To start with the conclusion, I finally got hired for a backend position at a domestic mid-sized company. It took me one year and six months starting as a non-CS major. I got a lot of useful information from this community during that time, so I'm writing my story too.
I started out like many others, learning Python basics through online lectures, and went to a bootcamp after about three months. The first team project I did at the bootcamp was probably the turning point.
Here's a summary of what I did during my job search period:
- Step by step from the basics: The fundamentals of CS (data structures, networking, operating systems) were essential not just for interviews, but also for actually understanding code.
- 3 portfolio projects: I deployed all of them and documented troubleshooting experiences in the READMEs.
- Coding tests: I solved 1-2 problems per day, around Programmers levels 2-3.
- Mock interviews: I did about two video interviews per week with friends or people I met through communities.
What especially worked in my favor during interviews was clearly describing my failures in projects. Explaining logically "what problem occurred, how I analyzed the cause, and what choice I finally made" was received well.
Being a non-CS major, I was really anxious, but ultimately what mattered was consistency. I hope this encourages those who are currently preparing. If you have questions, I'll answer them within what I know.
I'm also a non-CS major, and it took me two years, so I can relate. Especially, I think writing up troubleshooting notes in the README is really important. When interviews ask about a time you failed and then worked through it, almost all the answers come from there. But I'm curious how deep you went into CS studies. For me, networking was the hardest part...
by 클라우드러버972 · ▲0