So, you want to be a software developer? That’s awesome. It’s a solid career with plenty of opportunities. But let’s be real, it can feel like a lot. Where do you even start? How do you know if you’re doing it right?
Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Learn to Code
Before you do anything else, you need to actually learn how to code. Sounds obvious, right? But a lot of people get stuck here, obsessing over which programming language to start with.
Here’s the truth: it doesn’t matter that much. Just pick one and get started. Python is a great choice because it’s beginner-friendly, but JavaScript, Java, or C# work too.
I once heard Kelsey Hightower say that you could roll a die to pick your first programming language, and it wouldn’t make much difference. He’s right. The first language you learn will make the next one easier, so just pick one and start coding.
Now, learning to code isn’t just about watching tutorials. You have to actually write code. Every day. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes. Platforms like Codecademy, LeetCode, and HackerRank can help, but don’t just do random exercises, try building something small as you go.
Step 2: Build Stuff
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to prove you can actually code. Employers don’t care if you’ve watched 50 hours of tutorials. They want to see what you’ve built.
Start simple. A to-do list app, a basic calculator, or a weather app that pulls data from an API. These don’t have to be groundbreaking. The goal is to practice writing real code and solving small problems.
And while you’re at it, learn Git. It’s a version control system that helps you track changes in your code. Every developer uses it, so you should too. Set up a GitHub account and start pushing your projects there.
If you’re enjoying coding and want to go deeper, start exploring tools that professionals use. If you like front-end development, look into React. If you prefer backend, try Django or Node.js. Interested in databases? Learn SQL or MongoDB. Follow what interests you, and don’t try to learn everything at once.
Step 3: Build a Portfolio & Put Yourself Out There
Now that you’ve built a few projects, you need a place to show them off. That’s where a portfolio website comes in.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just a simple page with:
- A short “About Me” section
- Links to your projects (with live demos if possible)
- Your contact info (for recruiters and networking)
Next, think about what kind of developer you want to be. Do you like designing user interfaces? Web development might be your thing. More into logic and data? Look into backend development. There’s no wrong answer—just pick something that excites you and roll with it.
At this point, you can start applying for internships or contributing to open-source projects. Even fixing small bugs in someone else’s project on GitHub counts as experience.
Step 4: Apply for Jobs (Even If You Feel Underqualified)
You don’t need to feel 100% ready to start applying for jobs. No one ever does. If you wait until you “know everything,” you’ll never apply.
Start by preparing for interviews. Most companies will ask coding questions based on data structures and algorithms, so practice problems on LeetCode or CodeSignal. Also, be ready for behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge.” (Yes, soft skills matter.)
Networking helps too. Connect with people in tech, engage on LinkedIn, attend meetups, or join coding communities. You’d be surprised how many job opportunities come from just knowing the right people.
When applying, don’t just send the same resume everywhere. Tailor it to highlight relevant projects and skills for each job. And most importantly—don’t get discouraged. Rejection is normal. Keep applying, keep coding, and keep improving.
Final Step: Keep Growing
Getting your first job isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. The best developers keep learning.
Contribute to bigger projects. Learn about cloud computing (AWS, Azure) or DevOps if that interests you. Stay up to date with industry trends and keep coding.
Most importantly, don’t compare your progress to others. Everyone learns at their own pace. Just focus on getting a little better each day, and before you know it, you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.
You got this.
Watch This Video for More Insights!
Organizing your career roadmap can be challenging. A great way to visualize your progress and plan your next steps is by using a mind-mapping tool like Scrintal. Check out this video on how to create a mind map to structure your learning and career goals: Plan Your Tech Career with Mind Mapping
