How to become a Full-Stack Developer with no experience?

According to a survey of 65,000 developers globally, 54.9% identify themselves as full-stack developers. 

A skilled full-stack developer has fair experience in building a reliable product - an app with optimal functionality - to target the ideal audience and get feedback for consistent development.

This explains why companies increasingly consider full-stack professionals to identify front and back-end errors and handle tasks in both areas. 

Given that, job hunters and fresh graduates want to enter the field before it's too late. However, lack of experience holds them back. Here’s how to become a full-stack developer with no experience.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Full-Stack Developer 

Every successful person was once inexperienced. So, if you’re new to the full-stack development industry, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You only need dedication and commitment to hone your skills and land a suitable job. 

We’ve rounded up a few steps that’ll help you on your journey to becoming a successful full-stack developer. Read on!

Know the Basic Responsibilities and Skills 

You cannot kick-start your career unless you know what skills and responsibilities a specific role entails. So, before you dig into learning, get familiar with the responsibilities of a full-stack developer. 

This will help prepare your mind for what you’re required to learn throughout your journey. 

General Responsibilities 

• Working closely with the product and development team to create software solutions 

• Designing and creating user-based interactions 

• Developing front and back-end applications and websites 

• Developing APIs 

• Handling servers, databases, and apps 

• Managing, debugging, and upgrading software 

• Troubleshooting software and coding problems and taking steps to resolve them 

Required Skills

• You must understand fundamental front-end and back-end programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Java, Ruby, PHP, and Python. 

• Understanding the web architecture, app infrastructure, and communication protocols like RESET, HTTP, and TCP is crucial. 

• Familiarise yourself with rational and non-rational databases 

• Must have basic UI/UX designing and prototyping abilities

Be Clear About Your Objectives 

Ask yourself, “What do I plan to achieve within the next few months?” Maybe you want to learn a few programming languages and take a relevant course to improve your skills. However, once you achieve your goals, what’s next? 

Do you plan to work with a larger firm as a full-stack developer or take the freelancing route? Questioning yourself early on will avoid confusion down the road. 

You might also be willing to create an ideal timeframe to reach your goals. For instance, a few people prefer setting targets, “I plan to learn XYZ skills within the next 2 months.” 

Deciding the time frame helps you stay consistent, dedicated, and disciplined. This naturally helps achieve goals quickly.

Move Gradually 

Because full-stack development is a versatile field, you cannot expect to learn everything overnight. It’s best to choose a development specification and move gradually. 

For instance, if you plan to learn front-end coding first, you can start by learning related languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. 

Once you master them, proceed with back-end development technologies and languages. As long as you’re doing it right and improving your skills regularly, moving slowly doesn’t hurt.  

Take a Full-Stack Development Course 

A full-stack developer must have a general understanding of several programming languages, technologies, and platforms, including databases and the front-end and back-end. However, learning everything alone is pretty challenging. 

While we cannot undermine the importance of self-learning, you need professional guidance to do so effectively. One of the best ways to learn from industry professionals and gain experience is to take a professional online course. 

You can dedicate a few daily hours to improving your skills, completing assignments, and attending online classes. 

Whether you want to master programming languages or polish your design skills, online courses can help you build a solid foundation to work with servers and build data-driven websites. 

Not only will you learn full-stack development-related skills, but you’ll also get mentorship to land a job and excel in your career. 

Besides, field-related certifications on your CV are always a pleasant addition. It conveys a sense of your dedication and commitment to the field. Your potential employer would naturally want to consider a passionate candidate for the job.

Learn Development Tools and Software 

Amateur and professional developers alike use various design tools and software when working on a mobile app or website. This helps them expedite their processes and boost efficiency through automation. 

So, besides learning programming languages, getting the hang of development tools is essential. 

Development Tools

• Atom. An open-source text editor for OSx, Windows, and Linux, Atom is one of the developers' most widely used tools. It is a desktop application offering HTML, CSS, and Node.js integration. Its impressive features allow you to edit and document codes seamlessly. 

• Bootstrap. Another open-source framework, Bootstrap, allows development with CSS, HTML, and JS. The app's drag and drop in-built features allow you to bring web pages together. 

• CodePen is a favourite platform of front-end developers, and for a good reason. It lets users quickly prototype front-end code. Plus, you can rapidly present and share it in a readable format. You can also use it to learn and practise back-end development. 

UI/UX Design Tools 

• Mockplus offers several elements to prototype, design, and collaborate. It is a reliable platform for newbie developers who want to practise their design skills and share them with product and development teams for feedback. 

