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General Discussion

Keith Bender
Keith Bender
8,648 Points

Just finished the front-end web development track, when should I start looking for jobs

Hello, I just finished the front end track and was wondering if I was good enough to start applying. I have my website up @ www.keithbender.me that shows some of the stuff I've made but I'm planning to re-make them with other technologies. I am comfortable with HTML, CSS/SASS, Javascript, jquery, bootstrap, and gulp but I don't know if I should learn React first before starting to apply or work on my projects. Help! I'm lost right now and dont know what to do. I'm considering going to a bootcamp in a couple months also.

4 Answers

Bruce Röttgers
Bruce Röttgers
18,211 Points

For me this sounds pretty solid and the worst that can happen is that you get straight rejected, and that could be a sign that you are not ready.

If you're not so sure, maybe try first out to freelance a bit to see if you can handle stuff.

Keith Bender
Keith Bender
8,648 Points

ill look into freelancing

Brendan Whiting
seal-mask
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree seal-36
Brendan Whiting
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 84,738 Points

Website looks good. Definitely apply for jobs. Your UI & UX Designer section has some lorem ipsum in it, is that the intention?

I did a bootcamp after I'd been learning online for 4 years, and I regret not doing one sooner. But they're going to teach you more full stack stuff. Depends on what you wanna do. If you wanna go for front end/design roles, you don't need a bootcamp.

Keith Bender
Keith Bender
8,648 Points

ty Ill start applying tomorrow

Obviously, you have a fair knowledge of technical languages learned. Enough to probably convince a small business owner to help them put up a webpage for them. But if you're considering a long-running career in tech, possibly working in-house or an agency, the first thing I would do is recommend you build your portfolio further with thoroughly planned collaborative projects. Right now, your pieces feel like standalone samples of: "This is what I can do with Javascript." There are no why's or who in the planning behind each piece. I know nothing about why you decided to create a responsive gallery and for who are you building it for. Look to solve a problem that exists in the world like homelessness, energy management, health tracking... Any topic, and research what's been done or hasn't been done. If it has been done, how can you improve it? Give me a motive or background behind the project.

Also, seek out others starting out at the same level as you who are looking to build a portfolio. Pair up with designers, researchers, copywriters etc; in order to get your feet into working with others. There's a lot to be considered when you are receiving another designers project files and assets, a copywriter's narrative set or data from a researcher. It's about what do you do with their files as well as how you handle teamwork that counts. I say this because hiring managers SERIOUSLY value developers that can work in teams.

So, where do you find these people? Why not start here in the Treehouse community? You can also check out this list of communities where you can find creatives or other developers like yourself. I'm sure there are plenty of aspiring people looking for work in tech willing to do collaborative projects. Ultimately, it is the pre-planning before you ever build anything that is just as valuable as the end result.

I came across this question, and just out of curiosity, Keith, have you had any luck with the job hunt?

Keith Bender
Keith Bender
8,648 Points

Hey Christian, Yes I did find a REMOTE job as a full stack Developer! Stay with it mate!