How to land a full stack developer job without a tech degree?
Yes, you can get a job as a full stack developer without a technical degree—Here's how to get a job as a full-stack web developer.
So you're passionate about web and app development, and you've learned and practiced coding and programming on your own. You may even have created a few web applications on your own. If you are a self-taught full-stack developer, you may be wondering how to learn coding online and become a full-time developer. These factors may be relevant to you.
Full stack developer has become one of the most in-demand positions in technology. The explosion in this field has resulted in the significant increase of both full stack developer course and in-person training centers that assist individuals in becoming full stack developers (and this has nothing to do with piling up a stack of pancakes at IHOP!).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 174,300 job openings in the web development industry, with a projected 8% job growth over the next decade.
Let's start with the basics of what a full stack developer is and how to get a full stack developer job without a degree.
What exactly is a full stack developer?
A full stack developer is a programmer who can work on both the front and backend of an application, with the front-end referring to the user interface (what lay people see on applications) and the back-end referring to the behind-the-scenes of an application such as server configuration, database management, and so on.
What are their superpowers as a Full-stack developer?
The best thing about full stack developers is that they can oversee the entire app development process, from the conceptualization stage to the finished end product. They can assist their companies in ensuring that their app can be launched and maintained smoothly by having a broad understanding of the entire application.
According to Stackoverflow's annual developer survey (100,000 interviewees), only half of all professional developers have a bachelor's degree, and a third of this half majored in something completely unrelated to computer science and software engineering.
Okay, now that you're certain you're a full-fledged full stack developer, it's time to figure out what information to include on your resume to get you a full stack developer job you want.
1. Technical Knowledge
This is essentially a no-brainer. Your technical skill set, like any other professional job, serves as your passport to even be considered for the position.
When applying to become a full stack developer, make sure to include your technical skills for both front end and back end development.
Front End Technical Skills Required:
- HTML, CSS, and Javascript
These are the most basic programming languages used in frontend development. HTML is used for the layout and structure of an application, CSS for the platform's designs and interface, and Javascript for loading and displaying data to your users.
- Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a CSS framework for creating responsive websites. With the grid layout, web building structure and knowledge of bootstrap, you can pretty much build any website or application interface.
Back End Languages/ Technical Skills Required:
- Node.js
Most entry-level full stack developers prefer Node.js because it is built on Javascript and thus has a shorter learning curve. Because it uses the same programming language, it also allows for seamless communication between the front end and back end development processes.
2. Professional Experience
Nothing beats gaining the trust of a potential employee by demonstrating that you are more than just a theory geek and can get the job done perfectly.
Don't just provide a few lines describing your previous roles when listing your work experience on your resume. They could simply Google job descriptions if they desired. You don't want your resume to look like every other developer applying for the job. You want to stand out among the hundreds of resumes received by the company.
As a result, don't simply copy a list of skill sets from the internet. Be specific about your roles and what you were responsible for. There is no need to exaggerate or lie; instead, concentrate on the pertinent information that will add value to your new potential company. If there are roles and responsibilities that are no longer relevant to your career development, you can either write brief descriptions for them or omit them entirely, focusing on the ones that will be more meaningful to the recruiter.
3. Take a course
Online courses, immersive coding bootcamps, and (to a lesser extent) certification tests are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to college because they provide learning opportunities that are hyper-focused on the core skills required to code—without wasting time on electives and frat parties. Alternatively, if you have some university experience and some of these credentials you may consider a degree completion program to fast-track your previous post-secondary education into a relevant credential.
To remain relevant, even the best prepared should be willing to continue learning new things. New technologies frequently join the fray — no one knows everything. A full stack developer must keep up with these changes. Taking online or virtual courses is a convenient way to continue your education. Some courses provide full stack developer courses with job guarantee.
Because the goal is to learn theory and gain practical experience as quickly as possible, look for courses that provide:
- Mentoring from experienced coders.
- A schedule that is adaptable to your needs.
