How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Junior Developer?
The programming field is always in high demand, as technology advances and becomes more integral in nearly all aspects of life. Because of this, many people are eager to get into the field as quickly as possible so that they can begin their careers. Some people seem to think that you can just become a junior developer by going to school for a year or two and then presto chango, you’re ready to take on the world.
But is that the case? How long does it take to become a junior developer? It is possible to attain the skill set necessary for a junior developer without receiving a degree in computer science; it typically takes 6 months to 1 year to become proficient.
What Affects a Junior Developer’s Skill Set?
There are a lot of variables that come into play when determining how long it will take someone to become a junior developer. However, there are some things that we can look at to get a general idea.
Experience
One of the biggest factors in how long it will take someone to become a junior developer is experience. Obviously, the more experience someone has, the less time it will take them to become a junior developer.
However, experience is not just about the number of years that someone has been coding. It’s also about the quality of that experience. Someone who has been coding for two years but has only done simple projects is not going to have the same level of experience as someone who has been coding for two years and has worked on complex projects.
Education
Another factor that comes into play in education. Someone who has a degree in computer science is going to have an easier time becoming a junior developer than someone who does not have any formal education in computer science.
That being said, there are plenty of successful developers who do not have any formal education in computer science. So, while it may make things easier, it’s certainly not necessary.
Natural ability
Some people are just naturally better at coding than others. This isn’t something that can be taught; you either have it or you don’t.
If you’re one of those people who is naturally good at coding, then you’ll likely find that it takes less time for you to become a junior developer than someone who isn’t as naturally gifted.
How to Become a Junior Developer?
When it comes to becoming a junior developer, there are two main options: studying for a degree in computer science, or self-studying to attain the necessary skills. Both routes have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh up all the factors before making a decision.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science
Those who choose to study for a degree in computer science can expect to spend around four years completing their course. While this is a significant investment of time and money, it does offer some advantages in the job market.
Employers often give preference to candidates with a relevant degree, so graduating with a computer science degree gives you a better chance of landing your dream job.
In addition, studying for a degree provides you with access to top-quality resources and facilities, as well as the opportunity to network with other students and professors.
However, it should be noted that the job market is always changing, and what is considered an “essential” experience for junior developers can vary from one year to the next.
As such, no guarantee spending four years studying for a degree will automatically make you more employable than someone who has self-studied for six months.
Self-study
Those who choose to self-study often do so because they want to get started in their career as quickly as possible. While it is possible to attain the necessary skillset within six months to a year, it should be noted that this route requires a great deal of dedication and discipline.
Self-studiers need to be highly organized to make sure they are covering all the important topics, and they also need to have excellent time management skills to juggle their studies with other commitments.
However, self-studying can also be an extremely rewarding experience, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace and tailor your studies to your specific interests. In addition, self-studying can be significantly cheaper than studying for a degree, making it a more accessible option for many people.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that come into play when determining how long it will take someone to become a junior developer. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question; the amount of time it takes will vary depending on the person’s experience, education, and natural ability. However, if we had to give a general answer, we would say that most people will need at least 6 months of experience before they’re ready to become junior developers.