Hi everyone! I'm nearing graduation with a Computer Science degree but unfortunately don't have any internships on my resume yet. I've mostly worked on small, simple projects from my classes, and I realize I need to step up my game if I want to secure a backend developer role. I'd also like to brush up on some frontend skills since I know they're important too.
I'm looking for advice on what to learn and what types of projects will actually impress recruiters. I want to avoid the typical beginner projects like to-do apps or calculator clones and instead focus on building something that will add real value to my resume. Here are a couple of questions I have:
- What languages, frameworks, or tools (like Docker, AWS, etc.) should I be learning and showcasing in my projects?
- What kind of projects are most likely to grab the attention of recruiters looking for junior backend developers?
I want to make sure that the time I spend building projects is worthwhile and helps me land interviews. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
The best way to figure out what to learn is to look at job ads in the area where you want to work. Keep in mind, while it’s important to prepare for interviews, the real learning comes from actually coding and being active in your projects!
Honestly, the key is to complete any project that is somewhat substantial, rather than worrying too much about what it is. Just finish something you can showcase!
Good tip, I'll keep that in mind!
I’d recommend avoiding the usual MERN stack. Try exploring other stacks that might be a bit more unique.