Do you aspire to build a successful career as a full stack developer? Then you must have carried out a fair amount to research to learn about this domain before taking the plunge. If all this research is too overwhelming for you and before you start second-guessing your own decision to become a full stack developer, let’s simplify it for you.
Full stack developers are essentially extremely versatile jack-of-all-trades in an industry that demands excellent programming knowledge. Now, becoming a full stack developer may not seem as difficult, as you initially thought. In this blog, we will enlighten you on the necessary steps that will guide you to be a gifted and successful full stack developer.
1. Explore the Options to Get Educated
When you harbour the dream of becoming an efficient full stack developer, it’s essential for you to explore various options to receive the appropriate education. You can select between the different degree programs to ensure you get a head-start in the right direction of becoming a full stack developer.
The entire process of receiving adequate training and education can take anywhere between 12 weeks to six years. This excludes the time you spend applying and waiting to join a degree program.
2. Developing a Concrete Understanding of Full Stack Development
If you commit to this profession, you must develop complete clarity on the distinction between frontend and backend development is crucial because you’ll have to dabble into both these areas.
The functionalities of websites and apps depend on working code on both ends, Frontend developers focus on UI (user interface) and how app functions on the client side. This includes everything that the users see and engage with on, an app or a site.
Backend developers concern themselves with the way websites or apps function on the server side. This essentially involves the dynamic display of information that’s transferred from a database on a server of that end-user device. This automatically proves that becoming a full stack developer requires a fair bit training and knowledge.
3. Learn the Most Useful Programming Languages
The more programming languages you master, the more you valuable you are to a potential employer. Full stack development is hardly immune to the ever-evolving nature of the tech industry. This is why so much of a developer’s success is dictated by their willingness to learn new and emerging programming languages. However, to begin with, budding developers should focus on a learning bunch of languages, some of which mentioned below.
- CSS
- HTML
- JavaScript
- React JS
- jQuery
Similarly, user experience doesn’t mean much if the behind-the-scenes machinations are not in proper order. The knowledge of backend programming frameworks and languages is pivotal in ensuring that the websites perform efficiently. As a full stack developer, you’ll be expected to have an expertise in the following backend development frameworks.
- Java
- Python
- PHP
- SQL
- Ruby
4. Acquire Relevant Certifications
With the rapid expansion of the technology industry, employers tend to rely implicitly on programmers – particularly on those with full stack development skills. Candidates with excellent coding skills are always in high demand by organisations in almost every industry.
As the need for developers grow, so do the courses teaching competitive curricula for careers in full stack development. If you haven’t yet decided what certifications to get, you start off with courses that teach HTML or a similar foundational programming language to understand what’s ahead.
5. Acquire Meaningful Exposure and Real-World Experience
Employers are often sceptical to hire developers with sufficient experience in the domain. However, if you’re a budding full stack developer, you won’t have a relevant work experience. Now, how do you look for practical opportunities to hone your skill? There are several options to help you work towards building your career as a full stack developer. Some of these options include:
- Taking on internship programs
- Writing codes for projects you attempt yourself or as a contributor to open-source projects
If you’re already pursuing a degree, you may already have access to resources and multiple opportunities. As you gain real-world exposure, you should compile them in a portfolio, which you can share with potential employers. This step may require considerable time, but you can dabble into as many of these opportunities to develop your knowledge and skill.
6. Prepare Well Before Searching for a New Job
The internet is a blessing for those seeking lucrative job opportunities in the domain of full stack development. Before submitting your first application, however, you need to ensure you’re perfectly equipped to venture into a new job.
- Pay Attention to Your Portfolio
Create a free GitHub account and maintain the code from your individual and open-source projects in repositories that recruiters and employers can check out. Additionally, you’ll have hands-on experience with version control which is a crucial skill for any developer.
- Take Part in Mock Interviews
Devote sufficient time to study common coding problems, technical questions and behavioural questions and practice how you might address them.
- Flex Your Networking Skills
Connecting and interacting with seasoned developers and companies you may apply to can help you gain some valuable perspective about the interview process, company culture and other aspects. Resources such as college or university alumni groups or LinkedIn will make connecting simpler. You won’t regret investing a little time every day to focus on these activities.
7. Become a Full Stack Developer
Whether your specialty is computer programming, data or electronics engineering or web development, you job description may vary from other similar roles. Hence, you must be sure to read up carefully on what the job entails and that it aligns with type of specialization you’re intrigued about.
If you’re already working in the field, you may be more acquainted with the day-to-day tasks. If you’re hired in as junior developer, you can expect to undergo an onboarding process, meeting with senior developers and eventually your first project.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of technology continuously expands its horizons. Depending on the specific needs of the technology, the need for hiring full stack developers is also rising steadily. Those inclined to make a career in full stack development need to remember these pointers and follow them religiously to succeed in their journey ahead.