[surprisetalk]

> My long term goal is to get a job abroad in the EU, and I want to start building experience but I don't really know what to do!

For general career advice, I highly recommend reading So Good They Can't Ignore You.

Email me at [e-mail] and I'll mail you a copy.

> Are certifications useful for software engineers? Should I get certified?

From what I've seen, certifications seem to get people stuck in a trap of lower-paid IT/DevOps positions.

> I don't have much side projects

My side-projects are generally what caused my career to get better. For example, I got a job at an aerospace facility because I built a gardening robot.

Side-projects shouldn't be your Plan A, but if you're looking to improve your career, you should definitely tinker if you have time and energy!