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Sharon Kariwo •

How To Become a Developer in Six Months

How To Become a Developer in Six Months

How to Become a Self-Taught Developer and Land a Full-Stack Job in Six Months

Today, we’ll explore the inspiring journey of a self-taught developer who managed to land a full-stack remote developer job within just six months. This experience demonstrates the power of self-directed learning and determination.

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Whether you're starting your coding journey or looking for tips to secure a job, this guide offers valuable insights into the process. Let's dive into this story and learn from the successes and challenges faced along the way.

The Beginning: Motivation and Resources

The journey began out of dissatisfaction with a previous job. The initial step was reaching out to friends in the tech industry, seeking recommendations and resources.

One invaluable resource was FreeCodeCamp, which offers interactive courses on JavaScript, algorithms, data structures, HTML, and CSS. Completing these courses provided essential skills and a sense of accomplishment.

Key Steps in the Learning Path

  • JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures (2-4 weeks):
    • The starting point was FreeCodeCamp’s JavaScript course, which took 2-4 weeks to complete. This course broke down complex concepts into manageable challenges, helping build a solid foundation in programming.
  • HTML and CSS (2-4 weeks):
    • Following JavaScript, the focus shifted to FreeCodeCamp’s responsive web design certificate, covering HTML and CSS. These skills are fundamental for web development and provided a good starting point for building web pages.
  • Building a Portfolio:
    • Creating a portfolio website using a tutorial by Kevin Powell, a well-known CSS expert, was crucial in bringing together HTML and CSS knowledge, resulting in a tangible project to showcase to potential employers.

Building Credibility Through Projects

To gain credibility, the focus was on creating three well-rounded projects that demonstrated skills. That's where building your portfolio comes in.

  • React Native Mobile App:
    • Motivated by an interest in mobile app development, React Native was chosen. Within three weeks, a mobile app was built and hosted online, showcasing the ability to create functional applications and manage deployments.
  • E-Commerce Store with React and Stripe:
    • Next, an e-commerce store was developed using React and Stripe. This project demonstrated front-end skills and the ability to integrate payment systems—a valuable skill for many tech companies.
  • Full-Stack Application with Firebase:
    • For the third project, a full-stack application using Firebase was created. This project highlighted understanding of client-server interactions, authentication, and database management. Firebase simplified the back-end development process, allowing focus on learning full-stack principles.

Overcoming Challenges: Tutorial Hell and Imposter Syndrome

Common challenges such as tutorial hell and imposter syndrome were faced:

  • Tutorial Hell: To avoid becoming overly dependent on tutorials, the importance of adapting and modifying tutorial projects was emphasized. This approach helped internalize concepts and develop the ability to create independently.
  • Imposter Syndrome: Rejections from job applications can be demoralizing. It’s important to maintain self-confidence and view rejections as learning opportunities. Continuously improving the portfolio, GitHub repository, and application materials is crucial.

Job Application Strategy and Communication

Three job applications were sent daily on platforms like LinkedIn and AngelList. Cover letters were customized for each application while maintaining a consistent resume.

A critical part of the strategy was reaching out to hiring managers and tech leads on LinkedIn, introducing oneself and expressing interest in open positions. This proactive approach often led to direct responses and interview opportunities.

Tips for Aspiring Self-Taught Developers

  • Utilise LinkedIn:
    • Maintain a professional and tidy profile. Include certificates and badges to enhance credibility.
  • Commit to GitHub:
    • Regularly commit code to GitHub. This demonstrates dedication and provides a record of progress.
  • Focus on Three Key Projects:
    • Create three strong projects that showcase a variety of skills. Ensure each project has a live demo and a detailed README file on GitHub.
  • Catalog Resources:
    • Keep track of useful tutorials, articles, and code snippets. This will help quickly reference information and build upon previous work.
  • Comment and Document Code:
    • Commenting code as you learn helps solidify understanding and makes future reference easier.

Conclusion

The journey from a dissatisfied employee to a full-stack developer in six months is inspiring. The approach to self-directed learning, project creation, and proactive job applications provides a roadmap for aspiring developers. By following these steps and learning from these experiences, you can embark on your own successful coding journey.

For more detailed guides and resources, visit related websites and subscribe to mailing lists for the latest updates and tips. Happy coding!