10 Pro Tips for Aspiring Software Developers
Even with my tech background, I only recently stepped into the world of software development. Friends and family often ask about my work life, curious about diving into this universe. So, here are some tips to help those starting or wanting to explore this dynamic field that’s ripe for growth :)
Back in 2012, when I launched my career in IT, the tech scene was vastly different. Bootcamps and online courses weren’t the go-to for knowledge, and companies insisted on a university degree. Fast forward to today, and the demand for professionals has shifted, thankfully.
The tech market is appealing, especially for those with a different background or just starting their careers. Why? There’s a huge demand, good entry-level salaries, opportunities to work from Brazil with USD or Euro pay, and even the chance to relocate.
Working in IT has its perks, but it demands dedication. So, let’s cut to the chase and jot down these tips. 😉
Tip 1: Know Your Why
Motivation is key to a career in software development. Starting out is tough — you don’t know what you need to know, leading to frustration. It’s not about coding like a mad genius in the first week. Everyone’s been there. 😆
Facing the early hurdles (don’t stress, it becomes smoother), staying motivated is pivotal. If your sole motivation is money, your career could fizzle out even before taking off. I’ve encountered professionals solely driven by cash, and they either reached a dead end or threw in the towel. I’m not undermining the importance of money; it matters. After all, we exchange our time for various things, don’t we?
Tip 2: Learn Your Way
Seems obvious, but it’s not. People struggle because they’re learning the wrong way. Everyone has their style — I’m a visual learner. I need to see to learn.
Find content that matches your style for a more enjoyable learning curve. 😉
Tip 3: Organize Your Routine
IT demands study hours — whether in college, bootcamps, or online courses. And the study never ends.
Tech evolves, so you can’t stop learning. Fit study time into your routine, but don’t stress about spending 4 hours a day studying. Unless you want to and can. Remember: consistency over quantity.
Tip 4: Connect with Pros
I know networking is cliché, but chatting with experienced pros is vital. You learn a ton, discover various problem-solving approaches, and gain a fresh perspective.
Tip 5: Master the Basics
Languages, frameworks, and methodologies change, but fundamentals don’t. Understand how computers work, the internet, data structures, and other core principles.
Not easy? True. But a solid foundation beats blindly doing something without knowing why.
Tip 6: Ask Questions
Ask away! Don’t be shy about not knowing a concept or how to solve a problem. Programming isn’t intuitive at first, and if you don’t ask, you won’t learn.
Tip 7: Embrace multidisciplinary
Coming from another field? Good news: A developer isn’t just 0s and 1s. Knowledge from other areas adds value. Believe me, development leans more towards creativity than pure logical-mathematical skills.
Tip 8: Pick Your Tech
Don’t try learning every trendy programming language. Stay in the loop, but you don’t need to know every single one. Master one, and you’re on the right track. In the beginning, focus on one programming language. The job market for popular programming languages is similar, so don’t stress about the “right” one.
Tip 9: Share Knowledge
Teach what you’re learning. You’ll truly gauge your progress when you teach someone else.
Tip 10: Enjoy the Ride
Learning to code should be fun. Find a cozy study spot, set achievable goals, celebrate each win, and take breaks. The job demands focus, so indulge in enjoyable activities outside of work and study. Your mind will thank you. 😉
I hope these tips prepare you for the tech world. Best of luck on your journey! 😃
Until next time!
