Are you learning how to code and looking for ways to get some real-world experience?
This article will introduce you to exploring different options for real-world experience.
Let's start.
Open-source projects
I've never tried this one, but I'm aware of people who contribute to open-source projects with other people to feel how it's like to work on a real-world project.
An open-source project is a project where the source code and documentation are free and public.
As a beginner, making a small contribution to an open-source project can mean:
Making small bug fixes
Improving the documentation
Come out with new feature ideas
Where can I find open-source projects?
GitHub is a great place to search for open-source projects. On Github, many projects are actively looking for contributors. Here's an example:
Another place to look for an open-source project is on the DEV Community
By contributing to an open-source project, you will:
Improve the quality of your code.
Learn how to open a pull request.
Learn how to receive feedback from other fellow developers.
These are all practices that will help you infinitely help you when to land your first developer job.
Internships
Internships are a 3 to 4-month (usually) paid experience offered by an employer during summertime.
Most of the time, employers offer internships to students and graduates.
Internships are competitive, so applying as early as possible is wise.
Time ago, I wrote an article about the Top 10 Websites For Internship Opportunities if you'd like to search for one.
Placement Year
A placement year is a 9 to 12 months paid experience part of your degree.
To increase your chances of getting an offer for a placement year, it's best to apply as early as possible.
They are a great way to gain hands-on, technical experience.
The duration will allow you to learn so much stuff, which will help you land your first full-time and permanent software engineering role.
Also, an advantage of a placement year is that if you perform well and the company has enough budget, there is a chance that they may offer you a permanent position once you finish your degree.
Volunteering
This sounds unconventional, but volunteering can be a great way to gain hands-on, technical experience.
I'm sure that in your local community (or, look further out), someone needs to have his website set up and needs volunteers to do that.
Volunteering is great because:
You can learn a real-world skill on a real-world problem for free.
Volunteering looks great on your CV, and it's one of those tiny things that may make you stand out during the hiring process.
According to this article on StackOverflow, volunteering for a nonprofit organization can help you land a software engineering role.
Volunteering your technical skills to support a non-profit is a lesser-known opportunity to create demonstrable examples of your work. At the same time, you can create a real impact and support a cause you care about.[...]They can be a great way to further your experience, build your network, and give back to a great cause.
Conclusion
I hope you've found this article helpful. Do you know of any other way someone can get coding experience? Let me know in the comments.
Thank you for reading my article.
Until next time! 👋🏾
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