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Andrew Gay
20,893 PointsEntry Level Programming/Computer Job
Does anyone know of an entry level job were you can work from home and get paid more than decent using programming skills. I have spent years trying to pursue my passion of programming but I have yet to land a single computer related job.
Is there a company that will train you what skills you don't have yet and pay you to work for them as a software engineer of some sort without a degree? Freelancing is an option, but I have yet to reach the experience needed to truly freelance successfully.
I have spent hours on job listings and gone in for quite a few interviews and still no luck.
Any suggestions?
3 Answers
jschlansky
7,229 PointsI suggest reconsidering freelancing. The one thing I would change is your mindset. Your TeamTreehouse profile says you have a lot of points within the web development area, so I'm pretty sure you have a good understanding of what it takes to build websites. That is a marketable skill.
The first thing you will want to do (if you haven't already) is start adding projects to your portfolio. Modifying the projects that you complete here can be enough to get your first few jobs, which will be enough to get more.
Now, don't think of yourself as a web programmer. Think of yourself as someone who can provide a business with something that the business needs (ie. a website). Instead of asking a bunch of people if they will hire website programmers, offer to build them a nice website and provide your portfolio as examples of your work.
I've been freelancing/consulting for about 6 months now. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have.
Aaron Walton
3,557 PointsNobody is going to pay to train you as an at-home freelancer. Freelancers are hired for their technical capabilities. If you want an opportunity to learn on the job, plan on getting a full-time in-house position.
James Barnett
39,199 PointsThat's solid advice.
Andrew Gay
20,893 PointsThank you guys for all the advice!
David May
10,572 PointsDavid May
10,572 PointsHey Andrew Gay, I have to agree with Taylor Beck. I spent 1.5 years out of college searching for a job before I finally landed my current web design position at a marketing firm. I attribute myself finally getting this to my freelance work as well as how much more I learned through Treehouse. In my interview, the managing partners of my company pretty much only asked questions about my portfolio pieces, and my motivations/personality.
So, whatever it is that you're not comfortable with on the programming side of things, simply take a step back and start with a small project. Something such as a solidly coded website with some simple javascript(to show you know how to use it) can put you ahead of so many others out there applying to jobs.
So, keep learning but take a shot with freelancing. Ask around for family, check freelance boards, start a personal project. Whatever it take to build your portfolio. That is what employers are going to look at.