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Becoming a Programmer at 16: 5 Steps to Success

Original in Russian: blog.skillbox.by
Becoming a Programmer at 16: 5 Steps to Success

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Front-end Developer: 7 Steps to a Successful Career

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My Path to IT: From Games to Programming

From a very early age, I was introduced to computers, which became the foundation of my passion. At the age of three, my father bought me a laptop, and we explored the world of strategy games together. By the age of seven, I had my own computer, and although I was initially interested in games, my passion soon shifted towards game development. This transition from player to creator opened new horizons for me and became an important stage in my journey in the world of technology.

From the third grade, I began actively experimenting with game makers, but my first attempts were unsuccessful. At the age of 11, I set an ambitious goal of becoming an IT specialist, but I didn’t know where to start. My first serious hobby—modding Minecraft—ended in failure when my laptop crashed. However, my aunt's support, who gave me money for a new computer, inspired me to return to my dream. This experience became an important stepping stone towards mastering programming and game development, and I continued to explore new technologies and tools necessary to achieve my goals in the IT field.

My first experience with programming began with Java, when I created a simple calculator. However, not realizing its practical value, I decided to stop programming. Later, I tried to learn Unity, but the limitations of my old device prevented me from making progress. Nevertheless, I continued to deepen my knowledge of C#, which opened up new opportunities and gave me an understanding of the fundamentals of software development.

When it came time to prepare for the OGE in computer science in ninth grade, I chose to learn Python—a language known for its accessibility for beginners. After studying the textbook and watching several tutorial videos, I started coding, but I struggled to grasp the basics of object-oriented programming and ultimately abandoned the textbook. Understanding object-oriented programming is key to successful Python programming, and I intend to return to it to deepen my knowledge and improve my skills.

Soon, a new opportunity arose in my life. I discovered a coding marathon on YouTube, which became a turning point for me. Opening a code editor, I began following the instructor's instructions. However, without waiting for new lessons to be released, I began actively experimenting and implementing my own ideas. This gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and skills in web development, which significantly accelerated my progress.

Inspired by this new direction, I found a detailed landing page layout online and began coding it. This process took about six months, as I worked on it irregularly. Perhaps this was my mistake: I could have mastered the necessary skills faster. After completing the project, I felt a strong desire to create dynamic elements, which prompted me to learn JavaScript. I realized that learning programming opens new horizons in web design and allows me to create more interactive and attractive websites.

How programming changed my life: from a gift to a career

My acquaintance with programming began with a romantic initiative. At 14, I decided to please my girlfriend, who dreamed of a stuffed animal. To realize this idea, I began looking for freelance projects, since I already had skills in developing layouts. This was my first step into the world of programming, which opened up many opportunities and prospects for me. Since then, I have delved into studying technology and development, which subsequently determined my career path.

Creating an account on the Freelancehunt platform was the first step on my freelance journey. I hoped the work would come naturally, but in practice, things weren't so simple. At first, orders were few and far between. My first client agreed to pay 2,000 rubles to optimize the loading speed of a page displaying a 1 in Google PageSpeed ​​Insights. This task turned out to be much more challenging than I expected, but I completed it successfully and met the deadline. As a result, I was able to prepare a gift for my girlfriend.

Freelancing requires patience and persistence, especially in the beginning. Website optimization and performance management become essential skills that open up new opportunities and help attract clients.

After successfully completing my first order, the client offered me a more challenging task for 4,000 rubles. I successfully completed it and, inspired by this success, took on a project worth 10,000 rubles—developing a passport generator in JavaScript. This project also turned out to be a success, and my girlfriend and I are still together.

After achieving significant success in web development, I decided to deepen my knowledge by mastering frameworks. My path began with React, but I encountered difficulties due to the complexity of JSX and a lack of understanding of hooks. Class-based components seemed more intuitive to me, but their popularity was declining. I also studied Angular but couldn't find a common language with it. Eventually, I discovered Vue.js and was immediately intrigued. In two weeks, I developed several simple pet projects and realized I was ready to start looking for a job in this field.

