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What to Do After a Coding Bootcamp: Practical Steps to Launch Your Developer Career

· 6 min read
devdermo
devdermo
Software Development Educator

So you finished your coding bootcamp, now what? You’ve built a solid foundation in core web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You might have also learned popular tools and frameworks like React or GraphQL. But now, the big question is: How do you stand out in a sea of other bootcamp graduates who have learned the exact same things as you?

What to Do After a Coding Bootcamp: Practical Steps to Launch Your Developer Career

Lean into your strengths 🏋️​

The first job I landed as a developer was a support role at a company that maintained a CMS for hotels and restaurants. While I had been learning programming and web development for about a year at that point, I didn’t have a formal education or even a portfolio to showcase my skills. What I did have, however, was a background in the hospitality industry, which helped me stand out.

Even though my previous experience seemed unrelated, the fact that I had worked in a hotel and used a CMS for room availability was enough to get my foot in the door. Once I got in, I proved my technical skills and grew from there.

Whether your background is in food & beverage, retail, or customer service, lean into that experience. It can set you apart from your peers and open doors in ways you might not expect.

Upgrade Your Skills 📈​

Before tackling new languages or frameworks, get comfortable with what you’ve learned. Just like with a musical instrument, mastering one makes learning others easier later. Focus on building full-stack web applications, understanding database design, user authentication, and secure APIs before moving on to other technologies.

Don’t Jump Into a New Language (Yet)​

For now, focus on mastering the skills you have learned already learned. Just like playing an instrument, if you have mastered one, it will be easier to learn another down the road. Once you have a good understanding of building a full stack web application, with user authentication, robust database design, and a secure API to interact with, then you can start to think about learning a new language or tech stack. There will be plenty of time to learn new languages and tech stacks in the future.

Enhance Your Existing Skill Set​

Most bootcamps teach the basics of JavaScript and React. While this is a solid starting point, many job listings require experience with more advanced tools like Redux, TypeScript, or GraphQL. Here are a few to prioritize next:

  • TypeScript: Adds static typing to JavaScript, helping you catch bugs early and make your code more maintainable. Learn more here.
  • React Meta Frameworks: Vite or CRA is good for learning, but for real-world projects, consider frameworks like Next.js or Remix, the latter of which is backed by Shopify.
  • Databases: Revisit database design. Tools like Prisma work well with TypeScript and can optimize your workflow.
  • CI/CD: Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment are key to modern development. Explore tools like GitHub Actions to automate deployment processes.

Master Your Tools​

You likely spent countless hours in your text editor during bootcamp, but there’s always more to learn. Efficiency in using your development tools will help you in the long run. Here are some to explore:

  • VSCode Keyboard Shortcuts: Improve your speed by learning key shortcuts.
  • Emmet: Write HTML and CSS faster with this plugin.
  • Prettier: Maintain consistent code formatting.
  • ESLint: Enforce coding standards and catch errors early.

Build a Portfolio 🎨​

Programming is a practical skill, and your portfolio is the ultimate proof of what you can do. Many bootcamp graduates face the challenge of having portfolios filled with projects that are too basic or too similar to their peers.

To stand out, consider creating new, unique projects after bootcamp. A portfolio featuring the same “To-Do List” or “Weather App” as everyone else won’t make you memorable. Start fresh with projects that demonstrate real-world problem-solving.

Specialize in a Niche 🎯​

Standing out in a crowded field of bootcamp graduates is tough, but one surefire way is to pick a niche and specialize. There are already many generalists out there, but becoming an expert in a specific area can make you more attractive to employers. It can also increase your earning potential, as specialization often commands a premium.

Engage in Networking & Communities 🤝​

One of the most effective ways to grow as a developer and discover job opportunities is by joining developer communities. Networking can help you stay informed about industry trends, build relationships, and get advice from experienced developers. Here are some ways to engage:

  • Join online communities: Platforms like Dev.to and Stack Overflow offer a chance to ask questions, share knowledge, and participate in discussions.
  • Attend meetups and conferences: Meetup.com hosts tech meetups in cities around the world. Participating in local coding events or conferences can help you meet other developers and potential employers in person.
  • Contribute to open-source: Contributing to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub is a great way to practice your coding skills, build your portfolio, and gain real-world experience.

Networking is a powerful tool—don’t hesitate to reach out to others for guidance and collaboration.

Job Search Tips 🔍​

Navigating the job search after bootcamp can be overwhelming, but with a few focused strategies, you can increase your chances of landing the right role:

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile​

Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is complete and showcases your skills, projects, and interests. Include relevant keywords (e.g., "full-stack developer," "JavaScript," "React") to make your profile more discoverable to recruiters.

Tailor Your Resume​

Craft a resume that highlights your technical skills, projects, and experience. Make sure it’s concise, and always tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. Emphasize your problem-solving abilities and any collaborative projects you’ve worked on.

Practice Technical Interviews​

Many companies use coding challenges and technical interviews to assess candidates. Practice platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal to sharpen your problem-solving skills.

Apply Strategically​

Rather than applying to every job you come across, focus on roles that align with your skills and interests. Start with internships or junior positions, but also consider smaller companies or startups, where your contributions may be more impactful.

Everyone’s journey after bootcamp will be different, but these steps can help guide you in the right direction. Whether you're expanding your skillset, networking with other developers, or creating unique projects, the key is to stay curious, keep learning, and continually push yourself to grow.