- Projects as a component of the curriculum (see the University of Phoenix, which incorporates teamwork into the curriculum with acumen).
- Clarification of doubts through tutoring (either individually or in groups).
Personal projects have become a standard entry-level candidate resume listing, with most university programs and bootcamps requiring several coding exercises that can later be used as work samples.
So, as you prepare to begin your job search, take stock of your existing credentials and examples—list them out in a document if it helps you see everything on one page—and consider whether there is anything else you want to add.
4. Read these books
If you're brave enough to try your hand at full-stack development, these books will whet your appetite for full-stack resources. Books For Programmers and Coders can help you to have an edge over technical knowledge.
It is critical to find an excellent book to guide your learning. Here is a list of excellent books for full-stack developers that we have reviewed:
- Amazon - Full Stack Serverless: Modern Application Development with React, AWS, and GraphQL.
- Full-Stack React Projects: Learn MERN stack development by building modern web apps using MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js, 2nd Edition: Hoque, Shama: 9781839215414: Amazon.
- Modern Full-Stack Development: Using TypeScript, React, Node.js, Webpack, and Docker.
- Your Essential Guide to the Everyday Skills Expected of a Modern Full Stack Web Developer: Northwood, Chris: 9781484241516.
- Hands-On Full Stack Development with Spring Boot 2 and React: Build modern and scalable full stack applications using Spring Framework 5 and React with Hooks, 2nd Edition.
5. Achievements at Work
Surprisingly, we frequently forget to provide concrete work achievement examples in resumes. Instead of simply stating that you have made significant contributions to your company, provide concrete examples with quantitative results.
If you created an application prototype that is now being used by the entire team, explain how much efficiency it has helped your company achieve. In the appendix of your resume, include visual samples of your best work to help the recruiter visualize your abilities.
Certain problem-solving success stories, whether with your technical or soft skills, can sometimes be included, as they may be exactly what your potential new employee is looking for.
By demonstrating how you made a quantifiable impact in your previous responsibilities, you can make a stronger case for how you can bring similar results to your new role.
6. Get practical exposure
When you have a thorough understanding of all the necessary technologies—HTML/CSS, JavaScript, back-end programming, databases, and HTTP/REST—the most difficult part of the process begins. It is now time to put all of this knowledge to use. You must be aware of the following:
- The proper way to organize code.
- Means to divide files.
- Large media files can be hosted in this environment
- The appropriate data structures to use.
- Each computational task's location (client-side or server-side).
- Theoretical knowledge can be obtained by reading online materials, but in order to properly understand application architecture, you must implement a real-world web application.
Working as part of a team is the best way to accomplish this, but an individual can also develop an application on their own. This exercise adds the all-important practical exposure to a full-stack developer's technology toolkit.
A few companies may require a degree in computer science to apply for a position, but most will overlook education if a candidate can demonstrate the necessary coding abilities.
7. Getting Ready for a Full-Stack Developer Interview
The recruiter will want to assess your knowledge and skills, as well as your interpersonal skills, during an interview. Make sure you've prepared so you can confidently answer the questions, and emphasize your interest in full-stack development. Practice These Java Interview Questions To Land Your First Job
What is the average time it takes to become a full-stack developer?
If you decide to pursue higher education, you will most likely spend 2-4 years in the program.
Bootcamps are much shorter programs that typically last three to six months. Furthermore, these programs frequently include 1:1 career coaching to assist you with your full stack developer job search. It is an excellent place for people to begin a career in full-stack development as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Securing your first development job after graduating with no experience is difficult, but there are tried-and-true methods for upskilling and attracting employer attention.
Choose a back-end and front-end language, then create a site and a plugin. Follow blogs and comment on them without worrying about what others will say. Put everything you do on GitHub and try out all the cool new tools.
Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you, with the same resources and opportunities. Follow the advice in this guide, be committed while remaining patient, and a well-paying job offer will come your way.