What are some projects I can do to make myself hireable as a full stack web developer?

Top comments (8)

This is a great question, one I'm still working on as partially employed dev. Some things I'm considering while building my current projects are:

Is it interesting? It's hard to come up with completely original ideas, but will the finished product spark interest in the user?
Would it fit into my own personal use cases? Maybe I can't beat Google or Apple at a productivity app. But if I installed my own project as a PWA on my phone, would it get the same tasks done without fuss or failing me?
If it's more for entertainment, does it fit with the taste and design language of the competition (a good thing)? Making a clone of a classic with your own twist shows you understand what users like and expect.
Lastly, does it check the basics. Responsive, accessible and touch-friendly. Demonstrates CRUD, handles auth securely If auth is needed, can the user get a feel for the app without having to sign up?

A good place to start could be with a personal hobby or interest, especially if it is a common one like gaming, reading, food etc. An app to manage / share / discover / save collections of stuff related to that interest.

David Metcalf • Apr 9 '21

Another approach I have used is to let a new tool I want to work with tell me what to build with it. That might seem backwards, and people always say use the stack that makes the most sense for the project. But whatever, it's your portfolio to get hired anyway, right?

If there is some cool new framework or library you want to learn, check their docs for a demo project. For example, I've been really excited about Next.js, and they have a great blog demo that looks really cool out-of-the-box. If customized, it could become the basis for a totally different, non-blog app.

Mohd Ahmad • Apr 9 '21

Next.JS is awesome, and its file system router is the best. But does a full-stack developer needs a U.G / P.G degree?

David Metcalf • Apr 9 '21 • Edited

I guess that depends on what jobs you are applying for, and how long it may take to work up to a more senior role.

Many full stack devs in America don't have any degree. Most do have one though, and I think at least an undergrad does help a lot. It opens more doors. I've never finished mine, but I'm older, it's hard to go back to school. I did a 6 month bootcamp and I'm starting to get more work & interviews. Would be faster with that degree!

Mohd Ahmad • Apr 9 '21

I am 18 years old, passed 10th class but the school didn't even teach me about programming, I am a self-learned frontend developer and just started learning backend dev using node. Going to school sucks, and the real question is How do I get experience? to work if I am a fresher.

Abhii • Apr 9 '21

Yeah!!! Thinking of a project idea has never been easy, atleast for me!! I think and think and think and then come up with the idea but at last give up on it because I don't find it interesting anymore. Although the project could have added great value to my portfolio but what's point in doing something that doesn't keep you moving...

Any suggestions to keep me focused on a single thing at a time.