The First Step to a Career: How to Find Your Dream Job

In search of my first job, I turned to the HeadHunter platform. I created a resume, set a minimum salary level, and listed my key skills, such as Vue and JavaScript. After that, I began actively applying for various openings, which became a real challenge for me and an important step in my career. Understanding employers' requirements and tailoring my resume to each opening helped me better prepare for interviews.

To successfully pass interviews, I began actively studying the documentation for JavaScript and Vue.js. I watched training videos on YouTube, including "50 Interview Questions," read related articles, and solved problems on the LeetCode platform, paying special attention to the event loop and algorithms. I've always preferred practice over studying theoretical concepts.

The first interview is always accompanied by nerves, but by the fourth, I already began to feel a significant increase in confidence. This experience showed that preparation and practice play a key role in successfully passing the interview. With each new interview, I better understood what to expect, and this allowed me to present my skills and achievements more calmly and confidently.

In three days, I responded to 100 vacancies. 99 of them ended in rejections, but one employer showed interest and asked when I could start. I answered - tomorrow. In the end, I was offered a salary of 15 thousand rubles with a 5/8 schedule. I accepted the offer, given the time difference with Moscow: by the time I returned from school and sat down at my computer, the workday had already begun in Moscow. This allowed me to combine study and work, which was very important to me.

My first task was developing a large website called "Tsar-Carpenter," a quiz game for children. After that, I worked on a WordPress project, which, unfortunately, was not without its problems: I accidentally crashed the production server while uploading files. The manager was unhappy, but I was lucky and kept my job. Since then, I have never made any mistakes on the production server again. The experience gained during these projects significantly improved my skills in web development and project management.

After six months of work, I began to feel tired. At first, I decided to take a two-week vacation to recuperate. After that, I asked for a raise, but it was rejected. Ultimately, I decided to look for a new job, while continuing to develop my skills in Vue.js. This decision not only allowed me to improve my professional skills but also opened up new opportunities for career growth.

Experience is the son of difficult mistakes: How I overcame difficulties on the path to success

Recently, I received a message from a programmer from Chile who positively assessed my resume and offered to help me find a job. He has experience working for several software development and consulting companies and recommended me for participation in one of his projects. This offer opens new opportunities for professional growth and expanding my network of contacts in the IT field.

At first, I was assigned simple tasks related to writing standardized tests. These tasks were simple enough and could be completed even by those with minimal knowledge of English, for example, finding a specific text on a given web page. Over time, I began developing both frontend and backend code for a platform using legacy technologies such as jQuery and Node.js with Express. This allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills in web development, as well as learn techniques for optimizing code and improving application performance. My first tasks were fairly simple: fixing a table, adding a new one, and improving the interface. However, I was soon offered a more complex task: deploying an application using ClickHouse on Node.js. This work had the potential to generate significant profits for the company, but I encountered difficulties and admitted my failure. This was a serious disappointment for me, and I decided to leave the project. Looking back, I realized that this experience was an important lesson that will help me develop and tackle more complex tasks in the future. After this, I started looking for work again, but faced numerous rejections. Some employers directly stated that they would not consider candidates my age, despite my high technical qualifications. This negatively affected my self-esteem, but I didn't give up and continued submitting my resume.

During my medical appointment, I received an unexpected call inviting me to an interview. Despite the difficult situation, I decided to go through with the meeting. During the interview, I was asked about my technical skills and experience with systems architecture. I answered positively, although I had no previous experience in this field. As a result, I received a job offer and was forced to quickly learn new material.

At the new company, I was involved in a project related to artificial intelligence for medical institutions. The neural network analyzed audio messages and made diagnoses, which significantly improved the diagnostic process. My main task was developing the frontend in Vue.js. I faced several complex tasks, among which the most notable was creating a player to display different sections of a cardiogram. This part of the project was a significant challenge, but ultimately we were successful, which positively impacted the efficiency of medical professionals.

