Getting into Software Development

Welcome back to The Modern Software Developer.

This month’s issue was inspired by the multiple requests I’ve been getting on LinkedIn from new interns or developers looking for their first role and asking for advice.

With this post, it's my aim to share my experiences, advice, and the wisdom I have gathered over the years. Hopefully, you’ll take away some tips to help you on your journey and possibly get your first job in the industry.

That being said, there are people better placed in our industry who focus a lot more of their attention on this space, some of whom are even career changers themselves…

One such person is?

Eduardo Vedes ? Go follow him?and subscribe to his newsletter,?Code Your Future Digest ??

It can be super daunting to start a career in software development; it can sometimes feel like an insurmountable mountain.

You might be thinking:

???"Do I know enough?”

???”What if I can't keep up with the constant changes?”

???”How can I stand out in the ocean of similar job seekers?"

These questions and feelings of uncertainty are perfectly normal; everyone feels this at the beginning of their journey. I’d still feel a bit like that now if I was looking for a job.

Breaking into the Industry

One of the beauties of this industry is the several paths available to your first development job.

My Route

I didn’t take the traditional route… I got my break from a non-technical job for a software company. I didn’t know what software development was back then. When I realised it was something I wanted to do, I took home the company technical books every night and studied and built things. I was constantly asking the company software developers questions and asking for guidance on what I should look into next…

6 months later, they employed me as a junior software developer.

23 years later, this quiet, introverted, self-taught developer has worked at every level of the industry, including as a software architect for a global FTSE 100 company where I created standards and reference architecture to help hundreds of developers.

Other Routes into Software Development

The traditional path into software development involves earning a degree in Computer Science, although I’m living proof that you can do it without one.

In modern times, many successful software developers come from diverse backgrounds and take unconventional routes into the field. You might have just received your degree, completed a bootcamp, are self-taught, or are making a leap from another industry; either way, competition for entry-level roles is pretty fierce.

Setting Yourself Apart

In a field as competitive as software development, distinguishing yourself from others is imperative to finding success. There are several strategies you can employ to develop your unique edge; here are just a few:

Growth Mindset

You’ll probably hear this a lot, but you need to adopt a growth mindset. This will allow you to take joy in a life of learning, which will give you a huge advantage in the software industry.

You’ll be more likely to keep abreast of new technologies as they arise and more likely to analyse and improve your soft skills like communication, leadership (yes, even at your level!), and being a team player.

A growth mindset will help you deal more positively and constructively with the inevitable rejection that you will feel along the way, too.

Tips for cultivating a growth mindset:

?? Understand how your thoughts impact your feelings and behaviour

???Seek out the positive from any and all feedback

???Look at challenges as learning opportunities

???Take on new opportunities that arise

???Persevere through setbacks

???Seek help from a mentor...

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Keeping up to date

Networking

Build your portfolio

Key Attributes for Success in Software Development

Your CV

What Does the LinkedIn Community Say?

I’ll finish this issue with some snippets on the topic from my LinkedIn community…

?? “?? Ask as many questions as possible - there are no stupid questions.

?? Even very senior developers get things wrong, quite often!

?? Take time to understand problems, not just the technical, but why is it a problem and what it means to the user - learn the domain you're working in.

?? Most importantly, build really good relationships with your wider team, not just other developers.”

?? "Be humble".

?? “Show motivation/drive for learning. This kind of energy is contagious and other people will automatically be more excited to help you!”

?? “I'd add have a go at solving problems first if you can, then if you run into issues you can escalate and ask further questions. Your team will appreciate your efforts and be more inclined to help.”

?? “Seek out a good mentor(s) in your organization. Many companies have buddy programs where one or two senior people will help out juniors with their growth…”

?? "Be the Kind of Employee People Want to Work With".

?? “Embrace continuous learning.”

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Remember

It's not selfish to put yourself first; there's nothing more important than your own wellbeing!

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Until next time...