Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trialjamesjones21
9,260 PointsSo I got myself a junior dev role...but....
I’m kinda crapping my pants, An that I think I don’t have the skills to do it, An I good enough...anyone had this type of mindset? It is causing me a bit of anxiety :/
Dave StSomeWhere
19,870 PointsWhat are you crapping about? Just try your best, have a good attitude, be a team player and be yourself.
What is the worst that could happen - they let you go, you're back to where you are today, but with just a little more experience.
Enjoy it, own it and fly from the nest.
jamesjones21
9,260 PointsJake Kobs, this is my first junior dev role, only thing is, this came through a recruitment agency that the company used, so I sat a technical test, answered most of their questions. Which the test was literally things I picked up through team tree house. As it's through a recruitment agency, I feel as if I don't have any communication with the hiring manager at the moment :/
I feel as if I have the Impostor Syndrome in all fairness, whereas I think I will not be good at it.
Jake Kobs
9,215 PointsJust try your best. If you get let go, use it as a learning experience and don't get discouraged. This stuff isn't necessarily easy, which is why there's such a high demand for programmers. Apply the skills that you have when you start the job and what you aren't familiar with, look it up. It's not unprofessional to look on websites like stackoverflow.com for certain programming areas that you're stuck on. You got the job, now own it! :)
5 Answers
Jason Ellsworth
3,129 PointsI think that is the imposter syndrome setting in. If you watch developers on youtube it is a VERY common feeling to have. I would say that you should just relax and try not to over think. Obviously, you were hired for a reason. You should also remember that everyone was a newbie once.
jamesjones21
9,260 PointsWould you say the imposter syndrome is I believe I’m not / am a developer?
Jason Ellsworth
3,129 PointsYes. Sort of like you don't belong/can't do something because you don't have a degree. So far as I know everyone has it.
jamesjones21
9,260 PointsI have a degree, but I feel since learning php an sitting a simple technical test, which they asked what a constructor and destructor is, but still got the role. An I can’t think straight at the moment :/
Max Senden
23,177 PointsHi James,
Where I come from someone in a junior position is expected have some basic knowledge in whatever he or she is doing. However, companies understand this person is still in need in a lot of training and lacks professional experience. Hence they pair juniors with more experienced member who prep them for bigger responsibilities 6 months down the line.
So unless your recruiter has been presenting you as an experienced developer who can single handedly pick up projects I think you have nothing to worry about. Just try your best, make lots of mistakes and learn as much as you can. You'll get the hang of it soon enough ;-)
jamesjones21
9,260 PointsHi Max,
He represented me as a junior, which then in the interview, I said that I've been doing php since December but I guess I'm just a born worrier, which sometimes I do try and talk myself out of it. But never know, they may start teaching me another language that they use, either way, I will be taking the roll :)
Stevan Lay
8,306 PointsHey James, I know the feeling when entering a new field/expertise/workplace. One thing to remember is that you were selected from the pack and there would be thousands of people out there who are venturing into this "dev" world that would love to get the opportunity you were given... myself included :)
jamesjones21
9,260 PointsHi Steven, yes you are right there, I just need to stop worrying :)
Frances Tang
24,767 PointsCongrats! You are exactly where I want to be in a couple of months!
You are definitely not alone. A lot of self-taught programmers have the same feelings. I recommend this Youtuber's vlogs (He got his first programmer job within 3 months of learning at Treehouse!). Helps a lot :)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu1xbgCV5o48h_BYCQD7KJg/videos
Stevan Lay
8,306 PointsGood recommendation. And he's also a student here where he has vlogged about how treehouse has helped in his journey as a developer - hence, DevLife.
jamesjones21
9,260 PointsHi Frances, thanks for the response, yeah I following Chris Sean on Youtube, I also chat to him on his discord channel :) he's related some good advice to me on the channel.
But a friend of mine provided me with a quote from Richard Branson:
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”
Jake Kobs
9,215 PointsJake Kobs
9,215 PointsHey James,
First off, congratulations on your junior dev position! Secondly, it's okay to be nervous, especially if it's your first dev job. If you're uncertain on a few programming aspects, I suggest you talk with your boss or learn things on your own. The programming field is an always-learning one where you may never feel on top of things. Technology is growing quickly! Take a deep breath, figure out what you need to work on, and please try to avoid crapping your pants ;)
Best wishes, Jake