I’ve been working with many junior developers recently, particularly in mobile. I see the same challenge: landing that “dream job” everyone promised if they just studied hard and followed tutorials. Sadly, that’s not enough.
Many tutorials focus on small, isolated projects, which is a good start. But when applying for jobs, employers want to see something bigger—complete, functioning apps. Have an idea for an app? Perfect! Turn it into your pet project to experiment with and build upon as you grow.
Don’t have an idea? Start simple. A Weather App is a fantastic project to build. You can integrate an API, design multiple screens, and customise it. There’s endless inspiration online for this kind of app.
Building projects will help you master the fundamentals, but you also need a solid grasp of data structures and algorithms—universal tools for any language. Similarly, understanding testing is a skill that can set you apart. Employers value developers who not only write tests but understand why they matter.
Don’t forget about CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment). Study the most common tools in your language—having experience with at least two will boost your chances of landing a job.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Got a developer friend? Ask for feedback. If not, find a mentor: they can accelerate your career growth by guiding you through challenges they’ve already faced.
Invest in yourself. It’s not just about coding; it’s about continuous learning, community, and growth.