I've been learning software engineering for about a year now and I'm ready to turn my current app into a fully-developed product. My goal is to land a job in the field, but I'm unsure whether I should focus on making this app a minimum viable product (MVP) and then create a couple of smaller projects, or if it's better to hone in on perfecting this one big app. I'm curious about what matters more in this process: having a few decent projects to show or impressing potential employers with a high-quality, standout product? Thanks for your input!
5 Answers
In interviews, they won’t really ask for more than one project since talking through multiple apps can take too long. Focus on a single project that you're proud of. It’s about demonstrating your problem-solving capabilities and showcasing a complete product, not just throwing out a bunch of examples.
As a junior, showing a variety of projects can be beneficial, but you should document your learning process along the way! Having some visuals like diagrams can also help discuss what you built and why. Just one impressive project can make all the difference during interviews, so aim for something substantial rather than multiple smaller, generic apps.
I’d definitely lean toward focusing on quality over quantity. If you’re going to make multiple projects, they should ideally showcase different skills or technologies. Otherwise, it might be more beneficial to concentrate on perfecting one project that stands out rather than multiple projects that look similar.
It really depends on the type of job you’re aiming for. If you’re looking for a senior role, having one robust project with solid architecture can be impressive, rather than a bunch of basic apps. For junior positions, showing some good foundational work is okay, but it’s crucial that you can discuss your design choices and project management skills if you go big.
Definitely! Focusing on relevant projects can make a huge difference in your applications.
One well-thought-out project can be sufficient, especially if it demonstrates your ability to solve real problems. Avoid creating a lot of shallow projects just to fill your portfolio; instead, invest your time in something meaningful that you're passionate about. Quality projects reflect genuine interest and analytical skills, which employers value significantly.
For sure! Having distinct projects can really showcase your skill range.