As a college freshman who has been learning web development for about three months now, I'm starting to wonder if pursuing full-stack skills is still a wise investment. I have a solid grasp of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and some back-end knowledge, but I've seen a lot of buzz around newer technologies like AI, Web3, and blockchain. This raises some important questions for me:
1. Are full-stack roles becoming less valuable?
2. Is the market flooded with junior developers?
3. Have companies set the bar so high that only those with niche expertise stand out?
4. Should I continue to develop my full-stack skills, or should I shift my focus towards trending areas like AI or decentralized apps?
With my limited experience, I want to make sure I'm investing my time wisely. How would you approach skill-building if you were in my position? What technologies or specializations do you think will still be in demand in the next five years?
5 Answers
Honestly, there's no skill that's inherently 'bad.' Think of it this way: if you enjoy web development, stick with it! The more skills you accumulate, the more niches you'll be available to work in. Remember, languages that seem outdated like COBOL still have demand in specific industries. So, if you like it, go for it!
I get where you're coming from. While the full-stack role isn't obsolete, it's definitely a saturated market with tons of junior devs. Instead of getting bogged down in courses, I'd recommend building real projects. The best way to level up is by creating and experimenting. AI is a legit field to get into; knowledge of platforms like AWS and React could really help you in your full-stack journey.
Yeah, and utilizing AI tools can boost your learning process a lot!
You have some great questions! Keep in mind that your local job market matters a lot. Check out companies you'd like to work for; their tech stacks can give you a clearer picture of what's in demand.
In response to your questions:
1. Full-stack devs are still in demand.
2. Yes, but there's still a shortage of skilled developers.
3. No, just stand out by learning and improving without being passive.
4. Follow your interest but beware that AI integration isn't a standalone skill; think broader like Data Science.
Solid advice! I appreciate the encouragement to find a path that excites me.
Definitely aiming for expertise but also keeping my passions in mind!
I faced a similar dilemma! I decided to pursue both web development, especially frontend, and machine learning for its current popularity. Traditional roles are still valid, but they require a deeper level of expertise now, so blending old skills with new trends can be a smart strategy.
That makes sense! Focusing on tangible projects definitely seems like a good strategy.