Hey everyone! I'm planning to take a gap year before heading to university, and I want to use this time to seriously boost my software skills. My plan is to dive deep into freeCodeCamp, complete the main certifications, work on several practical projects, and build a solid portfolio. Ideally, I want to start applying for junior developer, internship, or freelance roles in about 8 to 10 months. Just to give you some background: I have a basic understanding of programming and problem-solving, but I'm not fully job-ready yet. I'm very disciplined and can commit daily time to this. My main focus is on employability rather than just collecting certificates. I'd love to get your insights on a few things: Is freeCodeCamp a good starting point when paired with hands-on projects? Is the 8-10 month timeline realistic for landing a paid position? Will employers take a portfolio made this way seriously? And are there any common pitfalls I should be aware of? I'm not looking for a high-paying gig right away—just something that shows I can build actual projects and work professionally. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
4 Answers
The junior dev market is pretty saturated right now, so the 8-10 month plan is ambitious. It's not impossible, but you might need a good bit of luck on your side to land a position quickly. Focus on solid projects and don’t be afraid to freelance where possible, as that can help bolster your experience!
Honestly, if your goal is just to learn, it’s great to dive into freeCodeCamp. But keep applying for jobs while you learn because landing a job is the end goal. You can continue to build your skills on the job! Just remember, getting hired can be tough with others competing, so don’t get discouraged if it takes longer than expected.
I get where you're coming from, but it's worth noting that credibility can be an issue. With many candidates having degrees, it can be harder to stand out. If you're putting in the time to learn and build your skills now, that’s fantastic! Just keep in mind that having a degree still opens many doors and might be helpful.
I hate to say it, but not having a degree might put you at a disadvantage when applying for entry-level jobs. I have a CS degree and still struggle to find work even with projects. It’s competitive out there, so it might be worth considering a degree after your gap year. However, there's still freelance work you can pursue, and that could be a good start!
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