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Natividad Alvarez
298 PointsHelp getting a Junior developer job
I have been studying web development on my own now for about 2 years (since my junior year of high school), and I just don't know at what point I'll be able to get a job. What specifically should I be able to do? What technologies or methodologies/concepts should I know to be successful? I currently am comfortable with saying I know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js, MongoDB, MySQL, and Node/Express. Browsing the internet, I hear some people say all I need to do is slap together a couple of personal projects, but is that really all it takes?
I have been learning and building projects to put together a portfolio. I would appreciate if you guys could take a look at it and give some feedback on the site and on the projects on the site. I would like feedback not only the projects look/functionality but the quality of their code as well. If there are any professional devs reading this, I would love to hear from you on whether you think I could hack it as a junior dev as well as what I can improve on. My site: http://natividadalvarez.surge.sh
One last thing. I keep hearing about a "shortage" of developers but where I live I can't seem to find any web dev jobs that aren't for a senior position or maintaining some legacy system in COBOL. Is it at all likely to find remote work as a junior developer?
Thanks in advance for any advice. I know you're probably tired of hearing the same spiel from people like me, but I feel like hearing some personal advice could help give me a direction or a goal to shoot for instead of just aimlessly making stupid CRUD apps and doubting myself for eternity lol.
2 Answers
edwardr
10,272 PointsHi Natividad,
There are a lot of opportunities and it is just a matter of knocking on lots of doors to find them. The best way to do this is to meet as many developers for coffee as possible and learn about how they do software development. These information interviews will help you learn, build your network and learn about any opportunities.
Going to software meetups (www.meetup.com) is a good way to meet other developers, learn and find opportunities.
The key is to meet and talk to as many developers as you can to get advice and find opportunities. Make sure to make your own business cards so you can pass exchange contact information.
stjarnan
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 56,488 PointsHi Natividad,
With the skills you mention, I believe you would be able to succeed without problem as a developer :)
Your website is great, but maybe you could add more projects? And when I view your website on a smaller viewport the menu disappears, which could cause problems for some users. Your animation in the about me-field looks great, but is at the same time making the text hard to read.
Where do you live? (This information could help people living close to you give you advice like whether there are any specific technology that tends to be used in your area.)
Other than that Edward is spot on. Good luck!
Jonas
Natividad Alvarez
298 PointsNatividad Alvarez
298 PointsThanks for your reply Edward. I know that networking is a big part of finding opportunities, but I'm really not sure how to go about it. I searched meetup.com like you suggested, but I can't find any meetups within 50miles of where I live, and I don't really have the means to travel out any further. I guess I could always try through online platforms.