I'm nearing the end of the full stack JavaScript course on the Odin Project, and I'm eager to gain more practical experience. I've started building my own projects and made a few minor contributions to open source repositories. However, I'm looking for advice on how to mimic or learn the skills and workflow typically seen in a professional setting, especially for more complex codebases. Since I don't currently have anyone to collaborate with, are there any suggestions for simulating the teamwork and processes found in the industry? Thanks for any help!
5 Answers
Contributing to open source is one of the best ways to simulate a real project workflow. It can give you a taste of working with a team, managing codebases, and handling real-world issues. Just try to target more complex repositories to really challenge yourself!
Finding open source projects is key. It teaches you how to navigate unfamiliar codebases, maintain code, fix issues, and use version control—skills that are crucial in a professional environment. Good luck with your journey!
Joining a startup that can't pay you yet can also be a great learning experience. I did this, and it's really elevated my skills. Although it's unpaid initially, the knowledge and experience can be invaluable once you start getting paid after the launch. Occasionally, you can find devs needed on platforms like Reddit—keep an eye out for those!
That sounds interesting! How did you find that opportunity?
It’s a common misconception that all companies maintain pristine codebases. In reality, they can be quite chaotic. You might encounter a lack of automated testing or poor documentation. Exposure to these messy situations is actually a great learning opportunity, as it helps you understand the importance of standards as complexity increases.
That makes sense! I’d like to experience how different companies handle their code. It's good to be aware of these issues.
Congrats on your open source contributions! I'd recommend focusing on that for now and aiming for more challenging repositories. This experience will be great when you apply for junior positions. Also, short-term freelance gigs can provide valuable experience as well.
Thanks! I’ll definitely look for more complex opportunities.
I appreciate the advice! I’ve done some small contributions but I want to tackle more significant issues next.