Frankly, the bulk of employers want folks who can do the work with as little effort from them as possible. A year (or more) of experience indicates that someone else took the risk on you, developed you a bit and now you're a safer bet. This approach is flawed in more ways than I can count, but it's the de facto approach to hiring "safely".
Having said that, and from personal experience: Forget how much experience they want you to have. Apply, demonstrate your ability in interviews or your portfolio, demonstrate proactivity in learning and you'll probably be just fine.
I'd also recommend that you adjust your focus. Maybe you're applying to small, local companies that seem super cool and have ads out for junior devs. But those companies aren't going to have the resources to support and develop you, thus it's not super likely that they'll hire you (it's a no win situation).
Graduate/entry level programs at larger companies are designed specifically for your case (solid foundation, but no experience) and the absence of a degree is becoming much less important these days. Getting into a graduate program at a big company without a degree is orders of magnitude easier than getting a junior role at a small company with no experience.
Do the graduate thing for one or two years, then boom! You're an experienced developer and anyone anywhere will give their right arm to have you on their team.
At the bottom of the barrel lay internships (especially unpaid ones). I've never been one to buy into the "prove yourself, then you get paid" mentality associated with internships (in some countries). But when push comes to shove, they're a great way to add a few lines to the "experience" section of your CV.
You're right Leighton, I've been looking for a specific job with specific companies when I can apply and get more options. I'll search with a bigger vision.
Hugs and husky love 🐶
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I've often wondered this same thing...
Frankly, the bulk of employers want folks who can do the work with as little effort from them as possible. A year (or more) of experience indicates that someone else took the risk on you, developed you a bit and now you're a safer bet. This approach is flawed in more ways than I can count, but it's the de facto approach to hiring "safely".
Having said that, and from personal experience: Forget how much experience they want you to have. Apply, demonstrate your ability in interviews or your portfolio, demonstrate proactivity in learning and you'll probably be just fine.
I'd also recommend that you adjust your focus. Maybe you're applying to small, local companies that seem super cool and have ads out for junior devs. But those companies aren't going to have the resources to support and develop you, thus it's not super likely that they'll hire you (it's a no win situation).
Graduate/entry level programs at larger companies are designed specifically for your case (solid foundation, but no experience) and the absence of a degree is becoming much less important these days. Getting into a graduate program at a big company without a degree is orders of magnitude easier than getting a junior role at a small company with no experience.
Do the graduate thing for one or two years, then boom! You're an experienced developer and anyone anywhere will give their right arm to have you on their team.
At the bottom of the barrel lay internships (especially unpaid ones). I've never been one to buy into the "prove yourself, then you get paid" mentality associated with internships (in some countries). But when push comes to shove, they're a great way to add a few lines to the "experience" section of your CV.
You're right Leighton, I've been looking for a specific job with specific companies when I can apply and get more options. I'll search with a bigger vision.
Hugs and husky love 🐶