Starting out in the tech industry can be a daunting experience for a junior developer. It is overwhelming to not know where to start with so much to learn and new technologies and languages to master. However, with the right mindset and approach, it’s possible to thrive and build a successful career as a junior developer.
As someone who has been in the industry for about 2.5 years, below are some tips and strategies that have helped me grow:
Ask Questions and Feedback
As a junior developer, you may feel like you know everything and nothing at the same time. The best way to learn in the first few years is to see yourself as a sponge. Embrace the fact that you’re there to learn and soak up as much knowledge as you can.
Ask questions, take notes, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s all part of the process. Be curious and ask questions so you can fill in your knowledge gaps in the domain that you are in and for the technology that you use. Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues for help or to clarify something that you don’t understand. Keep in mind that everyone was a junior developer at some point, and your colleagues will be happy to help you out.
Asking questions is a great way to learn and to improve your skills and build a strong foundation which consequently strengthens your confidence. I struggled with imposter syndrome during my first year but asking questions helped me learn and grow.
Build a portfolio Invest on Learning!
Learning does not stop, in fact, for many in the tech industry, there’s always new and emerging technology being built. A great way to invest in your learning and showcase your skills is to build a portfolio.
A portfolio demonstrates what you’re capable of. Start by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects. This will help you to build up your portfolio to show potential employers what you’re capable of. Be sure to document your work and share it on your website or social media channels.
You get to practice and the more you code, the better you’ll become. It’s essential to practice as much as possible as a junior developer. Building my own Github portfolio helped me to experiment and make mistakes as well as learn from others.
Find a Mentor
Having a mentor who can guide you through the early stages of your career is invaluable. When I was switching majors to Computer Science back in college, I sought out people who are experienced and had a wealth of knowledge to share. These relationships have continued to grow as they help me navigate challenges, provide feedback, and offer insight into the industry.
Mentorship has played crucial role in all the career steps that I have taken- looking for jobs, growing in my role, taking on new opportunities at work and expanding my network. I might argue that I have the best mentors and I am grateful for them. I will share more about how to choose the best mentors in a future piece and how to make the most of the relationship.
Conclusion
All in all, there is no one right way to be a junior developer. You will be faced with a steep learning curve but the goal is to bridge the gap between where you are and where you aspire to be. You’ll need to learn new coding languages, frameworks, and tools. This can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to embrace the learning curve. The whole process can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience.
Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Burnout is a real threat in the tech industry, and it’s important to prioritize your well-being and long-term aspirations. Make time for self-care, take breaks when you need them, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
By embracing the learning process, finding a mentor, being proactive, and taking care of yourself, you can thrive and build a successful career in tech. Good luck, and happy coding!
