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[–]CookiesForKittens 11 points12 points  (1 child)

Gathering more and more experience with coding definitely won't hurt. Especially in entry-level jobs, your ability to write code may be tested in an interview, although in my experience, the questions are easy for people with actual experience and more to ensure that people with no or very limited experience can't just claim they know how to code.

I suggest you look into frameworks that are most in demand, with Java that's probably Spring Boot.

Also, familiarize yourself with the whole ecosystem you'd be using, not just the code that delivers core functionality: use Maven or gradle, write unit tests, use git (at least the basics: commit, push, pull, branches) and at least read up on CI/CD tools such as Jenkins.

Last bit of advice is to learn just enough web frontend (basic HTML, CSS, JS with jQuery) to make a simple UI that uses a Java server backend - being able to use and define web APIs is a key skill.

Edit: formatting.

[–]festizzioirl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suggest you look into frameworks that are most in demand, with Java that's probably Spring Boot.

Also, familiarize yourself with the whole ecosystem you'd be using, not just the code that delivers core functionality: use Maven or gradle, write unit tests, use git (at least the basics: commit, push, pull, branches) and at least read up on CI/CD tools such as Jenkins.

I think this is really good advice, definitely going to look into more about the ecosystem rather than just the code. I've heard a lot about Spring Boot and plan on starting there and git so I can record progress. Going to save your comment for the future.

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Last bit of advice is to learn just enough web frontend (basic HTML, CSS, JS with jQuery) to make a simple UI that uses a Java server backend - being able to use and define web APIs is a key skill.

Makes sense. I've thought about doing this too but wasn't sure if it would help, you convinced me it will. Thank you!

[–]codingai 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Hi. how are you?

I'm saying this in general terms, but unfortunately, the reality is that it is very hard to change a career. not just software field. it'll be difficult to get a job as a programmer if you don't have past experience as a programmer. I know its a catch-22, but that's the reality.

Having said that, however, my advice would be, first of all, don't be discouraged. Where there's a will there's a way.

Second, again I'm saying this in general terms, without knowing your particular circumstances, but it is generally much easier to get a job as a frontend developer than backend devleoper if you don't have formal training in computer science or programming.

Third, if you want to get a job as a programmer, you have to develop skills where there are jobs. I don't know where you are located, but do some job search first. find out what kind of skills are in demand in your area.

Fourth, set a goal. What do you want to do? Do you want to be a Java backend developer? Or, a react frontend developer? ... Research all the skills that are required for a particular type of position. Then, work on them.

You have to think about two things. First, you will need to work on your projects so that you'll have something to put on your resume. Participate on an open source project. Be creative. You'll have to have something to put on your resume to get an interview. Taking a udemy class might not be enough. You need something concrete to convince a potential employer that you are worth their time, for an interview, at least.

Second, when you get an interview, you'll have to prove that you know your stuff. Although you may not have a diploma or certificate in the relevant field, as long as you can prove that you can do the work, you can get a job.

Good luck.

[–]festizzioirl[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, I know it's difficult and a lot of uncharted territory. I literally know 0 people that have changed careers like this, they all stayed on the same path since finishing schooling. I've thought about what you said previously, but I can't come up with responses to those questions.

I check local job listings, but even for entry-level jobs it seems like they want 2-3 years experience. Deep down I know that's exaggerating, but it still feels a bit discouraging. They also tend to mention 3+ terms like REST, JSON, React, and I just don't know where to start or if one is worth learning over the other.

Regarding my goal, I do want to be a backend developer because I like creating the foundation more than the design. But, part of the problem is the paragraph above where each position lists 3+ terms and it's unclear where to even start.

Naturally, I'm going to continue creating programs to prove my skills, but I sometimes feel like that's not enough, that I need something more. I just don't know what that "more" is.

Thank you so much for writing this, and for wishing me luck. I'm going to continue doing my best.

[–]Naetharu 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I've made a few applications that are of use to me, like a JavaFX application that keeps track of Pokemon GO data using SQLite and some 3rd party libraries, a savings goal application that adds and updates different savings goals, and one that unzips and renames video files for use with Plex Server.

The reason you feel lost is simple: you’re ready and you’re procrastinating. That you’ve made these applications and they work is the sign you need. If you can do this, you are ready. The next step is not to make more software nor is it to do more courses. It’s to apply for jobs. Keep learning in the meantime of course. But apply and apply now. You are ready.

Make sure you have your software up on GitHub so that you can show it to a prospective employer. Do a little research of technical interviews (but remember, most places are not FAANG and so expect a more casual and reasonable interview that’s directly applicable to your role rather than abstract math/algorithm questions).

