Greetings everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. I have been focusing on the SAP Web side and working on advancing this blog for a while now. However, today I am going to share with you a packaged version of the advice I give to people who are starting out in software development.
- Github Student Developer Pack
A piece of advice for beginners: I highly recommend the Github Student Developer Pack, which allows you to access many paid programs, domain hosting services, and courses for free throughout your student life by simply using your school email. I encourage everyone to check it out at https://education.github.com/pack.
I missed this pack so much that in June, just to regain access to it, I am planning to take the university entrance exam and obtain a student email.
2. Resume Website
Having a website appear when you Google your name and surname can always add value to your job and internship interviews. For this purpose, you can use Github Pages for free. Personally, I learned HTML and CSS while creating my own website at https://kaancancalkan.github.io.
3. Languages Shouldn’t Be the Goal
When starting to learn a new language or technology, it’s important to have a goal in mind. Learning Python, for example, cannot be a goal in itself. The goal should be data analysis, and Python is a language that serves that purpose. Don’t make languages the sole focus.
If you decide to learn JavaScript just because it’s popular, you might get overwhelmed in the vast ocean of JavaScript. Instead, if your goal is to become a Front-End Developer, you can find a suitable framework that aligns with that goal. Your focus should be on what you want to accomplish and what you want to build during the learning process. The toolkits you use along the way are tools, not the ultimate goal.
4. Be Confident When Connecting with New People
Don’t hesitate to connect with people on LinkedIn or other platforms who have been in the field you want to pursue for years ( they’ve become the “goats” of that profession). Share your own journey with them and ask for guidance on how to follow a roadmap. While not everyone will respond, there will certainly be some who do. If you are truly enthusiastic and confident in yourself, they will recognize your potential. After all, these individuals are experienced. By maintaining contact with them, you not only gain a mentor during your development process but also add a valuable person to your network. Truly, there is no door that a high-quality reference cannot open.
5. Patience
This field requires patience as you will constantly encounter new challenges, problems, and technologies. Therefore, it’s important not to disconnect from the industry. Engage in conversations with your friends about these topics regularly, which is one of the reasons why we aim to build this community.
Most importantly, when you encounter difficulties or can’t accomplish something, avoid falling into the mindset of “I’m incapable.” Three years ago, I couldn’t solve a simple WordPress plugin issue, but now I design web interfaces for corporate companies. It’s a process, and consistency truly plays a significant role.
6. Discover and Pursue Your Passion
Engage in activities that you love and have a genuine interest in. While there are certain fields in the industry like Oracle, Cisco, or Data Analysis that offer higher salaries compared to others, as a junior, you will generally receive similar pay. And as you progress in your career and gain seniority, you will naturally reach a certain financial level. While money is valuable, I believe that passion for your work is even more valuable.
When I started learning SAP Web, nobody told me to create a detailed blog that wasn’t available on the internet. I’m doing it because I enjoy it. Even though I’ve only been writing for three months, I have already started reaping the rewards due to the quality of the content and the fact that no one else is doing it. To be honest, the satisfaction I derive from web development is unmatched by anything else. Although coding for hours and debugging can be exhausting, the joy it brings me often outweighs the fatigue. I can already say things now that I couldn’t say in a job I didn’t enjoy for two years. I firmly believe that I will become one of the best in this field in the coming years.
7.Learning Happens on the Job
Learning happens on the job, my friends. Watching tutorial videos on YouTube can be beneficial for learning specific technologies, but don’t get stuck there. It is essential to translate real-life scenarios into code in some way. Don’t say, “I can’t come up with project ideas.” I probably come up with at least 10 ideas every day. You will surely find something that you think would be nice to create. And while struggling to work on that project, learning how to solve the challenges it presents will be much more productive than watching a 20-hour JavaScript video.
The hands-on experience gained through real-life scenarios and problem-solving will accelerate your learning process and give you a deeper understanding of the technologies you’re working with. Embrace the challenges, push your boundaries, and actively seek opportunities to apply your knowledge in practical projects. Remember, the practical application of skills is where true learning happens.
8.Linux
Here’s a personal recommendation: Install a Linux distribution as a second operating system on your computer. This is because Linux will require you to use the terminal to a certain extent. And trust me, that knowledge of the terminal will come in handy somewhere along the line, especially if you’re involved in back-end or full server-side development.
By using Linux and exploring the terminal, you’ll learn how to communicate with your computer. Over time, you’ll realize how straightforward it is to interact with it. You’ll also come to understand that the real essence of your work is not about understanding computers, but about understanding people, particularly in the context of working with back-end or server-side development.
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