioritizing speed and price over quality. For a beginner, this environment is dangerous. You won’t build the right habits, and once bad practices are ingrained, they’re incredibly hard to unlearn.

Final Thoughts

Your first job isn’t just a paycheck—it’s the foundation of your career. Choose wisely. This decision could determine whether, five years from now, you’re a strong professional or just another burned-out face in the IT crowd.

If I were advising one of my mentees today, I’d recommend a stable local tech company with 20–30 people, clear values, and some international clients. It’s the sweet spot: not too small, not too large, close enough to leadership, and structured enough for steady growth. In such an environment, you’ll be noticed, supported, and able to grow quickly—if you’re talented, proactive, and willing to learn beyond the workplace.

If you’re more cautious and prefer safety, go for an international company. They’re harder to get into, but their academies often offer excellent training and a strong starting point.

And if you’re truly ambitious—aiming to become a leader fast—then seek out a small team with a technically strong founder. In such a company, you can become the right-hand person to the leader, propose your own ideas, and rise not just as a programmer, but as a future leader.