Introduction

As an ERP consultant with four years of experience in PeopleSoft, the decision to pivot my career to web development is a significant transition. This journey has been marked by excitement, confusion, and valuable advice from all corners. In this article, we will explore the value of platforms like Freecodecamp, the importance of working on projects, and the rise of in-demand technologies that may offer better career opportunities.

Freecodecamp: A Valuable Skill Building Platform

Freecodecamp has earned a reputation as an excellent resource for aspiring web developers. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including front-end, back-end, and full-stack web development. However, like any learning platform, Freecodecamp's utility depends on your learning goals and the context of your career aspirations.

Blindly completing the curriculum solely for the sake of obtaining a certification might not provide the depth of understanding and practical experience needed to succeed in the industry. As a developer, it's crucial to work on real projects, even if they are small, to gain valuable hands-on experience and build a portfolio that showcases your abilities.

Why Projects Matter

Projects, especially when they are small and specific, serve as crucial stepping stones in your development journey. According to W3Schools Online Web Tutorials, which is a fantastic source for practical, hands-on learning, building your own projects helps you:

Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios Develop problem-solving and debugging skills Gain confidence in your abilities Create a portfolio that employers can easily assess

Additionally, Traversy Media, a popular YouTube channel known for its practical and comprehensive tutorials, can provide valuable insights and guidance as you build your projects.

Reflections and Realities

While the journey to becoming a web developer is undoubtedly rewarding, the path is not without its challenges. Recently, while discussing my career switch with a knowledgeable friend in the IT industry, Freecodecamp was treated with skepticism. My friend, who has expertise in BI, Hadoop, and big data, provided a pragmatic and honest perspective that left me more confused than ever.

Here is the essence of his advice:

“I think you are wasting your time. It's good that you are trying to learn something new, but tell me: Will anyone hire you as a web developer and give you more compensation than you are currently earning?Do you really think that you can compete with people who have 4 years of experience in web development? If you really want to switch career, choose a technology that will give you better chances. Any technology that is in huge demand right now but there is a shortage of expertise, like big data, data science, etc. Here, you have more chances to build a rewarding career than in the already competitive web development. So please don’t plan to spend 100 hours on Freecodecamp. Use that time to learn something that will give you a better place in your career in the coming 1 year.”

While his advice is practical and based on his extensive experience, it has made me question my next steps. Should I:

A. Continue in the ERP field and seek to improve my expertise. B. Try to learn in-demand technologies as my friend suggested. C. Block everything out and continue with my Freecodecamp journey.

The decision is not straightforward, and every path has its advantages and drawbacks. However, based on the current landscape and industry trends, it seems that in-demand technologies like big data and data science can provide significant career opportunities.

Conclusion

The world of technology is ever-evolving, and making informed decisions about your career path is crucial. While Freecodecamp and other platforms like it are valuable resources, practical learning and hands-on experience remain key to succeeding in the field. Our decisions should be based on a combination of practical advice and our own values and career aspirations.

In the final analysis, the choice to continue in the ERP field, explore in-demand technologies, or embark on a journey with Freecodecamp should be based on what aligns with your long-term goals and how you perceive your strengths and weaknesses.