Aaaah, the first technical test! Reflecting on it, I realize it’s always a good reminder to stay humble.
Just imagine this: after 15 months of learning web development during breaks from my everyday job, I told myself, "Well, I've been studying front-end for over a year; it's time to start applying!" So, I decided to apply to a local company. I had a good introductory interview, and then they sent me the technical test, which I was supposed to complete in two weeks.
The task was essentially to:
- Build a database in SQL for a library lending system
- Create a document explaining the configuration of the database
- Develop an API in Laravel to access the database
- Create an interface to interact with the database
Can you imagine my expression when I read it? After all, I had only worked with HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript! With no knowledge of relational databases, PHP, and only a vague understanding of what a framework and an API were, I tried my best during my afternoons, which mostly resulted in a serious lack of sleep.
The team at the company was very kind; they gave me an extra week. When I submitted my work, they even offered me a chance to try something more front-end oriented. However, I declined. The truth was that I wasn’t ready to be genuinely useful in a working environment with my limited knowledge at the time.
You often hear claims about how quickly you can land a job in IT, but the hard truth is that it’s not easy to start learning something completely different from what you’ve always done, especially when you have to do it during your supposed relaxation time. In the end, it’s better to have a solid understanding than to rush into things unprepared. Even in failure, there are always lessons to be learned.
(I still have the files, if you want to have a good laugh at my early attempts!)
Speaking of that, I'm still looking for a friendly, entry-level company to apply to! Is it just me, or are they really hard to find?
Meanwhile, I'm going to dive into Lazygit; it looks like an amazing tool.
And finally, in pentesting: how can you recognize a honeypot?
Take care!
Something to read: Kae Tempest - The bricks that built the houses
Something to listen to: Elder - Liminality/Dream State Return
Something to watch: Haunted Hotel
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