Build projects you actually need

I recall seeing so many resumes for software engineering positions that had COVID tracker projects. These people want to put their skills to use and show others that they have engineering talent, but they choose the most overdone and cliché project to make. Why do we need a COVID tracking app for the millionth time? They are of no utility to anyone, especially not the millionth one.

Why don't people make tools and apps that they actually need themselves? I can think of a hundred ways to make my day better with a piece of software, if only I had the time to write it. Why are these people not building tools they would use themselves? Perhaps it's a lack of exposure to real world problems.

For example, I would love a browser extension that would allow me to create custom keyboard shortcuts on websites, including shortcuts for a series of actions. I should make that because I'd use it so much myself! You're also more average than you think, which is a good thing here, because maybe people would pay to use your thing too!

Schools could also do a better job of dropping people into an environment where there are real problems to be solved with software, not contrived ones.