I would add getting the first professional job, the challenge is getting through the recruiter, as many recruiters have to bat candidates away from open job pos

I would add getting the first professional job, the challenge is getting through the recruiter, as many recruiters have to bat candidates away from open job positions after they are given strict "must have requirements" from engineering managers/directors. So you should expect some frustrating conversations with recruiters, but most of the actual engineering people dont really care about what you did before you walked in the door as long as you satisfy their knowledge/skills requirements.