While the bulk of this convo is on SWE, CS grads also have local data science opportunities at OP's target pay range.

I'm a male comp sci fresh grad with second upper and a couple of relevant internships in data science. Got into a data science role at a GLC when I graduated in 2020 with 5.5k basic monthly starting salary.

Leetcode is for muggers. That's why quite a lot of students prefer it as mugging is their strength. My assessment consists mainly of take-home assignments and panel interviews to discuss my solution.

I feel that my work is meaningful and impactful too -- not some glorified advertising agency. I start and leave work on the dot and never had to OT or touch weekends before.