I started coding in 2020, mainly to create things I wanted rather than learning it formally. From 2023, I've taken coding seriously and feel more professional about it. I recently graduated high school and I'm not interested in going to college anymore. I'm currently building a social media app as a way to showcase my skills, but I'm curious about what kinds of projects I should focus on and their complexity. Some people say that projects matter more than a degree. How many projects should I have? Does the programming language I use impact my job prospects? I've worked with JavaScript, TypeScript, Kotlin, Python, and more, but I'm unsure where to start looking for a job.
2 Answers
While having projects is important, a degree can still be useful. Don’t underestimate communication and teamwork skills, which are key in the workplace. For finding jobs, check local listings and online job boards directly.
As a self-taught developer, I suggest building real, functional projects that people might use. Showcase your best work, usually around four to eight projects. It’s more about the quality than quantity. Also, focus on languages and frameworks that align with the jobs you want—every detail can make a difference in getting hired.
Haha, funny enough, the simplest project I created got the most use! Sometimes less is more. Just make things that work, and don't stress too much about functionality.