Lately, I've been wanting to prioritize my time better. Well after a day of classes, studying, and attempting to pass multiple tests this week, I wanted to write my first post to help me relax tonight.
I'm taking a more laid back schedule this semester after taking three 18 credit hour semesters. A lot of free time had been spent playing video games and browsing Reddit. I decided to take it upon myself and start to learn about web development because since I'll be taking a class on it in the Fall, I figured I should start learning it now to get a head start. It's better to learn something than to binge watch a show on Netflix. However, if you prefer the latter, I can't judge because we've all done that. I have to give credit to w3schools.com. I was on their site every day learning the basics and I had a lot of fun. I learned the basics of HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript. With the basics done, I made a blank static website to practice my new skills The great thing about web development is it's basically a sandbox environment for any idea you have. You can test your ideas, see what works and how it looks, and always add to it next time.
Probably not even a week later, I get an email from my advisor to all the Computer Science students saying there are five openings for a web development job this semester. Now, the requirements for the job included some languages and framework tools I hadn't used yet. But just for fun, I decided to apply because I had been surrounded by webdev forums and subreddits all week and it was the only thing on my mind. I didn't expect to get a reply since I didn't have any prior work experience. A few weeks pass and I didn't hear anything so I assumed they had already chosen other candidates. To my surprise one Tuesday morning, I received an email asking for an in person interview. I go in a few days later nervous as is anyone going to a job interview. The interview ended up being really laid back and I just talked about my prior experience learning basic front end work. The employers seemed interested and we had a good conversation. I told them I hadn't worked with many languages other than the basics but said I was eager to learn on the job. At the end, they said I'd hear back in about two weeks regarding my acceptance. Well two weeks goes by and I didn't hear anything, so I assumed they gave it to someone else. Once again, I'm surprised by an email three weeks after the interview saying I got the job!
I'm now about a month into the job and am loving it. I work with three other undergraduates and we have just ended up doing some redesigning of one of the websites for the school using HTML and CSS. I know it's not the most advanced type of web design but being able to strengthen my resume and having an on campus job really boosted my self-esteem.
So for anyone reading who thinks they aren't qualified for a job, applying and getting your name out there definitely won't hurt. Either they say they have filled the position, or you get lucky and earn a job!