I'm a 25-year-old trying to break into software development after dropping out of college. My journey started in marine science, then I switched to computer science, but financial issues forced me to pause my studies. Despite my background, including experience with JavaScript, React, Node, Python, HTML, and CSS, I still feel stuck, especially since I work full-time and can't dedicate much time to working on GitHub or building a presence. I'm at a point where I'm questioning whether I should start a startup or embellish my resume since I have no production experience. Can anyone provide advice on where I might find entry-level roles, even if they don't pay much?
5 Answers
Working on actual projects is crucial for building your portfolio. That’s what I look for when hiring juniors—it shows you can get the job done!
Building relevant experience is key. Forget about what you did in high school; the tech landscape has changed a lot since then. Instead of trying to start a startup right away, concentrate on creating a portfolio with real projects. Front-end and back-end dev skills are in demand, and without a degree, it might be tougher, but it's not impossible. Just be prepared for some rejection along the way!
I’ve been in your shoes—started coding young, took a long break, and jumped back in at an older age. The startup world is wild and can offer great opportunities, but releasing projects—even if they aren’t perfect—can set you apart. If the corporate route isn't appealing, that’s totally fine; just keep pushing yourself to learn and grow.
First off, choose an area to focus on, like web development or game dev, since they require different skill sets. It's not too late at 25! Sure, juggling a full-time job makes it challenging, but if you can, aim to finish your degree—that could help. Also, don't lie on your resume; that can backfire.
Consider going back to college. It might seem daunting, but having that degree could open doors. Lots of jobs still value formal education, even in tech.
Good point! Focusing on actual skills and projects is the way to go, especially if someone is looking to avoid the brutal path of college.