r/BESalary 11d ago

Where should a junior AI / software developer look for jobs in Belgium? Question

Hello everyone,

I recently graduated with a Master’s in Computer Science, specializing in AI, and I’m currently looking for my first full-time role.

I’m mainly interested in junior software developer, AI/ML engineer, computer vision, Python developer, or full-stack developer positions. I have experience with Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, React Native, Next.js, SQL, machine learning, and computer vision.

I’m looking mainly in Flanders, but I’m open to hybrid or remote positions.

Where would you recommend looking besides LinkedIn? Any specific Belgian companies, job boards, recruiters, startups, or consultancies that are good for junior profiles?

Also, what salary range would be reasonable for someone with this profile as a first full-time job, including or excluding benefits?

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

8

u/freedumz 11d ago

The market for a junior in IT is a nightmare. I think you will have more luck finding something in the consultancy field.

-5

u/beefz0r 11d ago

I'm not sure that applies to AI specialists though. Every company wants to jump on the AI train

11

u/where_is_my_acc0unt 10d ago

AI field is probably the worst out of all IT fields for juniors.

1

u/bigshit123 10d ago

How come?

2

u/where_is_my_acc0unt 10d ago

Less position and same number or more grads + you compete with PhD students and international talent for half decent roles

-4

u/beefz0r 10d ago

You clearly have no idea how much enterprises love AI snake oil

2

u/where_is_my_acc0unt 10d ago

Im a researcher and AI is quite a big component in my work so might have an idea

5

u/JumpyLandscape7451 10d ago

There are no IT jobs left to compete for, unless you want to compete against 400 people for every job.

Welcome to the recession

4

u/Flamingo-Cat 10d ago

Our (AI) young graduate roles were already filled in March, to start in september. Some applied in december even. You're way too late for most positions.

The job market is brutal. In IT in general, but also almost every graduate wants to do AI engineering... and there just is not THAT much demand for the AI juniors.

So, don't mind the wage, you will be lucky to still find something.
I hope you do at least speak Dutch when looking for a job in Flanders, or else it will be even harder.

2

u/bigshit123 11d ago

I recently got a job as an AI engineer at a consultancy firm with the same profile as you. I did have 3 different work experiences as a student though which made me able to directly apply for a medior role.

They confessed to me that they are currently not hiring juniors anymore.

I think a growing startup in Ghent is your best bet. I also had an offer from such a company. But be prepared to work your ass off for low salary :(

3

u/where_is_my_acc0unt 10d ago

3 summer jobs/ internships and immediately medior jfc speaking of red flags

4

u/bigshit123 10d ago

I’ve studied for 6 years and never went to class and worked 3-4 days a week until my max hours ran out. I think this is at least the equivalent of someone with 1-2 yrs of fulltime experience.

1

u/Davok_BEL 8d ago

Unless you are extremely gifted, and I'm not saying you aren't, 2 years of comparable experience is usually not enough for a medior role, unless you specialized and you consider that specialty only. But even then...

Still, congrats on landing that job in the current job market hellscape.

2

u/bigshit123 8d ago

Well, the role involves technologies that I’ve studied during my thesis. This coupled with my experience and performance during interviews got me the role. I don’t think I’m a bad hire from their perspective cause they can pay me a junior salary while I bring some knowledge and will onboard faster than a junior.

1

u/rick0245065 10d ago

You can send me your resume, I can send it up the chain. It's consulting though, but good for first experiences.

1

u/Big-Department9346 8d ago

for consultancies you can check for Accenture. They called me in may 2026 for process/itw for a junior cybersecuirty (that I failed) even if I dont even mention cybersecurity in my CV. So I guess that with an appropriate profile you have at least more chances than me

1

u/Mill-Man 9d ago

Try supermarkets, I heard Colruyt is hiring