I have a passion for web development, and I've been coding for two years now; for the past 6 months I've been coding 40+ hours a week. I've learned how to build React-Redux applications, and Express APIs. I've subscribed to TeamTreehouse and watch MIT Open Courseware lectures. I've even written a few micro libraries for personal use that are publicly on npm.
Just the other day, I got an 'above average' score on my react test on UpWork; I would consider myself career ready. To solidify all of my knowledge, I'm going to the UNC Chapel Hill coding bootcamp (six months) in the fall, and I believe I will do well as I know every technology on the syllabus.
Though I am only almost 19 and I've only been out of high school for one year. I am very worried that although I have the drive and experience, companies won't want to hire me because I am too young. Am I correct in assuming so? If so, how can I increase my chances of being taken seriously by companies here in Raleigh, NC? Thanks in advance, Charles.
I ♥️ Swift and Javascript.
I don't want to sound like i'm bragging here. but i'm 19 and I have a full-time front-end developer position. although a few years back I was in the same situation you are in.
I started learning web technologies a few years ago when i was about 16 - 17, at the time i could not get enough of it, I read everything that I could get my hands on. after high-school, I knew JavaScript / HTML / CSS front to back, and was considering skipping collage and going into the work force.
At first searching for a job was hard, and my lack of experience in the field did not help at all. I worked with a lot of recruiters, although i never really got any decent offers, and the few offers I did get were for position not even related to web development.
After about a year of searching I decided to start attending some of the local developer meetups in my city. it was awesome to talk to like minded people about things I was interested in. although more importantly I was able to build up connections.
I did this for few months, and then at one of the meetups I met my future boss. we got talking about various technologies, and he mentioned they where hiring and that I should check them out. I did and that is where i am now :)
I realize that I am very lucky to have gotten such a good job so early on. although I wanted to point out that it is possible if you keep at it, and don't stop learning.
good luck :D and if you have not done so already i definitely recommend checking out some of your local dev meetups.
Two years is not a lot of time. I doubt you have created any significant or big projects yet (I know I didn't), so you are still lacking in experience. It is important that you understand that, because your employer will. You should prepare a portfolio with certificates you gathered and projects you actually finished; even if it's just a play-thing or a site or application you used to learn something. Tell your future employer, that you only have two years experience, but learned a lot (list what you know!) and that you are motivated to get hands-on experience and learn even more.
Any employer who employs someone at the age of around plus minus twenty knows that you are lacking experience, and are prepared to offer you what you need to learn to get the job done. Any employer knows that they will first have to invest into a young, new employee. Also, your employer usually dictates some things they do their way, so be prepared to work differently from before.
As for your fear: Don't worry. Companies are looking for young people they can get onboard, mold and then keep for many years. They want your knowledge and they want your fresh ideas. It might be the best time of your life to get employed, especially since in the industry, "being innovative" is very very hyped; and as you have never been shaped by a different company before, you bring everything they want and need.
Marco Alka
Software Engineer, Technical Consultant & Mentor
József Pallagi
Full-stack Developer [Angular, Java]
If you got the skills that job is required you will get the job, regardless your age and other circumstances . After one month as you finished your bootcamp you will be hired ! ;) Good luck !