25 Tips for New Developers: Advice from a (Mostly) Self-Taught Software Engineer

Prioritize what you value

Success looks incredibly different to everyone. Some people enjoy recognition, others want to make tons of money, others want really good work life balance. What's most important to you will not be the same as the person next to you. Don't compare yourself to anyone else, and don't hold yourself to anyone's standards. Your priorities are valid. Find work places that align with your values and priorities.

Write down your goals and your non-negotiables

What do you want in the future? What's important to you? Is it a certain salary? Or work life balance? Or a certain title? What times do you work best? What culture is best for you? These things may evolve over time, but having them on paper means you can come back and revisit over time. Then you can focus on doing things that get you closer to your goals. Also, remind yourself of those non-negotiables when you get an offer so you can make sure you're going to be in a situation to succeed.

Find employers who want you to succeed

Good management that prioritizes your interests and goals is so important for creating a career where you're growing and thriving. Management makes or breaks roles. Find a manager, and a team, who is looking out for you and wants you to succeed. It will lead to a more functional team and to an environment where you're probably happier.

Just because there aren't jobs listed doesn't mean they don't exist

Just because the perfect job for you doesn't exist on a company's website doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I got my first tech job through cold emailing a startup asking if they had internships

Online applications can be a black hole

Online application portals are notoriously hard to break through. I remember hiring for a single position that had hundreds of online applications. Getting through that process without a connection is incredibly difficult -- possible, but difficult. I would advise trying to make connections or working with recruiters so that you can move to the front of the line.