Are you interested in becoming a software developer but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. This article will guide you through the steps to begin your software development journey. But before that, who is a software developer?
A software developer uses programming skills to develop or improve existing software to meet users’ needs. They create, test, and maintain software applications, systems, or tools to meet specific requirements or solve real-life problems. To be a software developer, you must have good problem-solving and collaborative skills.
If this sounds like something you can do, and you’ve always wanted to solve people’s problems in a creative way, then this role is for you. Here’s how you can get started in software development:
- Take a Course and learn the fundamental skills: Normally, you would have to go to university to earn a bachelor’s degree in software development, but in today’s digital age, you can take a course online. You can choose an online platform that resonates with you and your goals. Enroll in a software development course and start learning programming fundamentals, like programming language, development tools, algorithms, data types, etc.
- Get Certified and build your portfolio: After learning the programming fundamentals, get certified officially and start building your portfolio. Share your projects online and on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
- Join Online Communities: Research and join online communities on platforms like WhatsApp, Slack, Twitter, Linkedin and GitHub. Engage with open-source projects and collaborate with other developers and mentors.
- Challenge Yourself: Continue learning on your own through YouTube tutorials, online courses, or coding challenges. Ask your mentors for help when needed, and challenge yourself by working with cross-functional teams to develop software applications. You can also participate in coding challenges to improve your problem-solving and coding skills.
- Build Your Resume and Start Applying for Internships or Entry-level Positions: The next thing to do is to build your resume using free online resources and attach a link to your portfolio. Then, start applying for internships or entry-level positions. Remember that Job hunting can take a toll on you, so be mentally prepared.
- Build an Online Presence: Your recruiter can be anywhere online. People have gotten jobs online through Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, to name a few. Building an online presence can help improve your visibility. You can start by sharing your learning process online, sharing that you are now a certified software developer, and connecting with other developers, designers, and product managers online. Post your work consistently, comment and join conversations about development, and participate in online forums like Stack Overflow.
- Attend Tech Event: Attending tech events such as conferences and meetups is a great way to connect with like-minded people in your industry and gain knowledge from them. They can help you grow in your field, and the connections and knowledge you gain from these events can be really beneficial for your career.
Learning a tech skill, especially software development, requires conscious efforts and continuous learning to reach your dream position. So, build your strong foundation, ask questions, and be open to learning and growth.