Breaking Into Tech as a Self-Taught Front-End Developer

Hey, I’m David, presently a front-end developer at Crina Studio. In this article, I’ll share how I managed to get this job at a great company without any computer science degree - just through self-study, following a roadmap, and coding day and night.

What Do Front-End Developers Do?

For those who think front-end developers just spend their time “drawing and coloring with code,” let’s clarify what we actually do. A front-end developer is a type of software developer who oversees building the user interface of a website or web application. Our main responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the UI respects the design with high fidelity and quality
• Implementing interactivity and functionalities
• Managing communication with the back-end when needed

My goal in writing this article is to show that anyone can break into software engineering, regardless of their background. The field is full of opportunities and isn’t going anywhere soon. While the journey is challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Getting Started

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in project management, which has nothing to do with my current role. Facing limited opportunities in that field in my country, I decided to switch to something more practical where I could demonstrate my skills directly.

During my search for a new career path, I kept hearing amazing things about software development, particularly web development. What intrigued me most was the passion people had for coding and the potential to land a good job relatively quickly.

My Journey Into Coding

I started with Python, often touted as the most beginner-friendly programming language. I was amazed at how I could create functional programs just by typing lines of code. This discovery felt like magic - I had been using computers my whole life but never considered how the software I used was built.

Wanting to enter the job market quickly, I transitioned to front-end development, which seemed like the most accessible path into software engineering.

My Learning Path

My front-end development roadmap included:

1. Understanding how the Internet works
2. HTML/CSS fundamentals
3. JavaScript & TypeScript
4. React, Redux, and React Router

Building projects with these technologies helped me gain practical knowledge. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the foundation of web development, so it’s crucial to understand them deeply. One of my early mistakes was not digging deep enough into these basics.

The Job Hunt

After building some projects, I began looking for internships to gain real-world experience. I spent months searching on LinkedIn, Twitter, and local developer communities before finding an opportunity at Crina Studio.

The interview was challenging but fair, focusing on the technologies I had listed on my CV. While I didn’t perform as well as I’d hoped, I made sure to follow up and ask for feedback on areas to improve.

The Breakthrough

Two weeks later, I received an unexpected email - Crina Studio offered me a 6-month internship with the possibility of a full-time position. They were impressed by my determination and willingness to learn, despite my non-traditional background.

Working on real production projects was a whole new experience. I had to quickly adapt to using TypeScript, React, and Redux in a professional environment, while also learning about clean code, architecture, and domain-driven design.

Conclusion

Everyone’s journey into tech is unique, but the common thread is the willingness to learn and put in the work. You don’t need a computer science degree to become a successful software engineer - what matters is your knowledge, skills, and determination.

In today’s world, with countless free and paid learning resources available online, the only real limitation is your commitment to your goals. If I could make the transition from project management to front-end development, so can you.

If you found this article helpful in understanding the journey to becoming a software developer, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!