Transitioning from academia to the real world of web development was both exciting and daunting. After graduating, I quickly realized that while my degree gave me a solid foundation, it didn’t fully prepare me for the challenges of landing my first project. Here’s how I navigated the journey and what I learned along the way.
The first hurdle was building a portfolio. I knew employers and clients wanted to see what I could do, not just what I had studied. I started by creating small projects—personal websites, a to-do app, and even a blog platform. These projects not only showcased my skills but also helped me refine them. GitHub became my best friend, and I made sure my code was clean, well-documented, and accessible.
Networking was another game-changer. I attended local meetups, joined online communities like dev.to, and connected with developers on LinkedIn. One conversation led to a referral, and that’s how I landed my first freelance project: a simple website for a small business. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start.
The biggest lesson? Persistence pays off. Rejections and ghosting were part of the process, but I kept applying, improving, and reaching out. Each “no” taught me something new, and eventually, I got my “yes.”
To junior developers starting out: build your portfolio, network authentically, and don’t give up. Your first project might not be perfect, but it’s the first step toward something greater. Keep coding, keep learning, and keep pushing forward.
What’s your story? Share your journey in the comments—I’d love to hear how you got started! 🚀
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