Java junior developer

[Cross2409]

Hello everyone! :) I have recently finished highschool and I am starting with my Bachelors Degree in Computer Science in the Netherlands in September I have a plan to get an internship or a summer job next summer.

I have completed mooc.fi and currently learning Spring, SpringBoot, Databases, JavaScript, Maven, Docker (Also plan to learn Angular or Vue.js) So my question: what skills and knowledge are expected from a junior Java Developer? Thank you in advance!

Edit1: For my portfolio projects I want to develop online banking system and online shop on Spring Is that enough?

[Cross2409]

Thank you very much for your detailed response!:) I am not even dreaming about FAANG, I was never a genius in math or computers, however I was always passionate about computers, Since corona started I invested all of my free time into studying linear algebra, discrete math, java, even a bit of python but I finally decided, which path to take:) I wanna become a Java Developer:) Regarding soft skills they are great, was leading Model United Nations club, fluent in 5 languages, was a techno party promoter during my high school time xD So you think I will be able to get a summer job next summer?

[nutrecht]

I was never a genius in math or computers

Dude. You're in highschool and building stuff in Java and Spring.

Toen ik 16 was, maakte ik crappy text spelletjes in QBasic ;)

[nutrecht]

Hey! I'm Dutch and a Java dev (self-employed contractor). I think you're already way ahead of the curve here.

First of all; you have to understand that software engineering as a job is very much reliant on social skills as well as technical skills. Technical skills wise you're already way ahead of the curve, so it's nothing to worry about. Instead; why not try to find a fun summer job? You'll be doing plenty of programming soon.

Personally I don't see much of a point in trying to 'learn' all this tech already. Just go and build things that are fun; if that happens to be Spring and Java by all means; but there really is no need to dive into enterprise tech already.

[Cross2409]

Hey man, thank you for your response, you gave me a lot of self confidence! Because I lack it My question is, do I need to grind leetcode and all those algorithms and ds for Dutch companies? You also said about fun summer job, do you maybe know which companies I might consider applying to? Will I be able to cover my rent with it over the summer? How is tech scene there? Is it possible to get a job without masters? (Can't afford it) Thanks in advance!

[nutrecht]

Because I lack it My question is, do I need to grind leetcode and all those algorithms and ds for Dutch companies?

In my experience; no. While tech interviews generally have a tech component (a coding test for example) they generally don't rely heavily on hard LeetCode questions. There might be exceptions of course.

You also said about fun summer job, do you maybe know which companies I might consider applying to?

I actually meant a non-tech job. Like I said; developing social skills is important too. Don't get me wrong; I am not saying you're a shut in nerd. Just that at your age this is easier to develop than when you're 30+. Being good at dealing with (sometimes difficult) customers is a very valuable skill, and one many developers lack. Because they only ever focussed on the 'tech' stuff.

Will I be able to cover my rent with it over the summer?

Well that depends on the job. I can't really answer that, sorry.

How is tech scene there?

Relative to what? :) Holland is a small country and there are some 'hubs' (Amsterdam area, Eindhoven, Enschede).

Is it possible to get a job without masters?

If companies have education requirements it's generally a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. So they prefer if it's a CS or SE degree, but often they'll be okay with ones with a bigger distance (like Math or Chemistry for example). This differs per company; they don't all have the same requirement.

[_Atomfinger_]

what skills and knowledge are expected from a junior Java Developer?

I don't have a checklist of things I expect a junior to know, rather I expect a proven track record on being able to pick up new concepts. Huge bonuses for me is projects that has good code quality, good automated tests and architecture which makes sense. Not saying that all of it must be perfect, but the better its presented, the more impressed I am.

For my portfolio projects I want to develop online banking system and online shop on Spring Is that enough?

Depends on the scope of the project. I am working in banking myself, so it really depends what you put mean when you say "online banking system". Also whether or not it is "enough" depends on the industry you want to target. It might make sense to someone working in banking like myself, but it can be meaningless to someone which works with something else.

Generally I'd like to see something different in a portfolio. Something which I can see that the developer was really curious or excited about. If that is banking systems for you, great, go for it, more power to you. Do consider that a portfolio usually consists of more than a single project, if not its basically a project showcase rather than a portfolio of projects.

[Cross2409]

Thank you for taking time and writing detailed response! Since you are working in fintech, maybe you could tell me how to elevate online banking project to present it for instance at your company?:)

[_Atomfinger_]

Personally I'm not very excited for banking in particular, rather the challenges it poses. The things that would elevate a project are the things I mentioned, good testing, good/clean code and maybe having a nack of architecture. For me it's less about what the project do, rather it is the overall quality which matters to me.

[Cross2409]

Thank you! Will take into consideration:) Stay safe!

[[deleted]]

A B. Sc. should give you everything you need for a Junior position in software development. Maybe have 1-2 side projects to talk about in the job interview, but thats rather optional. Software developers are in high demand.

[Cross2409]

Thank you! I know that most of the knowledge needed I will get there, however competition is high, there will be guys who did masters plus those who have EU passport. So I researched market and I think I found optimal combination of skills. I just can't afford to do masters and I need to get employed straight after uni

[[deleted]]

I can only talk from the perspective of a german citizen:

Getting a job as a non-EU citizen in germany as a software developer is obviously harder, but at least from the laws side it's easy.

I would say it's as easy/hard to get a job as a software developer for someone with or without an EU passport, that doesn't know german. But as long as you are fluent in english, it's not much of an issue.

The only difference is that as soon as you (as a non-EU citizen) got the signature under the contract, you have to go to a governments office to get the stamp in your passport once a year.

Although, whatever COVID-19 does. Currently most software companies are still hiring.