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by coreyp_1 1464 days ago
Projects. Build (non-trivial) things and put them online. Write about them or make a video. It takes a while to build up a collection of these projects, so start now. But, when interviewing in the future, point to your list of projects to demonstrate that you are so committed to coding that you do it for fun, and you will be surprised at the interest that companies will have in you. You might even find some freelance gigs to give you more experience.

This strategy worked for me many times!
1 comments
UnhppyCnsltnt 1464 days ago
What would you recommend as non trivial projects? Do you mean trying to clone some existing service with a given toolset or should I try to come up with something (somewhat) original?
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coreyp_1 1464 days ago
In my opinion, the best project is one that meets your specific need.

In other words, you don't want to say "I can copy someone else's work", but rather "I can have an idea and then build it myself", which is a much more desirable skill. It also usually indicates that you know the tool/language/service well enough that you can create something original and not just follow a script or tutorial.

I can give you a million ideas (really!) but you need to come up with something that resonates with you, personally.

As an example, I will tell you the project that I'm finishing up, and the project that I'm doing next. And I already have a good job... I just like building things and solving my own problems!

I just finished designing, building, and installing a LED light fixture for my kitchen that integrates with my smart switches and Home Assistant. I'm editing the video for it now and will post it on YouTube soon.

My next project is to create a digital audio mixer that my home automation can control via ZigBee. Reason: no commercial offerings do what I want done with separate and overlapping zones.

You might look at this and say "but none of that sounds interesting to me!", or "I'm wanting to work on different technologies!" That's great! You shouldn't try to copy me! Scratch your own itch and explore your own interests! And tell us about it here when you do something cool!

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