Hey everyone! I'm a .NET web developer who graduated from a 4-month full-stack bootcamp, and I recently landed my first job, which I'm super grateful for. However, I'm the only .NET developer in my company; the rest of the team consists of front-end devs and software testers. I'm feeling a bit isolated since there's no mentorship or guidance available. I've done a lot of self-learning to get here, but I'm worried that if I continue working alone like this for 1-2 years, my growth could be stunted. I won't have anyone to show me best practices, no code reviews, and not much exposure to a typical development team. I'm afraid that I might waste this time without really advancing my skills. Has anyone experienced something similar? Is it possible to grow in an environment like this, or should I start thinking about my next career move?
7 Answers
Being thrown into the deep end can actually accelerate your learning! Embrace the challenge and make your code as maintainable as possible. Even if you don’t have code reviews, focus on creating quality work for yourself.
Just enjoy your time and focus on improving your coding skills each day. You can still have a bright future in your role even if you're on your own. Consider learning more about software testing as it could really benefit your development process.
Landing your first programming job is a huge achievement! Use this opportunity to soak up as much experience as possible in a professional environment. Just make sure to keep your resume updated and start looking for new opportunities if you feel the need to move on. A short stint on your resume can raise some flags for future employers, so think about that as you navigate your situation.
It's worth staying a bit longer to see if they hire any senior .NET developers. Even if they don't, you'll gain enough experience to help you secure a better position elsewhere in the future.
Be aware of the imposter syndrome; it can drive you to want to know everything. Take notes on what you learn and connect with others in the field. Attending programming events can help alleviate feelings of isolation and build your network. Just remember to take it easy and enjoy the process without burning out—this is a journey, not a sprint!
Cross-training and continuous learning are key! I've been a self-taught developer for over a decade and found that staying informed about best practices and different technologies pays off in the long run. Working with other developers can show you that everyone faces similar challenges, and sharing knowledge is invaluable. Good luck, and congrats on your new job!
You should definitely raise your concerns with your boss or team. They might not realize how important it is to have a senior developer or mentor available. Remember, companies usually want to avoid scenarios where a critical member is unavailable, so your feedback might lead to hiring someone more experienced.
That's a fair point, but I think the OP is looking for mentorship more than just skill enhancement, especially since it’s their first job.