Hey everyone! I'm currently studying web development and design, focusing primarily on front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Vue.js. However, I've found that I enjoy backend development more, even though we barely touched on it in school. I started learning PHP and Laravel on my own and got to use them during my internship. Now, I'm wrapping up that internship where I built a complete Laravel application with features like resources, policies, and Slack notifications. Here's what I've got under my belt so far: PHP & Laravel, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Vue.js, Astro.js, Tailwind CSS, Craft CMS, and some SQL/database knowledge. I'm curious about how skilled I need to be to land a junior position. Do employers expect you to be a pro right away, or is it more important to show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn? I'd love to hear about your experiences when you were just starting out!
4 Answers
You definitely don’t need to be a rockstar right out of the gate. As long as you have a solid understanding of the basics and can talk about them, you’re off to a great start. Remember, no one expects juniors to be perfect from day one, so focus on building your confidence for interviews and you’ll do just fine!
You actually don’t need to be that good at all. If you have a decent amount of knowledge, especially with your background, you should be able to find something decent, especially in the U.S. Just keep honing your skills!
Thanks! My internship has really helped me learn a lot, but I know I still have a way to go. I'm also from Belgium, and web dev opportunities around here seem pretty slim.
I’m not a programmer myself, but my impression of entry-level jobs is that they typically want you to understand the basic syntax and concepts of programming. Work on projects that mix backend APIs with frontend elements. Don’t stress about those annoying 'X years of experience' requirements — if you believe in your skills, keep creating projects to showcase what you can do!
Thank you! The 'minimum experience' requirement does throw me off when looking for jobs. It feels like every ad I see has that line, which can be pretty discouraging.
Honestly, you know a lot more than many entry-level applicants. The bar isn't set particularly high for entry-level roles!
I had a similar experience! In my first interview, the CEO asked me to create a simple div element and center it. I explained my background, and despite my non-web focus in school, I got the job! Of course, things may have changed since then, but it shows that basic skills can go a long way.
Thanks for the answer! I feel like job ads sometimes make it sound like you need to hit the ground running, which is a bit intimidating. I'm also in an area where web development isn't too common, so I'm considering expanding my job search a bit.