Hello everyone! I'm a Software Engineering graduate feeling a bit lost after finishing university. I mostly focused on passing exams rather than truly learning, so I've forgotten a lot of what I studied, including front-end development, Java, and C++. I feel overwhelmed because I know I should have a better grasp of basic concepts, but I don't.
I want to start from scratch, rebuild my knowledge, and get back into programming confidently, but I'm unsure where to begin. I've heard about The Odin Project as a good resource—would that be a solid starting point? I can dedicate about 4–6 hours a day to studying, but I don't want to waste time on overly basic material.
I'm also hesitant to apply for internships since most companies want a CV, but I feel underqualified to list my skills. I'm torn between learning different languages and focusing on one area like front-end or back-end development. Plus, with the rise of AI, I can't help but wonder if I should pivot to something else entirely, like mobile development. Any advice or a plan on how to restart my journey would really help. Thanks!
3 Answers
The Odin Project is a great choice! Just stick with it for a couple of months. Complete their projects, and then try to build a couple of your own small apps. Don't overthink the resume part either; everyone embellishes a little. The job market can be tough, so apply broadly and gain experience where you can. Personally, I think it’s really important to create something on your own, even if it’s just a fun little project at first.
I appreciate the input, thanks!
You're definitely overthinking the AI part; it won't replace you yet! I recommend picking either web development or mobile, as they require different skill sets. Take a look at job listings for entry-level positions to see what skills are in demand right now and focus your learning on those.
Thanks for the encouragement! I’ll check job listings to guide my learning.
First off, don't be too hard on yourself. You learned a lot in college, even if it feels like it’s all gone now. The best way to improve is to build projects—start small and work your way up. You might want to build a simple app like a TODO list just to get started. Once you feel comfortable with that, expand it into a full-stack application. That way you hit both front-end and back-end concepts at the same time. Plus, it’s a fun way to learn!
Thanks for the detailed advice! I’ll definitely start small.
Totally agree! Building your projects will really help you internalize what you learn. I recommend focusing on doing it without AI assistance to really understand the concepts.