Hey everyone, I just started my first job as a junior developer, and I'm feeling a bit lost. The company is small, and I'm learning a lot, but I didn't expect to face a coding exam so soon! It was an impromptu test filled with data structures and algorithms questions to assess my skills. I only have about a year and a half of personal programming experience, mostly working on game servers and scripts, but I haven't practiced DSA since my last university course. To make matters worse, I totally blanked during the coding exam in front of my team and ended up failing miserably, which was incredibly embarrassing. Now I'm questioning my programming abilities and wondering how to move forward. I'm most comfortable in C# and Python and have some experience with Lua. Any advice on how to tackle this situation and improve my skills would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
No one is expecting you to have all the answers right away since you’re just starting out! The important part is to keep pushing forward and improving with every challenge. Failure is part of the journey to mastering your skills, so just keep working hard and learning from your experiences. You got this!
That sounds really rough to be tested like that after just starting. Technical assessments are typically done during the hiring process, not afterward. I know firsthand that many people freeze up during these tests, and it doesn’t mean you’re not skilled. Focus on learning the basics of data structures like arrays, linked lists, and trees at a conceptual level first. It takes time to get comfortable with them, so don't feel pressured to grasp everything overnight. Also, if they’re throwing tests at you like this immediately, maybe reconsider if this place is the right fit for your growth.
I completely agree! It's a tough spot to be in, and the pressure can really mess with your mind. Make sure you take your time to learn at a pace that feels right for you; it's okay to not know everything right away.
I get how you feel – a surprise exam sounds pretty intense, especially so early in the job. Try practicing DSA in your spare time, and understand the theory behind data structures, not just how to implement them. Websites like LeetCode offer great problem sets, and the more you practice, the better you'll get at solving them under pressure. Remember, it's about building confidence as well, so don't give up!
Absolutely! That practice will make all the difference. Look into resources that break down common problems, and don’t hesitate to review solutions. It's a good way to understand different approaches as well.
Exactly! Every experience, good or bad, is a chance to learn and grow. Keep at it, and don’t let one tough test define your abilities.