What Should Entry-Level New Graduates Know on Their First Day?

I think it's fair to expect that you know how to code in at least two different programming languages and have a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals. Git basics are a must as well. Companies often don’t expect you to know their specific frameworks right away. During the first week, you'll likely be setting up your work environment and addressing simpler issues, like fixing minor bugs. A lot of your learning will come from your own research as you go along, so don't hesitate to ask questions if you hit a snag!

You should have a handle on programming fundamentals, basic object-oriented design, and an understanding of client-server architecture. Beyond that, not too much is expected on day one!

Fresh grads should definitely have a strong foundation in problem-solving and understand the basics of back-end programming, but specifics are generally picked up on the job. Expect to get a lot of hands-on training once you're in.

The biggest asset you can bring is an ability to self-learn, even when documentation isn't available. Familiarize yourself with the codebase through reading and minimal explanations, and don’t forget to learn from your mistakes. The specific tech you'll need depends on your role; for backend or full-stack roles, some database knowledge is crucial.

Back in my day, we would hire around 4 to 10 graduates starting on the same day at our software company. We expected them to know a couple of programming languages and to have completed at least one project using assembly language during their studies. We would then put them through a three-week boot camp to get accustomed to our tools and build a working point-of-sale system. A lot has changed, but the fundamentals remain.

It's pretty unlikely that you'll learn everything about backend development from scratch on the job. If you did, I’d be curious about how you passed the interview! Here's what we usually expect:
1) Basic git commands like commit, push, and pull are essential. Knowing how to handle feature branches and resolve merge conflicts is a plus.
2) You should be able to write a project from scratch in your chosen backend language without just copying tutorials.
3) Writing unit tests is crucial, and integration tests are even better.
4) Familiarity with databases is key, starting with basic CRUD operations.
5) Understanding clean code principles is a plus.
6) Teamwork skills are essential; communicate when you’re stuck, take ownership of mistakes, and don’t be afraid to seek help.
7) You should demonstrate problem-solving skills and make attempts to solve issues before asking for help.
8) You should have a basic understanding of web app security.
9) Debugging skills and understanding logs are important.
10) If your language uses OOP, knowing the principles is helpful.