How I started from 0 and got my foot in a door.

#beginners #webdev #frontend #programming

I was accepted into a paid apprenticeship training program. Yes - getting paid to learn. Let me tell you how I accomplished that, so you can maybe use this to guide you, if you are feeling directionless.

Last year, I didn't code. I haven't "finished" a bootcamp.

I am a beginner.

My B.S. in health, not computers.

I am also an artist.

I first started as most of us do now, with taking courses online at my own pace to learn some foundational basics. (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) I bought several books to assist as well.

I researched what other people did to land a job or get there foot in the door somewhere, since I didn't know what I was doing. Here are the tips I can share with you:

Look for tech groups on meetup/discord, be an active member, contribute to projects.
Work on building up your github so people can see what you are capable of. Make some nice readme's. Spice up your github front page a bit. Just in general, try a little bit harder.
Search your local community for programs that offer training, apply for apprenticeships. A lot of times these will be called "Workforce Development Centers" and other similar terms. I found several in my area.
As a minority programmer, (a female...) I found some great programs that were specific to me, that could meet me where I was at. I know that there are tons of programs for people changing careers even if you don't meet this criteria. There was a totally inclusive one in my local community but at that time I was unable to meet the schedule requirements, so I moved on and kept learning on my own. There is not one opportunity, but multiple. You just need to keep your eyes and mind open.
Stay focused on learning one area really good before hoping around. Once you understand the basics, everything else is much simpler to learn.
If you get overwhelmed and want to throw in the towel, take a break or find something else that is "fun code" that you really enjoy. For me, it's CSS animations right now.
There is a lot of pressure to be really good at everything. But there is something majestic about being really good at one language, and then being able to do other things as well. That makes you a specialist. We need specialists to solve our hardest problems. Don't water yourself down by trying to learn 5 things at once. It will probably not serve you.
Your previous work and life experience are transferrable skills. Especially the ability to learn and take on new challenges. As a beginner, your toolbox is focus and determination. Use it.
GOLDEN TICKET: Now that you have put all this work in, you can talk about any experience you have during your interview, whether it's an unrelated entrepreneurial endeavor (shows determination and life skills) group projects you are working on (community involvement) and other programs and skills you have learned or are working on (continuing education, relevance)

You'd be surprised how far determination will take you.

It's how I made this happen for myself. Eat sleep code repeat. One day, you can take breaks and vacations. But right now, it's hustle time! You have goals to accomplish. Got get 'em.

I've lived enough to know whats out there for me if I don't change something. This is my onChange.

If you would like specific tips/help/resources please comment below and I will do my best to guide you!