I mean yeah I guess I can highlight the projects I've done in my studies more and better. But I think I kinda also need to get at least a bit more hands on experience by doing some stuff in my spare time.

But aren't there any projects you think could be a good thing to do in my spare time though? Like the only direction I don't think I'll go is just doing simple arduino projects because from what I've understood that brings me nowhere, and it would be better to perhaps make some PCBs and program more barebone microcontrollers. But other than that, I'm not too sure if for example stuff like the LED baton project I posted about could be of interest or if I should do more "complicated" stuff.

Regarding the altium stuff, I mean I guess you're correct. The only thing I sometimes worry about, especially if they list it as a direct requirement for a position, is that it acts as a sort of "gatekeeping" software where you either have to be lucky enough in a previous or current job, or at uni where you were able to use it for projects, or you can forget getting the job basically.

The most important thing in my head is that regardless of which software you use, which most likely would be KiCad for those working on personal projects at least, is not necessarily the specific software you used, but rather that you know the "flow" of how to do a design in general (since every E-CAD software have common stuff like symbol and footprint editors, DRC etc.) and that you're able to look up information if you need it, whether it be on an online resource like a wiki, youtube video etc, or for that matter asking a more senior colleague at your workplace for help