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Suggestions for Software Developer wannabes
Summary of Raymond Gan’s LinkedIn posts that he makes suggestions to software developer wannabes [1][2][3]
When I read his articles, I wished I had known this beforehand, so I will try to disseminate this information as much as I can. I strongly recommend that you read all of his articles. Links in the resources section.
My Note:
The first lesson I gathered from these articles is to start without rushing. Understand that the journey will be slow and sometimes painful. Like anything worthwhile, only begin if this field genuinely interests you. Short-term goals, such as high pay, will eventually disappoint you. To discover whether you truly love a job, use this technique: consider the challenges of the job and ask yourself if you could continue even when the benefits are minimal. For instance, would you still love the job if you worked hard for low pay? Do you love being in front of a computer alone most of the day and solving problems, or are you just chasing a high salary? Let’s dive in.
Don’t Rely on Teachers or Courses
Companies prefer hiring individuals who can quickly learn on their own, without needing a teacher or course to guide them. Most resources are in English, so having strong English skills, including writing and speaking, is essential. Do not chase certificates, certificates are meaningful if it is hard to get and teach you something. Do not chase easy-to-get pieces of paper that mean nothing.
Real-World Software Development
Developing software for real users is vastly different from completing school projects. The code written by junior developers often isn’t up to par. You’ll need to write a lot of code, work on numerous projects, and gain experience to become a senior developer.
Practice Daily
Your coding skills won’t improve unless you code and practice daily. Work on projects, solve algorithmic problems, and prepare for technical interviews. When tackling algorithm questions, resist the urge to look for answers immediately. Take your time. If you’re stuck, look for solutions…
