So, 2 years ago I reached a point in my life where I decided I wanted a career change into a job where I can develop new skills and earn something close to a living wage. I decided to have a look at web development/programming and it turns out it is something I genuinely love. So, since April 2021 I have been studying in my spare time and days off from work.
I have been learning Javascript, React, CSS, Node, and Next.js – I also have a foundational testing qualification (ISTQB) and I have passed the Japanese N2, and I can converse on simple everyday life things, although I would not say I am ‘good’ at it by any stretch.
In terms of programming technologies, I feel that what I have learned is enough for the moment and I don’t plan on learning any new frameworks/technologies at this time. I am instead going to focus on this stack, do coding problems for interview preparation and try to refine my knowledge. I also have a portfolio site, a GitHub, and I have just started to hand out CVs.
However, as a person with no industry experience, I am not sure if this is enough. I would love to get some advice or even just have a chat with someone who is in this line of work and would be willing to offer some guidance. Even if you can’t chat or meet up if you would be willing to give me feedback on my GitHub or portfolio I would be extremely grateful.
I know I am asking a lot but if anyone is interested please DM me! Beers/ Coffee is on me of course!
3 comments
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It’s definitely enough. You only need one company to give you the chance to prove yourself, and then you’re golden. Besides that you seem to have conversational Japanese which is good. Just be open to work with other tech if the company doesn’t use exactly what you’re studying.
In terms of tech stack you know much more than I did when I started in the field. Have confidence in yourself especially when you go to interviews. Employers like to emphasize how “challenging” their projects are but in most cases the challenging aspects of work are dealing with people and processes, not the technical problems. Besides, junior level jobs are mostly for learning.
I’d suggest continue learning your current stack and start applying. Interviews are tiring but it’s a great learning experience. You learn of what managers expect, how to better present yourself, and if the interviewer is nice they will even tell you what they expected for certain answers, allowing you to study and prepare better for future interviews.
If you have any questions feel free to DM me. I’m mostly in backend but I’ve worked as a fullstack web developer in the past.
I’m not in Kyoto but I’m a junior web dev. Sounds like you’re at a similar stage to where I was when I got hired. I’d be happy to check your portfolio if you like.