Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
Nick Yates
8,621 PointsI need Advice
The thing is I need a job soon, I want to get my foot in the door, and I need help. I finished the "Web Design Track" did some java-script but very minimal in "Front End Web Development Track" and now I decided I don't want to do Web development anymore its not for me. So currently I'm doing Java, and will probably do some C# or Android or PHP I haven't decided yet. I just want to learn whatever will land me a job the fastest. After I land a job I intend to pursue my education further and learn more, but for now I need something that will pay the bills that isn't a dead end job. I find coding fun and exciting, and I love it. What do you recommend doing to get there? I'm hoping to land a job within the next 6 months, I've considered maybe doing the tech-degree, but I'm hearing mixed things about it. Is it worth it? How much time would it take? Will it even help land me a job? I guess the real question I'm asking is What language/languages should I be learning to land a job the quickest but doesn't have to do with Front End Web Development and should I or should I not do the tech-degree? I don't know what to do, any advice or suggestions to point me in the right directions would be helpful.
2 Answers
Jeff Hartl
Python Web Development Techdegree Student 8,420 PointsI'm in a techdegree, and they only allow you to submit one project every two weeks. Since there are 12 projects, it would take you a minimum of 24 weeks to complete the Techdegree. In reality, depending on the pace at which you can learn new subjects, it might take you longer than 24 weeks. I'm a slow learner, so I think it might take me 8 or 9 months to complete everything. But your mileage may vary.
So, if you really do need a job within the next 6 months, you'll need to carefully consider whether or not you really can complete all 12 Techdegree projects within that time frame.
As for languages to learn in order to land a job quickly, I would suggest you go to the online job boards such as Dice or Indeed and put in various language names as your search term --- e.g., "C++", "Java", "SQL" etc. Bear in mind, I've done this, and found lots and lots of hiring managers are looking for "Senior" developers, so if you would be looking for a junior or entry-level position, it might be tough.
This is not based on lots of research or experience, but it seems to me that Java, Javascript, SQL, and even just good old MS Excel are things to look at in terms of skills that are in demand. But please don't take my comments as rock-solid career advice. I'm struggling along just like you are.
Hope this helps!
Alexander Smith
10,476 PointsMy situation is very similar to yours, timeframe and all. I started out doing web design with html css javascript etc. Then i tried out iOS development and liked it exponentially more. Android app development uses a lot of Java, a very sought after language, so not a bad way to go and can be used for web development as well.
As far as finding jobs, I looked on indeed, careerbuilder etc and the vast majority of employers want people with years of experience and a CS degree. As I looked into the lifestyle of an app developer I found more and more that many will leave their jobs to do freelance work. YOU DONT NEED ANY DEGREE to be a freelancer, just a good portfolio of work and good interview skills. You dont even have to leave your home. This is the encouraging path I am taking now to build up a reputation and experience so I can work for a company later if I want to but probably wont want to from what iv read. I plan on getting my own apps put on the app store to show i can do a project and get it to the finish line then do a few for free or cheap to get a foot in with a few clients. This path is definitely worth researching.
Check out upwork.com . Click on become a freelancer and see all the postings of contracts people offer. There are literally thousands in all types of development. This is a great place to start