Hey everyone! I'm a 21-year-old currently studying Software Development at NAIT, and I'm looking for advice on how to gain experience while still in school. Here are a few things I want to know: 1) How can I create a strong portfolio through various projects? Do you have any resources or tips? 2) What's the current job market like, especially for entry-level positions? Is it as challenging as people say? 3) Should I focus more on getting certifications, or is it better to invest that time into projects? I appreciate any personal experiences or suggestions you might have. Thanks!
3 Answers
Check out this cool repository for project ideas: [github.com/codecrafters-io/build-your-own-x](https://github.com/codecrafters-io/build-your-own-x). It's a great way to start brainstorming what you can build!
Start working on projects that you find useful, and throw them on GitHub. The key is to solve actual problems or automate tasks. Keep your GitHub profile active and maybe even create a personal website to showcase your work. That's a fantastic way to stand out! I also think that with the rise of AI, knowing how to integrate those technologies can help you in your job search.
As someone with 8 years in the industry, I cannot stress enough the importance of your GitHub profile. Put everything you create on there, but don't just dump it—include a README that explains your projects. Make sure it's clean and easy to navigate! Regarding the job market, it's been a long time since I've been in the entry-level market, so I don't have recent insights. But trust me, when it comes to certifications versus projects, focus on building projects. Companies care more about what you can do than a piece of paper.
Great point on soft skills! Having the technical chops is essential, but being able to communicate your ideas effectively will take you far in your career.