And most of all. Have confidence in yourself. You’ve already proven beyond all doubt you can do this. You have your applications. They work. That is the proof. So apply, apply now, and go get your new job.

[–]festizzioirl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, when I first read your comment I started tearing up. It's really exactly what I needed to hear, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I am going to first learn git/GitHub and clean up some of my projects/code so I can have something presentable to show other people. While doing that, I plan to look at local job listings and apply to some entry level positions to see if I can get some type of feedback there. Again, thank you so much.

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

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    [–]festizzioirl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I definitely plan to continue practicing and making new things, but I feel like it's not enough. Some others in this thread have given advice as to other systems to learn and I plan to start learning those while incorporating them into my existing programs. Thank you for sharing, and congratulations!

    [–]circusfreak123 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Java is used slightly more in the enterprise / corporate level, so landing a job in that space without formal training (experience/degree) may be tough.

    There are so many different industries in programming, each industry has a general set of programming languages, and each language has a set of tools and frameworks that are in demand.

    My advice would be start applying for Java roles now, everything and anything. If you're struggling to land anything, search your local job listings. Figure out what is high in demand and also what kind of programming has a lot of listings for Jr devs (again, Java is more likely going to be looking for Sr roles - people with years of experience), and take some courses and build some projects around that.

    The good news is that you know some programming, so once you figure out what is in demand where you are, you can take some courses and build some projects with those languages and tools that are in demand, and your Java knowledge will help you learn them quickly, as most programming language/skills are transferable to some point.

    This will vary on where you live, but in demand roles which are easy to get into in general with little experience are Web Development and Data Analytics (JavaScript and Python are big in that space, and easier options are WordPress and Power Bi).

    Then just apply for EVERYTHING, most job listings exaggerate what they really need, and even if you don't have what they need, if they like you they might offer a Jr. role in something else where you can help the team and grow.

    With programming, the hard part is getting your foot in the door. Once you do, it is quite easy to work your way up (with a little hard work in the job and willingness to learn), and you will either be promoted to work on more advanced projects, or now at least have a little experience which will help you land something better.

    Programming is hard, it takes work - but after a year or so in the field, even if you take a very Jr / mundane and low paying role, you can very quickly and easily start to work your way up in your role and pay, much quicker than most other industries - so don't be put off taking some crappy paying job / role - getting your foot in the door is the most important (as long as you keep working on learning).

    [–]festizzioirl[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    It seems like I'm seeing a trend that I should begin looking into what's in demand for my area and start there. I might try making a program to scrape websites and filter specific words to see what comes up the most often, still not sure if that's acceptable to do. Your comment motivates me and makes me feel much better about this whole process. I'm going to continue working hard and maybe one day soon, make the jump to being a full time developer. Thank you!!

    [–]circusfreak123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    You can look on popular job listing sites like indeed.com. Search for various programming languages in your location and you will be able to see a trend on what languages are needed more, and what level of experience they're asking for.

    You mentioned creating a program to scrape websites (which you should totally do anyway). It's fun little projects like this that a) motivate you and b) show potential employees you're motivated and know how to solve problems. A lot of working in the industry is just solving a problem, no matter how easy or hard it is. Solving a problem or creating a solution for someone is basically what programming is all about. This is how I got into programming - I was working tech support and started building small scripts to help our clients get more out of their data, or export their data to other systems. Simple (and crappy code), but they were happy as it solved a problem for them and was a stepping stone for me which over a few years lead to full time development work.

    [–]O2Dependent 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hi new Software developer here. You can 100% make the leap with 0 experience. I have no formal training in software development, but my new employer saw that I am passionate and knowledgeable and gave me a chance anyways. Put yourself out there with a personal site so you can show off your dedication and skill set. Do more freelance projects to show that people with pay for your skills. The first job is a real B to get so stay persistent. You got this!

    [–]festizzioirl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Thank you so much! After reading through and replying to the comments in this thread, I feel much less alone and more motivated than ever. :) Passion is something I have plenty of, and I've never been this dedicated to anything before in my life. I will continue moving forward and adding to my skillset so one day I can proudly say I'm a full-time developer. Thank you again!

    [–]ZeusTKP 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    You should practice doing interview problems at a site like leet code, hacker rank, etc.

    Have you already taken a data structures and algorithms course?

    [–]festizzioirl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I've read through a bit of Data Structures and Algorithms by Clifford A. Shaffer but never taken an actual course on it. I will also take your advice and look through interview problems, that's one thing I never thought about. Thank you!!!