• Sketch lets budding and experienced developers visualise their design ideas. It also offers various features to create quality design pages.

Practise Persistently 

Learning the skills alone won’t help you land a job or grow your career. You need continuous practice to build a strong foundation. Whether coding or design skills, you must dedicate a few hours every day to brush up on your skills. 

Those with a tight schedule can practise for an hour daily. Pick a simple mobile app or website project and work through its coding process. 

Even if a project isn’t paying you much, do not hesitate to consider it. Think of it as an investment. Once you polish your skills and gain some experience, you can get high-paying projects.

Customise Your CV and Build Your Portfolio 

Once you learn fundamental technologies and have the skills required by agencies, it's time to create a CV and build your portfolio. 

Avoid using the same CV for every job. Do not assume that each job requires the same full-stack developer skills. Every company has its own selection criteria based on its unique preferences. 

Therefore, they might be looking for specific skills; you must highlight those in your CV.

So, thoroughly read the job description and customise the CV accordingly. This will convey the impression that you read through the job post and are enthusiastic about the role. 

Besides, invest time in building your portfolio. A CV is the description of your skills, but a portfolio is a proof. It tells the recruiter whatever you wrote on the CV was true and you have practised your way to becoming a full-stack developer.

Apply to Jobs 

Once you’ve built your portfolio, it’s time to look for jobs. Not every full-stack developer job will suit your skills, needs, and preferences. So, you must look through a few to find the right fit. 

This would require you to visit popular job websites and do some research. Here are a few reliable sites to look into. 

Linkedin.com 

LinkedIn.com is one of the best professional networking sites for finding in-house and remote jobs. The platform currently has 972 open positions for full-stack developers in Ireland. You can view whichever seems fit and apply. 

However, we recommend setting your profile and adding a portfolio to demonstrate professionalism. A hiring manager might likely visit your profile before considering you. So, displaying your work is always a good idea. 

Indeed.com 

Founded in 2004, Indeed.com is one of the most popular job websites, with millions of jobs from around the globe. The platform has 450+ open full-stack developer positions in Ireland. 

IrishJobs.ie

IrishJobs.ie is among Ireland’s best recruitment websites, with over 1.5 million job seekers visiting monthly. The platform has posted several full-stack developer jobs with big and small businesses. You can check the job description and salary to find an ideal fit. 

Further, you can explore platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.com for remote opportunities. 

Grow Your Network 

Besides visiting popular job boards and applying for jobs, focus on growing your network. The more people you know, the higher the chance of getting more opportunities. Connecting with professionals allows you to learn more about the industry and grow. 

Therefore, always attend seminars and workshops related to the field. Besides, connecting to others on professional platforms like LinkedIn opens new opportunities.

Prepare for Your Interview 

Even professionals can get nervous without efficient preparation. So, make sure you take time out to prepare for general full-stack developer questions and practise with a trusted friend. 

It will keep you from interview anxiety and minimise the chance of committing errors. Besides, consider learning primary tech stacks. 

The combination of database software, operating system, server and programming languages is termed software stack. Try to master at least 3 main stacks listed below. 

• MERN stack is preferred for its customisation. The JavaScript-based stack includes React, Express, MongoDB, and Node.js. 

• LAMP stack. This software stack is the most popular among others. Besides, its components like Linux, PHP, Apache, and MySQL are free. Hence, amateur full-stack developers can experiment with it to hone their skills and gain experience. 

• MEAN stack. It offers a seamless way to develop apps and websites. Popular components include MongoDB,Angular.js. Express, and Node.is.

FAQs

What to Learn to Become a Full-Stack Developer? 

To become a full-stack developer, you must learn front and back-end technologies, languages, and platforms. So besides knowing how to build apps and websites, understanding the behind-the-scenes operations is crucial. Also, polishing your non-technical skills can help you advance your career.  

Can a Non-IT Person Become Full Stack Developer? 

Any aspiring person can become a full-stack developer; the same goes for a non-IT person. The journey begins by learning a few front and back-end programming languages, followed by honing soft skills like problem-solving, team management, and communication skills.

Conclusion 

Companies are considering the versatile blend of generalisation and expertise more than ever. The rising prominence of full-stack developers is encouraging more people to take the role and build a rewarding career in the industry. 

This guide addressed how to become a full-stack developer with no experience. You only need to learn the right skills, be clear about your goals, and learn regularly. A Full-Stack Software Development Course at UCD Professional Academy can help polish your skill set.