I continued my career by switching to a project for airlines, where I developed numerous tables. The next project was less appealing—it was a platform for finding and hiring experts, which didn't particularly interest me. I worked there for nine months until I noticed an offer from a startup requiring knowledge of Vue.js and TypeScript. This offer marked a new step in my development, as I've always strived to learn modern technologies and improve my skills.

I applied for the job and received an interview invitation just half an hour later. This was a significant milestone in my career, and I was optimistic about the new challenges. Preparing for the interview allowed me to better understand the employer's requirements and showcase my skills and experience. I'm confident this step will open up new opportunities for professional growth and development.

How a Dream Startup Becomes a Reality: The Path to a Mature Salary

A recent interview was a crucial step in my job search. At first, everything went well: I was promised a response by the end of the week, but I never heard back. A few days later, I learned the company couldn't offer me an offer due to my age. They expressed concerns about how I would be able to balance work with school. I insisted on my willingness to take full responsibility, which led to me being asked to complete a test assignment, which had previously caused difficulties for other candidates. The deadline was set for three days. I'm ready for new challenges and hope this will be an opportunity to demonstrate my skills and abilities.

While working on the project, I actively collaborated with the technical director, asking him numerous questions regarding correcting errors in the examples and analyzing the shortcomings of the technical specifications. His detailed answers allowed me to complete the task at a high level. As a result of my successful work, I was offered to discuss salary terms.

Although I had no formal experience working under the Labor Code, I was familiar with its provisions regarding minors. In particular, I knew about the limitation of working hours to four hours per day and the need to complete applications to an educational institution, as well as other formalities. However, I decided not to delve into these aspects and registered as self-employed, paying the minimum tax. This allowed me to work more flexibly and avoid the complex procedures associated with official employment.

I agreed to start work on Monday and requested a salary of 100,000 rubles per month. As a result, I became a lead developer, as the previous specialist left for Ozon. Our team, despite the age differences, treated me with respect. I highly value my team – the work chat has a friendly atmosphere, despite the fact that most of my colleagues are eight years older than me.

Working at a startup was an important stage in my professional growth and a source of confidence in my abilities. If you are considering a career in startups, don't be afraid to test your strengths and take on responsibility. This can lead to unexpected and positive results, opening up new horizons and opportunities for your development. Working in a dynamic startup environment, you can not only improve your professional skills but also become part of a team that strives for innovation and success.

The daily routine of a school programmer: how to combine study and work

My day starts at 7:30. After a ten-minute wake-up call, I get ready and head to school, where I spend six hours. During this time, I try to take a break from programming and focus on studying. Upon returning home, I have lunch and wait for my daily meeting, which lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. This routine helps me effectively manage my time between studying and programming, allowing me to stay productive and focused on my goals. After the meeting, I immediately start coding. After finishing my work, I commit the changes and push them to the repository. In the evening, to relax, I take a walk for about two hours, and then go to bed at around 1 a.m. Doing homework at school helps me study well: for example, I can memorize a poem in just 20 minutes during recess. This approach to studying and work allows me to manage my time effectively and achieve high results. My school week consists of six days, while at work, the weekend is Saturday and Sunday. I dedicate these days to rest and recovery. I prefer to take walks in the fresh air, watch IT podcasts, learn new technologies, and sometimes just relax on the couch. This approach allows me to effectively recharge and be ready for new challenges.

Accumulated fatigue sometimes manifests unexpectedly, but I try to make it to the holidays so I can properly rest. I have a rule: if I'm not writing code, it's better to switch to something else. I exercise, do exercises, push-ups, or train with dumbbells. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of great importance, especially at my age, to avoid becoming too thin or overweight. Regular exercise not only helps me stay in shape but also improves my overall well-being and productivity.

