I'm 22 and I've got a B.Tech in Electronics, but honestly, my college experience was a nightmare and I've barely learned anything useful. I realized recently that I really love tech and want to become a software developer. My goal is to become job-ready within the next 12 months. I can't go for another degree, but I'm committed to putting in the daily grind if I have a solid plan. I know some basic Python, but I'm feeling pretty lost overall.
Could anyone provide practical advice on:
* What specific skills or languages I should focus on?
* What roadmap leads to actually getting a job?
* How can I practice and build projects that will impress employers?
I'm looking for straightforward, no-nonsense advice. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?
4 Answers
Before diving too deep, make sure you're aware of the local job market. The tech industry is fluctuating and self-taught developers face a lot more competition now. Many businesses need custom software; you might also consider entrepreneurship as a pathway. Look into how you can provide tech solutions to local businesses.
Starting with Java or C is a solid approach; it gives you a good foundation in programming concepts. Once you're comfortable, you can explore popular frameworks like MERN or back-end development with Java and Spring Boot. Focus on backend if that interests you, it's a good niche to get into.
You should first check out what's in demand in your local job market or places you're open to moving to. Then, pick a programming language—learn it well and start building real applications. Instead of just following tutorials, treat it like you’ve been hired by a company to develop software for them, like an Uber competitor or something. That way, you’ll get the hang of what real projects require.
I’ve been in this field for about 5 years. I recommend checking out boot.dev, which has a solid curriculum. It’s a paid course but worth it if you’re serious. For CSS, I found Josh Comeau’s course to be exceptional; it really improved my skills. If you're looking for free options, The Odin Project is great for self-paced web development paths in Ruby or JS. Just follow the projects they suggest and you can realistically be job-ready in 6 months to a year.
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