When Did You First Feel Job-Ready in Tech?

You never feel 100% ready; that's just a part of it. I applied when I realized I could solve problems with a bit of guidance. The key is understanding that a lot of the job is about learning as you go. A large part is just figuring things out and asking for help when needed.

After graduating and some internships, I felt like I could break down complex code and understand testing methodologies. So for me, it was really the academic and practical experience that laid the groundwork. I believe starting to apply as soon as you feel somewhat comfortable is crucial.

Don't stress it! Just because you haven't done a ton of projects doesn't mean you aren't ready. Look at job postings—do you understand the terms and what the job requires? Sometimes, the only way to know if you're ready is to dive in and see how you handle it. A good employer will give you the support you need to grow.

Honestly, I think you never really feel fully ready. Just apply to jobs you're about 60% qualified for. The interview process will teach you what you need to work on. Plus, expect some silent rejections—they're frustrating but totally normal!

For me, I felt ready after completing around 5-7 personal projects and contributing to some open-source work. It really helped when I got feedback from other developers—it boosted my confidence! Just keep building and applying, even if you're not 100% sure of yourself.