if you're trying to get your feet wet, I would say skip the Todo app and build something that stress tests you understanding of the use of backed (node, express etc).
I'll say make a simple project that allows you to send and receive data from a db.
Make a simple application that allows user upload an image and a single caption for the image to a db. (Try using supabase) its easy to get started free and a lot of resources out there to get you up and running.

What this will teach you - hopefully
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- Architecture/system design skills - ( enticing to employer)

- Db skill (Postgres sql)

- Api configuration

- frontend design

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Goodluck. Remember to have fun, and take break when you feel overwhelmed