Learn from others’ mistakes and save time.
Learning to code and landing that dream coding job is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. I know this, because I’ve met with the majority of software engineers recently and ask them for advice they and things they wish they knew when they were new programming.
It took them a whole year to get their first coding job, and they shared the mistakes they made along the way.
So I'm here to share their secret lessons with you and help you avoid the pitfalls they stumbled upon.
Let's dive in!
1. Choose the Right Language
Before you dive headfirst into the world of coding, take a moment to choose your weapon wisely — I mean, your language! Pick one that's flexible, has a lot of applications, and most importantly, one that you'll actually enjoy learning.
JavaScript and Python are two of the thousands languages to start with. They're both super flexible and can be used for everything from web development to data science to mobile apps.
2. Don't Jump Around
When I first started with coding, I choose Python and after a month I went to JavaScript and then I started learning Ruby on Rails and I went to PHP. I wasted all my time just jumping from technology to another and ended up learning non of them.
I know it's tempting to try out every cool language and framework out there, but trust me, it's a recipe for failure and wasted time. Pick one language, stick with it, and become a master.
3. Learn the Language Wisely
When it comes to learning, ditch those long YouTube videos that promise to take you from beginner to expert in 15 hours. They might seem like a shortcut, but they often leave you feeling lost when it's your time to put your hand on keyboard and code on your own.
Instead, opt for structured courses that will push you to code. Like those offered by FreeCodeCamp’s website or The Odin Project. They'll guide you through the fundamentals, build upon concepts, and push you to code instead of just watching.
You won’t be able to cook better by reading cooking books. You have to cook, to cook better.
Don’t rush. Take your time and become good at it.
4. Building Projects (With Help)
Exercises are great, but nothing beats building real projects. Start with guided projects, where you'll have a clear roadmap and learn how to build projects from scratch by setting up the environment and tools needed before heading to building it.
If you're starting with JavaScript, I highly recommend tackling some vanilla JavaScript projects. This means no frameworks or libraries, just pure JavaScript. It's like learning to walk before you can run.
5. Showcase Your Skills
Once you've built some projects, it's time to showcase your skills. Upload your projects to your GitHub account and create a personal website to highlight your work. This is your digital resume, so make it shine!
I’d recommend you put all your project in a section of your personal website, somewhere people can click on it and explore what you’ve built.
6. Apply Smart, Not Hard
When it comes to applying for jobs, aim for those that require zero to two years of experience. Applying to jobs that are above you level can led to frustration. Don't get discouraged if you don't get responses right away. It's not always about your coding skills, but also about your resume and portfolio.
More importantly, make sure you’re applying to a company directly. Skip the easy apply buttons on job boards. Instead, go directly to the company's website and apply through their career page. This will increases your chances of getting noticed.
7. Soft Skills Matter
Technical skills are important, but don't underestimate the power of soft skills. Be friendly, enthusiastic, and show your passion for coding. Remember, recruiters are looking for people who are a good fit for their team not lonely nerds who can’t communicate well.
It’s as easy as pie for a recruiter to identify your soft skills in a simple interview. Don’t be a robot during interview, smile, drink water, throw some jokes, lastly, be a human being.
Remember, it's not a race, but a marathon. Stay focused, keep practicing, and never stop learning. And for more coding tips and tricks, be sure to follow me for more content!
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