Tips on how to become a developer without prior work experience.

Do you enjoy programming, do you know foreign languages and are you looking for a job as a software developer? In this article, we’ll tell you what skills you need to work as a developer and give you advice on how to learn to program if you don’t have any programming experience.

A software developer has an irreplaceable role in a development team. The job description of a programmer depends mainly on his/her specialization, but in general he/she is responsible for the creation of software applications using programming languages, requirements analysis, design and agile development of software solutions as well as bug fixing or Code Reviews. To become a developer, however, you’ll need some soft skills as well as hard skills. We’ll advise you on which skills will help you get a job as a developer.

Job Requirements for Software Developer

As a developer, you should definitely have some experience with programming in at least one programming language. At our place in msg life Slovakia we primarily use the Java programming language, so if you know Java programming, you can apply for example as a junior Java developer. This position requires only the basics of Java programming, knowledge of the English language and a willingness to learn new things and master new technologies, while previous experience as a developer in most IT companies is not necessary.

Did you know that…
… due to the skills required for junior positions is java developer´s salary for IT beginners really above standard. You can earn up to €1,600 when you work as a junior Java developer.

To work as a software developer you also need good analytical and logical thinking, a great abstract imagination and you must be precise, independent, responsible and patient. The job of a developer is not only time-consuming, but also mentally demanding, as you spend a lot of time programming and learning. Therefore, it is important to bear this in mind when choosing a job.

What to do if you have no programming experience

Are you interested in a job as a developer but have no experience and necessary education in the field? Don’t let that put you off your dream job either. For junior positions, the basics of programming are enough, which you can easily catch up with our help. We’ll advise you, how to learn coding and how to become a developer without experience and a degree in IT.

1. Think about what area you want to work in

Whether you’re interested in web development, software application development, business process automation, or artificial intelligence programming, each focus comes with different required qualities and job responsibilities that you’ll perform in a given developer position. So before you start programming, think carefully about what jobs you want to pursue in the future. You can always change your focus, of course, but it’s definitely helpful to start with a clear idea of what type of developer you want to be.

2. Choose one programming language and get better at it

After choosing the area you want to work in, it’s time to choose a programming language. This should depend on your field of study and the skills required for the job. For example, if you want to get a job as a Java developer, you don’t start by learning PHP or HTML. The important thing is to choose one and continuously pursue it alongside your work. Programming languages work on a similar principle, so the others will be much easier for you.

3. Get professional education without a degree

Internet, educational courses for programmers or professional books for developers? As a future developer, you have a big advantage in the availability of information, as you can find resources on how to learn to program pretty much around every corner. Just choose the method that suits you best and you can start as a self-learner.

Nowadays, there are plenty of tutorials available on the internet, and you can also do IT courses from the comfort of your own home. Interesting online programming courses for beginners are offered for example Skillmea, Green Fox Academy, Code.org or Springboard. So if you don’t have a university degree, you can get a professional degree in programming this way too.

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Have you come across an area that you don’t know what to do with or feel like you’re not progressing at the speed you’d like? In this case, other developers who have gone through similar problems can help you. Communities for developers are extremely helpful and motivating when learning a programming language. So don’t hesitate to join one or more.

4. Nothing beats practice in the field

You learn the most when you turn theoretical knowledge into practical experience. So don’t be afraid to start your own projects, apply for an internship or send your CV straight to junior programming positions. The more you program in a given programming language, the more skills you will have and the more valuable you will be on the job market. Before you know it, you’ll be an accomplished software developer.

Programmer jobs come with many tough challenges, but if you are interested in programming and want to work in a dynamic and well-paid sector on interesting projects, you will not be disappointed. Those who wait will wait, and those who start programming will not stop. The most important thing is not to give up at the first obstacles, and soon you will see that all the hard work and hours of programming have paid off.

We are also looking for promising programmers at msg life Slovakia, where you will be among many employee benefits an attractive salary and the opportunity for career growth await you. See our open job offers for developers and become part of an international team of software developers in a leading IT company focused on the development of intelligent software solutions.