I've got the upcoming month of December off and with graduation and a job search looming, I've decided to work on some projects to show off my skills to potential employers. For every week in December I'm aiming to churn out a prototype, and so I'm looking for some tips for getting an idea up and running in a short time frame. I know that I'll be relying heavily on frameworks and libraries, but are there any tips from experience anyone can offer these types of projects. Finally, does this sound like a reasonable way of building up a base of examples for a job search for a candidate with limited experience?
+2
A:
While it's always good to know how to work using various frameworks, I know that I won't be impressed by a candidate showing me projects he made mostly relying on frameworks. So maybe you shouldn't rely on a framework in all your web-apps.
But what looks more important, IMO, is that you think and you plan your web apps before you start coding them. Having some clear documentation will most likely impress employers more than some code they may not even understand : you are a technical guy, but the guy you talk to isn't necessarily one.
Now about ideas...do you know what companies you're going to target ? Applying for a job in a bank and showing them your brand new blogging system won't work so well...I'm gonna need more informations about what you studied exactly, and what kind of companies you are interested in, to help you out here.
Nicolas
2009-11-24 16:17:48
Your point about frameworks makes sense. The more I think about this plan, the more it feels like I should focus more on coming up with 4 ideas for web applications and spend each working throgh the planning stage. This way I can have some example work to show off how I am with planning and take the strongest plan and build out a full example project.As for the companies I'm targeting, I'm still working on narrowing that down, but I'm currently interning at a company that produces a web based cms, and I'm looking for a software development position working on a similar project.
aubreyrhodes
2009-11-24 18:48:33
That's exactly my point...not that knowing how to work with frameworks is not important, but if you can prove someone you know how to think, how to plan, how to focus, they'll have no doubt about your ability to work with a framework :) Good luck with your job search, and have fun building these projects !
Nicolas
2009-11-24 23:46:20
+1
A:
I agree with Nicolas in that relying on Frameworks may not necessarily be the best way forward - what if your chosen framework isn't used by the employer you're targeting?
Additionally, it would be better to have one well-polished, well written example that can show off all of your skills rather than a hodge-podge of rushed projects.
Katy
2009-11-24 16:27:24
A:
I would recommend the use of Mockingbird to start off your design whatever it may be.
To stick to a prototype per week make some effort to do a bit of project planning and estimation as these are skills you will definatetly need when you start work.
If this is about making yourself more employable, answer questions on SO and raise your reputation. Get your CV ready to go Public when you start job hunting.
Dave Anderson
2009-11-24 18:17:38