A Chapter of My Journey: Entering the World of Coding

I am delighted to share a page from my personal journal, chronicling the invaluable lessons I learned throughout my training and professional development journey. In this article, I will delve into the significance of selling yourself,

Emphasize a Marketable Skillset:

During my initial job search, armed with a BA (HONS) in information (graphic) design, I was fortunate enough to secure a position that offered a perfect blend of design, UI/UX, and coding responsibilities. This diverse skillset enabled me to provide substantial value to my employer, ensuring a mutually beneficial professional relationship.

Cultivate the Right Attitude:

My insatiable curiosity and unwavering enthusiasm to learn set me apart in the business landscape, earning favor with my superiors. I made a conscious effort to seek knowledge by actively posing questions on how coding could be applied to real-world scenarios. In the early stages, I dove into complex topics such as SQL cross joins and cursors, demonstrating my eagerness to absorb information like a sponge.

To showcase my dedication, I even challenged myself with stricter deadlines. I distinctly remember a Friday evening at 20:30, collaborating with my boss on a remote call, tirelessly troubleshooting issues for the sprint!

Prioritize Personal Development:

During my studies, I frequently found myself delving into coding at 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday, all while juggling responsibilities at a security company. My unwavering commitment to growth and learning outweighed personal comfort. Consequently, my potential employer recognized my aspiration to become a software developer, understanding that my motivation stemmed from a genuine drive for personal growth.

Embrace Flexibility

At the time, I was willing to allocate a significant portion of my junior salary towards commuting expenses, as I traversed daily to Johannesburg for work. I was prepared to undertake any necessary measures to break into the coding realm. I distinctly recall moments when I had to tackle tasks that seemed menial, yet I embraced them wholeheartedly. Even as a mid-level developer, I willingly handled challenging debugging, textual fixes, and provided support. Ultimately, these experiences forged me into a more resilient and proficient developer.

Conclusion:

Personal upkilling and a side project is vital for personal and career growth. I recommend that every developer should explore industries, technology and personal interests in their free time.

While I acknowledge that my journey is ongoing, I firmly believe that aspiring software developers and apprentices should strive to establish themselves as indispensable and valuable assets to their respective companies from the outset. In cases where technical skills are limited, it becomes imperative to emphasize the significance of possessing the right attitude, soft skills, and a relentless hunger for continuous learning and growth.

As a final thought, I would like to draw on the knowledge of how coffee can make you a better developer. I used to bring my boss coffee, and in return, he would upskill and teach me about coding principles. The same can be said about taking a break with colleagues: they could give you valuable insights into the bug that you're trying to resolve!