I'm a frontend developer with 8.5 years of experience currently working remotely. I've been trying to transition into a fullstack role but haven't had much luck. I've completed some personal projects in the MERN stack through online courses, but it doesn't seem to be enough to land a fullstack position. I'm considering taking on a backend internship to gain real-world experience. Is this a good idea? Will there be any issues with dual employment in my current job?
3 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend taking an internship with your level of experience. An internship may undermine your skill set and could lead to complications with your current employment status. Instead, consider applying for a frontend-heavy fullstack role, take on backend tasks at your current job, and work on a couple of production-style projects. Companies want to see real problems you’ve solved, not just your title or a course certification.
It sounds a bit extreme to jump into an internship. What’s really stopping you from learning enough to go fullstack on your own?
It’s not just about learning from a book. I’ve done enough personal projects; I just want that hands-on experience in a workplace context.
Before making any decision, check with your current employer about development programs they might offer. Sometimes companies have training resources that employees just don’t know about. Getting to know backend developers at your workplace can help, too. Use this time to explore opportunities for a shift without losing your current job.
I've had plenty of calls for fullstack roles, but they always ask for industry experience. I tell them about my knowledge, but it’s never enough for them.
I’ve tried that route, but the backend tech here is .NET while I want to work with Node or Python. That’s why I feel stuck!