I dream of a proper vacation. After a year of working at a startup, I plan to take a break. Recuperation is key to avoiding burnout and maintaining productivity. Regular breaks and quality rest not only improve your mental and emotional well-being but also increase your productivity. A proper vacation is an opportunity to recharge your mind and body, which is especially important in the dynamic startup environment.

My classmates and friends don't show much interest in my work. They occasionally inquire about my salary or ask me to buy something. I don't have any coworker-friends yet, but I actively mentor others, helping them master layout and prepare for interviews for junior developers. My students include both my peers and adults in their 30s and 40s. Mentoring allows me not only to share knowledge but also to expand my professional horizons, which contributes to my own development in web development.

Adult students often raise the issue of ageism in IT. It's important to note that this is a field where everyone has equal opportunities, and I enjoy sharing my experiences. I believe that the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms, for example, to a five-year-old, demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic. This also highlights the need to create an inclusive and supportive environment in IT where experience and knowledge are valued, regardless of age.

Future Strategy and Recommendations for Beginner Programmers

I'll be 17 soon, and I have ambitious goals for the next two years. By the time I'm 19, I aim to become a senior with a salary of 300,000 rubles and then move up to a team lead position. Although programming is an important part of my job, communicating with colleagues and clients brings me more satisfaction. I strive to develop both technical skills and the ability to effectively interact with my team and clients, which I believe is key to a successful career in IT.

My immediate goal is to successfully pass the Unified State Exam with a score of 70-80 points. This is important for my admission to a Moscow university. I strive to choose an educational institution that will allow me to combine study and work, which will allow me to develop in my chosen profession and gain practical experience.

I plan to move in with my girlfriend, take up sports, and organize a trip to Spain. In the long term, I dream of emigrating to the Philippines, where permanent residency costs only $75,000. I also have close ties to American culture, which is quite common in this region. This creates additional opportunities for me to integrate and adapt to a new country.

In my professional career, I strive to deepen my knowledge of Vue.js and TypeScript, as well as master React. My main goal is to develop my own pet project, which will also allow me to learn Fastify and become a full-stack developer. I also intend to focus on creating high-quality architectures and database design, which are essential for successful development of modern web applications. For beginner programmers, there are several useful recommendations that will help you get off to a successful start in this field. First of all, it is important to choose a programming language that suits your goals and interests. Popular languages ​​such as Python, JavaScript, or Java are ideal for beginners due to their simplicity and large community. The next step is practice. Regularly writing code will help reinforce the knowledge gained and develop your skills. Participate in open source projects, solve problems on programming platforms, and create your own applications. This will not only improve your skills but also create a portfolio that will be useful when looking for a job. Don't forget the importance of studying theory. Understanding the basics of algorithms and data structures will make solving complex problems much easier. Use online courses and books to delve deeper into topics that interest you.

You should also pay attention to the programming community. Join forums, social media groups, and local communities. Connecting with other professionals will help you get advice, find answers to questions, and expand your horizons.

Finally, stay curious and open to new knowledge. Technology is rapidly evolving, and continuous learning will be the key to your success in the programming world. By applying these tips, you can confidently move forward in your programming career.

  • Study regularly. Young people have an excellent ability to learn, but if you don’t set aside at least four hours a day for studying, you will not progress.
  • Focus on practice. At the beginning of my journey, I rarely read documentation, and only now do I realize its importance.
  • Learn English. I watch videos and conferences in English, and read articles—it helps a lot.
  • Don't forget about physical activity. Sedentary work can lead to health problems, so exercise is extremely important.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. Communicating with more experienced colleagues can open new horizons. I myself asked questions on forums, even if I received harsh answers.
  • Choose a direction that truly interests you. I started with Python, and it wasn't quite the right choice—I would have been better off diving straight into web development. If you're interested in mobile development, try Android Studio. Every new experience will be useful, as programming languages ​​have a lot in common.

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